Friday, January 28, 2011

Horse Paddock as a classroom by Linda Smallbones


Every Tuesday afternoon Thokozani, Mandisa, Siyabonga, Mpume, Alex, and Nobuhle rush to the Family Centre from school, gobble down their lunch and jump into the Avanza. They’re whisked off to the Karkloof where their newfound four legged friends await them.

In November last year, Liesl Jewitt, of Mizpah Farm Retreat contacted us at the Family Centre and offered to work with a group of our young people, introducing them to her horses and her horses to them in order to begin some unusual, but lovely relationships. When we approached the children individually to ask if they wanted to join in, most had never ‘met’ a horse before and were apprehensive of the prospect, but nevertheless all were excited about doing something different and new and did not hesitate to sign up!

The group arrived at the farm and found that they got more than they bargained for. Not only were they to meet horses, but also dogs. Now dogs they were all a lot more familiar with, but in a very negative way. I was at that very first session and saw a lot of fear on the young people’s faces. The group lined the inside of the paddock boundary fence, ready to jump over if necessary. A lot of new experiences confronted them.

I had the opportunity to accompany the group again four sessions down the line. The difference was phenomenal. Not only did the young people walk confidently into the horse paddock, but they walked straight up to their favourite horses, called them by name and reached out to give them a rub. The affection between horse and person was evident. During this particular session, Liesl started to teach the group how to groom the horses. I was astounded. By the end of the session the young people were leaning over raised horse’s hooves cleaning them, I don’t know if I would have had the courage! Furthermore, the group responded well to Liesl’s dogs and had learnt how to interact with them in a positive, caring way. Were these the same fearful group?

The benefits of these sessions are many. The young people have become more and more involved in the practical care of the horses, from grooming to helping feed them at the end of the session. This gives the group a sense of responsibility as well as giving something back, to Liesl and the horses.
Liesl is constantly talking to the group whilst they interact with the horses, pointing out what the animal is trying to communicate through their body language, observing out loud the human reactions and the results of the two combined! The group are becoming more self and animal-aware. They are learning that how they behave effects others, even animals. There is also a new confidence in the individuals, grown through learning something completely new. The horse paddock is a classroom, but where failure is not possible. Only learning … and more learning.

Thank you to Liesl and all at Mizpah for this amazing opportunity. We have seen that it gives the children great joy and the opportunity to step outside of their sometimes very stressful lives and out of their own world into a wider world. Thank you to Silver, Twilight, Lady, Scully, Isra and Dancer the beautiful regal creatures who are so patient with newcomers and allow us to get to know them.

Wedgewood economic development partnership




Wedgewood/Walters nougat have implemented a economic development project with Ethembeni where we employ young men and woman to tie ribbons. These ribbons get attached to gift packs of delicious hand made nougat and are sold through out SA! Innovative initiatives like these provide hope, skills and sustainability! Thank you John, Steve and Paul Walters!

Christmas box joy 2010







Three christmas parties were held in December 2010 where 226 children received boxes of joy....thank you to all who made up a box...blessings...and thank you to the wonderful carers of Ethembeni who demonstrate Jesus love every week....