Unique therapy program for girls a first for Gunnedah PCYC

An equine therapy program for at-risk youth is proving its worth in Gunnedah.

Coordinated by PCYC Gunnedah in partnership with a local equine therapy provider, the six-week program was specifically tailored for girls.

Taking part in the program, which is a first for PCYC Gunnedah, were six students from Gunnedah High School.

The school-based program selected students who were disengaging from school, or having difficulty with mental health, low-self-esteem and bullying.

Students spent several weeks undertaking ‘groundwork’ with the horses at an equine therapy centre west of Gunnedah, before a final “reward” riding day at Kelvin.

Youth Engagement Officer, Senior Constable, Mandy Weekes has seen profound change in the participants over the course of the program.

“These girls have come such a long way in the last six weeks,” she said.

Fellow officer, Senior Constable Shari Gibbs, said the course has been a real “confidence builder” for participants who thrived on the interaction with the animals.

“You really see the girls’ personalities come out,” Sen Cst Gibbs said.

Program participant Ella Davis was all smiles during her final session.

“I love it,” the year 8 student said.

“You get to bond with the horse.

“It’s a lot of fun.”

How it started

Senior Constable Weekes has been in the police force for 11 years but spent much of her civilian career in the horse industry.

When she joined the youth command, one of her first goals was to set up a program aligned with horses.

Alongside fellow officer, Senior Constable Shari Gibbs, the pair hoped to continue an equine therapy program at Gunnedah PCYC.

“We have more girls from the school lined up who want to do it,” Sen Cst Weekes said.

She said horses were not only great at assisting personal development, they also offered great career opportunities as well.

“That’s where I spent the majority of life before I was in the police force,” she said.

As a young girl, the best job I had was being paid to ride horses all day every day.

“I also travelled the world grooming for polo horses.

“Some of these girls might not have thought that was an opportunity because they don’t live on farms or grew up with horses.”

She said youth often deserve more accolades than they’re offered as she believed most have good instincts at heart.

“All the kids out there have the potential to do good, they just need the extra support and help,” Sen Cst Weekes said.

“That’s what we do at the youth command and the PCYC.

“We’re there to help give them a better future.”

Gunnedah High School

Head teacher of wellbeing at Gunnedah High School, Hannah Ewans, said the students involved in the equine therapy have gained much from the program.

“I found the girls have gained a lot of confidence and resilience and built up their mental health from doing this equine therapy program,” she said.

“These girls have engaged really, they said it has really benefited them.

“Some of the girls come to school just for this, knowing it’s on, working with the horses and the therapists,

“They’ve looked forward to it as a safe space where they can be together with the horses.” Equine therapy report

A new report by Australian researchers has confirmed the benefits of equine assisted interventions.

The findings are particularly distinct in children, according to the report: “Healing in relationships, the power of equine-assisted mental health interventions”.

The research shows that horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language, allowing them to mirror and respond to a child’s emotional state. They offer a natural, non-judgemental environment, helping to build trust and emotional safety.

One social work practitioner described the experience as “being seen through the eyes of a horse,” a moment of emotional connection that can be life-changing.

Student profile

Year 7 Gunnedah High School student, Havanna Mills (pictured), was among those who participated in the Gunnedah PCYC program.

Year 7 Gunnedah High School student, Havanna Mills.

“My counsellor signed me up,” an honest Havanna said.

Although initially apprehensive about the equine therapy approach, she has enjoyed the activities involved.

“We’ve been grooming them, going into the field, got to lead them around,” she said.

She said taking part in the course has proved beneficial.

“I’m better than before at controlling my temper,” she said.

Havanna said the horses have helped her and others develop good skills for later in life. “You need to earn their trust and learn from them,” she said.

After several weeks of groundwork with horses during the equine therapy sessions, participants were offered a few hours riding as reward for their efforts. Pictured, Jayla Wortley and Kayliah Hunt.

Kayliah Hunt.

Ella Davis being led by Emily Pursehouse.

Ella Davis.

Youth command officer, Senior Constable Shari Gibbs, Gunnedah High School student Jayla Wortley, riding assistant Emily Pursehouse, Ella Davis, Senior Constable Mandy Weekes, Gunnedah High head teacher welfare Hannah Ewans, Kayliah Hunt, Havanna Hunt and PCYC activities officer, Katie Hall.