Reigning Downs is the first of its kind, bringing education and equine experiences together, to improve the well-being (Hauora) of the rangatahi of New Zealand.
Reigning Downs offers educational based day courses which
use hōiho (horses) as a tool, to learn essential skills through an interactive experience.
Statistics show that 'key competencies/essential skills are vital for a child's/youth's/adult's ability to learn, and for their overall development in becoming a positive, active member in society.' It has also been proven that working with ‘hōiho’ can enhance the ability to learn these skills.
These skills are of great importance in order to create a sense of ‘belonging’ in our young people today. Courses for groups, cater to their specific needs, with a focus on the New Zealand Curriculum and the essential skills we would like all youth to leave high school education embodied with. These skills ensure well rounded adults, who can be positive, active members in society. Courses are designed and catered specifically, focusing on the group/participants needs. These courses, link positive equine experiences to education to enhance positive outcomes in learning and result in therapeutic benefits for its participants.
Our Story
Our Courses
“Relating to others & communication”
This course is designed to support participants to understand forms of communication and develop an understanding of what works for them and what cultures/people may see as a positive/negative form of communication
“Sensory (what works for me?)”
Many children/young adults struggle with sensory issues within the classroom and outside the classroom. This course establishes what works for the participants, what does not and how can we regulate or support these likes/dislikes
“LGBTQ-I belong”
Many New Zealand teens struggle with their identity in sexual/gender orientation. This course develops a sense of pride to be apart of the LGBTQ community and form strategies to combat the prejudice accepting that ‘others opinions are not a reflection on me, but them’
“I understand my anxiety”
1 in 4 New Zealanders suffer from anxiety. This can consume our lives and make it impossible to function, affecting our well-being. This course helps understand anxiety, recognise participants body cues, triggers and develop strategies to regulate ourselves
“I am Māori-I am proud”
Many Māori students have struggled to develop a sense of ‘belonging’ in our education system. This course looks at the effects of colonisation on Māori students and allows the participants to develop a sense of pride within their whakapapa (identity)
Individually designed/created Courses:
Reigning Downs caters for all individuals/groups!
Arrange a time for me to personally meet your participant/group to allow me to design a specific/catered course to support their needs. These can be individual ongoing sessions or group day courses.
NCEA accredited courses:
Reigning Downs is now liaising with local schools to sub-contract to offer NCEA credits on site for groups
Call Jade on 021 588 338 to make a booking, or arrange an appointment to adapt or combine courses to suit your group’s needs. Or you can email us on the link below.
Lessons & Experiences
Beginners Riding Experiences
Lessons for all levels in groundwork, dressage and jumping
Venue Hire
Arena hire
67m by 40m competition style arena, including the only safety fences for horse and rider in the region
Classroom hire
Event hire facilities
Homestay for out of region competitors
Call Jade on 021 588 338 with your enquiry or to arrange an appointment to discuss your needs. Or you can email us on the link below.
A day out at Reigning Downs……
““The whole course (one day) was amazing and I loved every single bit. The teacher was amazing and taught us so much. The horses were absolutely amazing and so friendly. It was a relaxed and friendly environment””
““Yes, at the start I was hesitant to attend, however I am so glad I came. I can leave here with valuable life skills and LOVED the opportunity to ride Reign””
““They made us feel safe and comfortable with the horses and environment and wonderful hospitality. Thank you For this opportunity Jade :)””
““Love this course! Was so fun and such a beautiful place! Great people to be around! Very welcoming and nice!””
“Winner of the Poutama Trust Emerging Enterprise Award”
Get in touch
Please call, if you’d like to make a booking, or arrange an appointment to adapt or combine courses to suit your group’s needs. Or you can email any question or query here and we’ll come back to you soon.
jade@reigningdowns.nz
021 588 338
Makarewa 9876
Invercargill