KIDS DAY PROGRAM

Horses and Mindfulness Training

Facilitated by: Melanie Mardon, Angel House Australia Date: Saturday, 28 September 2024 Location: 875 Old Northern Road, Dural NSW 2158 Ages: 6 to 12 years

Price per attendee: $250

Schedule:

9:00 AM - Arrival and Welcome

• Participants arrive and check-in.
• Brief introduction to the program      and facilitators.
• Overview of the day’s activities.

9:30 AM - Mindfulness Circle

• Group gathers in a circle outdoors.
• Guided meditation session focusing      on nature sounds and awareness of surroundings.
• Breathing exercises led by Melanie      to prepare for the day’s activities.

10:00 AM - Introduction to Horses

• Brief educational session about      horses: their behaviour, communication, and care.
• Discuss the importance of      mindfulness when interacting with animals.

10:30 AM - Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Session

• Participants pair up and spend time      with a horse under Melanie’s guidance.
• Focus on building trust and      connection with the horses.
• Activities include walking with      horses, grooming, and non-verbal communication exercises.

11:30 AM - Morning Break

• Refreshments: fresh fruit, juices,      and water.
• Opportunity for children to share      their experiences with the horses so far.

11:45 AM - Mindful Movement

• Group engages in gentle stretching      and movement exercises inspired by equine movement.
• Focus on grounding techniques to      connect with bodies and the space around them.

12:15 PM - Horse Riding Session

• Participants take turns riding      horses in a safe, structured environment.
• Emphasis on mindful riding:      awareness of breath, movement, and connection to the horse.

1:00 PM - Lunch - Barbeque by Wood Fire

• A hands-on, interactive barbeque      experience where children help prepare simple meals.
• Menu includes grilled veggies,      sausages, bread rolls, and skewered marshmallows for dessert.
• Time for socializing and sharing      experiences from the morning.

2:00 PM - Afternoon Mindfulness and Reflection

• Relaxation session incorporating      guided imagery and storytelling related to nature and horses.
• Participants use journals or art      supplies to express their feelings and experiences from the morning.

2:30 PM - Equine Games

• Fun, interactive group activities      focusing on teamwork and communication, mimicking herd behaviour in      horses.
• Children will learn about      leadership and relationship building through game-like activities with      horses.

3:00 PM - Second Horse Riding Session

• More riding time, giving      participants a chance to apply what they learned earlier.
• Focus on practicing skills learned      in the morning and deepening the connection with the horses.

3:30 PM - Closing Circle

• Participants gather to share their      favourite moments from the day.
• Group reflection on what they      learned about horses, mindfulness, and themselves.
• Melanie discusses the importance of      mindfulness in daily life and how to practice it with animals.

4:00 PM - Departure

• Final goodbyes and a small thank      you gift for each participant.
• Parents arrive for pick-up as children      share their experiences.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable clothing suitable for      outdoor activities.
• Closed-toed shoes (preferably      boots).
• A water bottle.
• A sun hat and sunscreen, if      necessary.

Note: Safety protocols will be in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

We look forward to an enriching day of equine-assisted mindfulness that fosters connection, self-awareness, and joy!