Testimonials
"After two years of sessions with Ann and her wonderful horses our daughter has transformed her relationship with fear, her self confidence has skyrocketed and she has formed a bond with horses that means so much to her. Previously she had severe separation anxiety and is now happily and confidently exploring the world in a new way. She had also learned a great deal about respecting animals and has become very attuned to how to relate to them. We have Ann to thank in guiding her through this, and her special horse family.
it’s such a gift." Mia
“Immediately after Jonathon is happier, more positive and less “whiney” which is a characteristic of his disability. He also has a big smile on his face afterwards, and is animated when talking about the horses and their personalities. It is the one day of the week he gets up and looks forward to leaving home (every other day it is a battle to get him out of the house)”. Tanya
". . . he is always in a lovely space when he comes back from the sessions. Noticeably calmer and happier. It helps his self esteem and his feeling of being connected to the world. Hopefully this feeling will become an internal 'home' for him to draw strength from as he goes about his daily life. " Philippa
it’s such a gift." Mia
“Immediately after Jonathon is happier, more positive and less “whiney” which is a characteristic of his disability. He also has a big smile on his face afterwards, and is animated when talking about the horses and their personalities. It is the one day of the week he gets up and looks forward to leaving home (every other day it is a battle to get him out of the house)”. Tanya
". . . he is always in a lovely space when he comes back from the sessions. Noticeably calmer and happier. It helps his self esteem and his feeling of being connected to the world. Hopefully this feeling will become an internal 'home' for him to draw strength from as he goes about his daily life. " Philippa
" . . . Just wanted to say a huge thanks for yesterday. We both found the experience very profound, and also enjoyed the way you facilitated the exercise, your energy was very present and calm. " Shelley
. . So we recently started horse riding with Jasper! It is so amazing for his core and head control and the best part is he Absoloutely loves it! He is all smiles from the minute he gets on his pony sharni to the moment he gets off!" Nadine
In reference to: Ann Paulsen's Equine Supported Learning Program.
My name is Mick Hoolihan. I am an assistant principal at Caldera School in Tweed Heads South. Our school is a specific setting that focuses on supporting secondary students with challenging behaviours and emotional disturbance. Over the years, as part of our student wellbeing initiative, we have had cause to access the services of Ann's Equine Supported Learning as a means of support and development planning for targeted students. Ann's skills at identifying areas of need, and then programming activities and experiences that target these areas accordingly, has been impressive and insightful. Having attended the program personally, I can say on behalf of the school, that the work Ann does with our students has been of incredible benefit to their social and emotional development, self-awareness and moreover, in preparing them for the transition into adulthood. Further, the confidence and belief that is engendered through the program has benefited our students immensely. Specifically, Ann's Equine Supported Learning program has allowed students to develop
resilience and trust, counter impulse control, and deal with anxiety and depression more productively. These are skills and understandings they may not have gained elsewhere, skills that have transferred into their broader lives, as well as helping them to cope more adequately with the pressures they might encounter in settings like a workplace or school. Subsequently, I could not endorse Ann's Equine Supported Learning highly enough. She is a proven performer who is helping to shape lives and prepare people to cope with barriers in ways that optimise their prospects for success.
Regards, Mick
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Women's Retreat 2017 I thoroughly enjoyed the Women’s Retreat. I left feeling connected, grounded and in love with life. Jackie and Ann are fantastic facilitators, full of wisdom, positive support and with and teaching skills. They are excellent communicators which meant they always knew how we were feeling and what we wanted to do at any time. It was wonderful to work with the horses and feel that connection with them. Having the whole weekend meant there was time to develop a relationship with a horse which was so meaningful and brought insight, new depth and a feeling of specialness to the experience. I highly recommend the Retreat and am looking forward to coming back next year! Celia “The Women’s Wellness Retreat was a much-needed opportunity to escape from the demands of everyday life. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped by the tranquillity and beauty of the surrounds which provided the perfect back drop and both complemented and enhanced the weekend’s activities. Jackie and Anne were incredibly warm and welcoming, and made me feel instantly at home. ‘Glamping’ was a lot of fun! The program was challenging, thought provoking and rewarding in equal measures – an opportunity to reflect on stress triggers and develop skills that can be applied in ‘the real world’. As a horse lover, the interaction with the equine herd and getting to know the unique personalities and dynamics within it was a highlight. I would highly recommend a Women’s Wellness Retreat for anyone interested in taking time out for themselves, stepping outside their comfort zone and better understanding their place in the world.” Tanya |