42 | RURAL PEOPLE » Reigning Downs Hauora Centre Remarkable outcomes for young people Jade Ward. Photo: Kiwi Captures Photography. Karen Phelps Five years ago Southland teacher Jade Ward took a leap of faith that would transform not only her own life but the lives of countless young New Zealanders struggling to find their place in the world. Today Reigning Downs stands as a pioneering example of how combining education with equine therapy can create remarkable outcomes for young people (rangatahi) and adults alike. “The business has grown hugely, much larger than my initial concept,” explains Jade. The seed of the business was planted during Jade’s years working as a teacher and dean in a low decile school where she witnessed students struggling under academic pressure without the fundamental life skills needed to succeed. “I was born into an equine family and have worked with horses since a child. Life skills naturally progress working with horses such as resilience, problem solving, confidence, coordination, perseverance, commitment and balance. I thought these were skills the students needed so I decided to combine both my passions.” The courses offered address critical gaps in New Zealand’s education system. While the New Zealand Curriculum assumes students possess key competencies such as thinking, relating to others, and managing self when they enter NCEA, this isn’t always the case. “Due to trauma, depression, learning difficulties, anxiety, stress and grief, students may not have had the chance to fully engage, leaving large gaps in their development,” explains Jade. Reigning Downs offers specialised courses, each designed to address specific challenges facing young New Zealanders. The organisation is now liaising with local schools to offer NCEA credits on site for groups. What began as an education and equine therapy service has since evolved into something far more comprehensive. “It’s since developed into more of a community wrap-around service,” explains Jade. “I work with agencies who send referrals and also work with the general public, one on one with rangatahi and adults.” “I was born into an equine family and have worked with horses since a child.” The success of Reigning Downs lies partly in its flexibility and breadth of services. As an ACC-accredited provider, it works with people with disabilities to help strengthen them physically as well as mentally. A third of clientele don’t work with horses at all, instead receiving mentoring sessions, rural experiences or academic support including NCEA tuition. “Everyone’s pathway is different so I can adapt to each client’s unique needs,” says Jade. “We harness strengths and interests.” The impact on individuals has been profound. Jade has served as a mentor for people going through court cases involving sexual harm, acting as their support person through difficult legal processes. The wrap-around nature of the service means it can adapt to whatever support each person needs most. The family atmosphere at Reigning Downs has proved particularly powerful for those who lack family support. Jade’s parents work as voluntary staff, supporting the centre’s values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and hauora which together are crucial role models. “One person that comes here calls my dad his dad and my mum his mum as he never had that support in his family,” says Jade. To ensure accessibility, Jade has established the Tutuki Harnessing Potential Charitable Trust for people who cannot find funding to access the help Reigning Downs provides. This commitment to serving those most in need, regardless of their ability to pay, has been central to the company’s success. The facility in Makarewa, Invercargill, has grown to match the ambition of its mission with a 67-metre by 40-metre competition-style arena with safety fences for horse and rider, classroom facilities and homestay accommodation for out-of-region clients. Jade’s vision extends beyond Southland. “I would like to see Reigning Downs branch out nationally in the near future,” she says. “I hope that local and wider schools and agencies will continue to benefit from this resource.” jayamy.stringershearingltd@gmail.com Ranfurly Otago For AQuality, Prompt and E cient Shearing & Crutching Service, Woolpress &VanHire + Accommodation and Laundromat Facilities Call JayOn027 444 9158 Accounting & Tax Compliance Business Growth Advisory & Planning Cashflow Forecasting & Reporting Payroll & Bookkeeping Support Crypto Tax Specialists Need a refreshing approach to reach your business goals? As your partner for financial success, we’ll help you stay on track and reach your business goals. Together, let’s unlock a world of possibilities. +64 3 214 2122 235 Dee St, Invercargill crossgroup.co.nz Bringing education and equine experiences together Equine Therapy and Education | Wrap around support Mentoring (on and off site) | Rural Experiences Academic Tutoring (including NCEA) ACC, local agencies and school support services reigningdowns.nz jade@reigningdowns.nz 021 588 338 Reigning Downs stands as a pioneering example of how combining education with equine therapy can create remarkable outcomes for young people (rangatahi) and adults alike.
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