Picasso's Equestrian Riding School - ProRiders Equestrian Centre

04/08/2026

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Mental health service

04/08/2026

Mental Health and young people

I am looking for 3 volunteers to complete my certification. I am focusing on working with young people; any young person between the ages of 7 and 18 is welcome.

Equine Assisted Learning provides interaction with horses in a natural set-up to support social, emotional and behavioural skills with the focus on personal growth, self-discovery and life skills.

Through guided facilitation in observing horses and horse-centered activities; you will learn how to become the best version of yourself in a safe and supportive environment.

No riding of horses is involved and no horse experience is necessary.

I am currently working towards my Level 4 Diploma in Equine Assisted Learning. To complete my training, I need to facilitate 3 real-life case studies.

Case study participants need to commit to 4 × one hour sessions, once a week.

The horses being used in my case studies are school horses. They are used to working with young people, are well trained, have calm temperaments and enjoy social interactions with young people.

My Level 2 Certificate is available on request, as is my completion of Level 4.

I am a qualified teacher and have been working with young people for 15 years. My passion for working and being with horses began 25 years ago. Over the years I have noticed the powerful impact they have on our daily lives. I am passionate and resilient in combining the growth horses have in our daily lives with supporting young people.

Please contact me on 081 334 3262

Jen

07/04/2026

SPACES AVAILABLE AS FROM JUNE 2026

08/03/2024

We also make the perfect face painting team 🤣

06/03/2024

04/11/2023

Desensitising Part 4:

Empty plastic bags put onto lunging whips. Again horses sre encouraged to reach out snd sniff the bag themselves. Once that has been achieved riders can move the bag gently across the horses body. Riders need to keep a sharp eye on horse's body language and only proceed with what the horse is comfortable with.

04/11/2023

Desensitising Part 3:

Introducing horses to plastic bags.
Riders are taught that they need to rustle the bag to grasp their horse's attention. It is important that the horse reaches out to sniff the bag on his own efforts. Once that has been achieved riders are asked to read their horses facial expression to see how comfortable their horse is with plastic bags. From their riders are instructed to slowly rub the plastic bag over their horses body. Once again ropes are held loosely so that the horse can move if they feel uncomfortable. Riders are taught that if their horse moves, they need to begin with first introducing the bag again.

04/11/2023

Desensitising part 2:

Riders lead their horses with parelli ropes dragging on the ground next to them. If their horse steps on the rope (horses have already been trained to not freak out and stop) riders use their newly learnt skill to ask their horses to rein back to remove the horses hoof from the rope. Horses need to know their riders will assists them in difficult situations, which further builds trust.

04/11/2023

Desensitising Part 1:
riders are instructed to introduce their horses to whips. Using lunging whips they drape and drag the string all aroumd the horses head and body. Soft taps can be used by horses legs and body. Ropes are to be held losely so that the horse has freedom to move away if too much pressure is given or if the horse dislikes something. In this case riders are to approach their horse, comfort them and apply less pressure. Discussions are held to understand horse's likes and dislikes and which areas need more work.

04/11/2023

Teaching young riders respect from the ground Part 3:

Riders and horses need to be aware of and respect each others personal space.
Here riders are taught how to teach their horses to move out of their personal space by reining them back from the ground. Horses were also asked to remain standing while their riders took some steps away from them, and only to approach their riders when they were asked to. Riders were also given insight on how to gently correct their horses if they wanted to follow without command.