Horses for courses
Hamish Fryer started Barefoot & Wild after discovering the Horses Helping Humans program, which he has expanded to include men’s workshops.
Nestled at the bottom of the Brynderwyn Hills is Barefoot & Wild. Almost all of the horses originally came from the wild, but through gentle handling have come to be part of a relaxed herd. “Some of them came to us as ‘never to be ridden’,” says Hamish. “But we believe no horse or human is ever beyond repair. Each horse has a unique story, the common theme often being that the horse has been misunderstood and suffered trauma. Much like humans we can find ways to understand each other better and react differently.”
Hamish stumbled across the Horses Helping Humans program and instantly recognised
it was an excellent way to help more horses and humans. “The program was originally started for at-risk youth but has expanded to everyone from juvenile offenders, youth on the spectrum, family units, right up to corporate team building.” He says that the beauty of working alongside the horses is there is no bluffing with them, horses are an extremely intuitive animal and give you instant feedback and insights into how you feel and what you are putting out for others to see.
On Sunday 24 September, Hamish is running another men’s half-day workshop, costing $140 per person. The plan would be to run one a month, as he sees a need to assist men’s mental health; it’s a long-term goal to help young boys and men, and encouraging male role models who can communicate better. “Men tend to go into themselves instead of asking for help and there is still a stigma attached to reaching out. This program is about understanding yourself and your conditioned response to situations, working on different ways to change your body chemistry, emotional regulation, and communication skills.”
The exercises are all ground based, with no riding involved unless there is a desire to try at the end of the session. “By working alongside the horse we can alter different things about ourselves and our body language which has profound changes within our body chemistry, and when practised will have long term effects.”
The goal is to create a space where men can feel comfortable and relaxed and be able to discuss and apply new techniques that can and will help in everyday life, either at home or in the workplace environment. Also to have a network of other men to touch base with. “There is an ever-increasing level of pressure on men where masculinity is frowned upon. Being masculine is a part of our DNA, being macho on the other hand usually never ends well. The end goal is being comfortable in their own skin and mind.”
Hamish is on the lookout for funding to help reach more men, and can be contacted about this or the Horses Helping Humans program below.
020 4118 9392 | www.BarefootAndWild.co.nz