Photos: Supplied.
Blue Tongue Adventure’s newest disability support program has been wildly popular with participants, as they get the chance to work with horses while learning valuable social and emotional skills along the way.
Once a week, the Blue Tongue crew heads to Gumdale’s Kurshonbrooke Lodge for their equine-assisted learning program, ‘The Stable’, under the expert guidance of experienced teacher and equestrian coach, Shonel Balsillie.
Blue Tongue Coordinator Sam Franklin-Wangman said the first 10-week unit is focused on friendships. “It’s a really beautiful program; our crew is learning so much about relationships, communication, and emotions. Working with horses helps them to understand people’s reactions,” she said.
“For example, if you are loud and not respecting a space, a horse will feel that energy and shy away from you. But if you come in open, kind and accepting, horses are willing to come to you. It’s the same for our interactions with our family and friends.”
Ms Franklin-Wangman said the participants are involved in a diverse range of learning experiences.
“Each session opens with a grounding and gratitude exercise, and there’s also time to sit down and work through topics such as feeling overwhelmed, and how to process those feelings,” she said.
The Stable is just one of many disability programs on offer every week through Blue Tongue Adventure at Wynnum. There are also woodwork and art workshops, cooking programs, social events, and much more – all designed with young adults in mind.
For more information, visit bluetongue-adventure.com.au or call 1800 832 287.
