Reason to Thrive
Reason to Thrive – Equine Assisted Learning Programs
Debb @ Davaar – August 2020
Nearly 2 years ago I had the fortune of meeting the lovely ladies from Reason To Thrive. Their organisation offers “… equine Assisted Learning programs for skills development and personal growth. Equine Assisted Learning is a ‘hands-on’ innovative approach to learning where the participant learns through interaction with a horse.”
A fantastic initiative that supports at-risk children and youth, offers a special needs school program and women’s empowerment for survivors of domestic violence. Visit their website … https://www.reasontothrive.org/
I was asked to represent Davaar Consultancy at the opening of their Thrift & Thrive Shop at Kenmore. A great turnout with a local councilman and staff present, cutting the ribbon. Coffee & beautiful cakes … it was very enjoyable and I felt honoured to be there. Dr. Wendy, on behalf of Davaar, supports their cause, so when the lovely ladies were thinking about team 
building workshops we were the first ‘guinea pigs’ to be contacted.
We needed to organise 6 people. Easy enough. We were then presented with three options and Dr. Wendy with her wonderful sense of humour and adventure chose ‘Brainiac’ !! We’re in trouble already.
So, what was Brainiac all about? We were given our briefing and put in teams of three and allotted a horse per team. In hindsight, these magnificent creatures were the true ‘brains’ of the team! And I don’t mean that lightly. As a team of three, we linked arms.
The person in the middle was the ‘brains’ (obviously me – tongue in cheek); the person on the left was the ‘left arm’ and the person on the right ‘right arm’. One of those ‘arms’ held the horse’s reigns. Around the arena, there were ‘tasks’ to achieve. For example, there was a set of upstanding poles. ‘Brains’ had to instruct her ‘hands’ to direct them around the poles, or put a halter on our horse. Oh and did I mention, that only the ‘Brains’ could talk – neither the ‘hands’ NOR the horse were allowed to speak.
There was also a row of logs that the ‘Brains’ had to instruct her team to walk over, and a piece of cloth in a semi-circle. ‘Brain’s had to instruct her ‘hands’ to gently guide the horse to stand on that cloth. That one was a doozy – and, thankfully, in our case, our might steed knew exactly WHAT to do. He was either frustrated with our pathetic attempts or he was getting bored and wanted to get back to some feed as soon as possible. ‘Enough of this silliness human person! There is some real food to be had over yonder.’
It’s all about teamwork.
We finished by brushing down our exhausted steeds, thanking them for their patience and reassembling for a debrief … not to mention some yummy wraps & cake.
A fabulous day of learning was had by all.
Professional Boundaries and Cultural Bias
Professional Boundaries and Cultural Bias
Dr. Wendy McIntosh PhD
Sometimes the obvious connections slip to the edge of my consciousness. I had not made a specific link between professional boundaries and cultural bias until a couple of weeks ago.
I was invited to facilitate a seminar for Interpreters on the theme of Cultural Bias. As I was researching content for the seminar, and more specifically, from the discussions during the seminar, light bulbs started going off in my brain. Neuroscientists would say it was the sparking of my neurons – however, I like the image of the light bulb, I guess I just have to be careful when I switch the light bulbs off and on.
Read MoreLocal Editorial Love
Hot off the press
Our very own Laidley newspaper, “The Valley Weekender”, has kindly given us a local editorial feature in their first 2013 edition.
The newspaper publishes each fortnight, and includes local news, events, and articles about Laidley and Lockyer Valley residents, and towns.
The 18th January, 2013 edition includes features about the Laidley swimming pool, a pilot programme for a local bus service, mention of a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Laidley Library and some great ideas to celebrate Australia Day. Where else are you going to find details Yabby Races and Dunny Races. There’s even an article about the Miss Pinup Australia contest entrant, Miss Sheree Sherbet, for those who just love all things vintage. We wish Miss Sheree well for the State Finals in February. We’re proud to be in such fine company in this publication, and excited that local folks will learn of Davaar’s training and workshops this way.
Read MoreHello, 2013
Hello, 2013
A hearty welcome to 2013 and I hope that you had a celebratory time over Christmas and New Year.
Here at Davaar its time for us to focus on the year ahead, in terms of workshops and training for 2013. If you’ve taken a look at our calendar you’ll be aware that we have a busy year already scheduled and there’s still more in the pipeline.
Read MoreOnline Courses – CPD
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