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.
Our Hauora Centre.
‘Reigning Downs-Hauora Centre’ is the first of its kind. Directed by a qualified educator of 16 years, Reigning Downs brings education and equine experiences together. Its aim, is to improve the well-being (Hauora) of the youth (rangatahi) of New Zealand. Hauora is 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 embedded with. These skills ensure well rounded adults, who can be positive and active members in society. Courses are designed and catered specifically, focusing on the groups/participants needs. These courses, utilise my knowledge of both positive equine experiences and education to enhance outcomes in learning
and result in therapeutic benefits for its participants.
All courses are planned and implemented by a qualified, registered teacher with 4 years in middle management at a local high school.
I look forward to working with young people, bringing my two passions together to support our rangatahi.
The Problem.
The New Zealand Curriculum states that the Key Competencies are the capabilities people have, and need to develop, to live and learn today and in the future
The five key competencies are as follows:
Thinking (including problem solving)
Relating to others
Using language, symbols, and texts
Managing self
Participating and contributing
Unfortunately assessment in NZ assumes that these skills are already embodied in students entering NCEA:
This is not 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 of their key competencies. Over time, leaving the students being pushed through academically leaving these Essential Skills/Key Competencies for further development.
The Courses at Reigning Downs cater to their specific needs, with a focus on the New Zealand Curriculum and the essential skills we would like all rangatahi to leave high school education embedded with.
Well-being ‘Hauora’
The concept of (Hauora) well-being encompasses the physical, mental and emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of health. This concept is recognised by the World Health Organisation.
Hauora
Hauora is a Māori philosophy of health unique to New Zealand. It comprises taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whanau, and taha wairua.
Taha Tinana
The physical body, its growth, development, and ability to move, and ways of caring for it.
Taha Hinengaro
Thoughts, feelings and emotions are integral components of the body and soul.
Taha Whanau
Family relationships, friendships, and other interpersonal relationships; feelings of belonging, compassion, and caring; and social support.
Taha Wairua
The values and beliefs that determine the way people live, the search for meaning and purpose in life, and personal identity and self-awareness (For some individuals and communities, spiritual well- being is linked to a particular religion; for others, it is not).
The benefits of working with hōiho (horses)
Training horses requires patience
Horses teach us to be flexible, both physically and mentally
Horses teach us perseverance
Horses teach us responsibility and dedication
Horses teach us coordination and balance
Horses teach us how to be a confident leader
There is encouraging research from across the globe which demonstrates the benefits of hōiho-being, linked to the benefits of learning and therapy in mental well-being
The Mission
This is a first of its kind in New Zealand, an education based concept using the NZ Curriculum and making connections using hōiho, as a positive platform. These ideas are delivered through classroom theory, and practical interactions to improve hauora.
I consider Reigning Downs a positive intervention to support and address the staggering statistics around mental health and well-being. Through theory and practical exercises, its aim to create a sense of belonging through education for our ‘at risk youth’.
Participants will have the opportunity to thrive in areas which are not necessarily under the umbrella of ‘academic assessment in New Zealand’.
I would like to see Reigning Downs branch out nationally in the near future. I would like to see local and wider schools and agencies continue to benefit from this resource as a tool to support students to gain the skills they may need to reach the curriculums ideas of Hauroa and Key competencies.
Our Core Values
Whanaungatanga
Manaakitanga
Hauora
About Jade.
My name is Jade Ward. I have 16 years teaching experience and 4 years in middle management at a local high school.
I am so excited to have combined my two passions which are teaching and equestrian to develop Reigning Downs.
I first began riding at 7 years old and have been fortunate to use my interaction with hōiho throughout my life to establish my own well-being. Through the commitment, confidence, leadership and responsibility of taking care of these amazing, spiritual animals. It is my pleasure to share these positive experiences with to the youth of Southland and wider regions to support them in their life journey.
Call Jade to make a booking, or arrange an appointment to adapt or combine courses to suit your group’s needs. Or you can email her on the following form.
“The whole course was amazing! I loved every single bit of it. The teacher was amazing and taught us so much and the horses too, so friendly.”
participant from ‘Murihiku Young Parents Learning Centre’
Get in touch
Call Jade to make a booking, or arrange an appointment to adapt or combine courses to suit your group’s needs. Or you can email her on the following form.
jade@reigningdowns.nz
021 588 338
Makarewa 9876
Invercargill