How ITCH Works

ITCH: How ITCH helps

There is a strong bond between horses and people. As a herd-based, flight animal horses are sensitive to their environment and consciously aware of the energy, emotions and intentions of those around them. They are experts in body language and their reactions are always honest. They have no agendas, do not bear grudges and are incapable of plotting. As a result, they respond to us as we are, if we change, they will change with us. ITCH can benefit -

Children who have:

Difficulties with traditional schooling
Learning difficulties / special educational needs
Poor literacy or numeracy skills
Behavioural difficulties
Anger management issues
A history of violence or offending

Parents who would like:

To explore their parenting styles
To communicate more effectively with their children
Find new and exciting ways to be with their children

Corporate clients who would like to improve:

Leadership and management skills
Team building
Communication skills

Adults who would like to:

Change established behaviour patterns
Learn new skills and build confidence
Come to terms with trauma, grief, social interaction, emotional expression, boundaries, limitations, trust

Anyone who would like to:

Increase self-confidence or raise self esteem
Improve their riding
Improve communication skills
Seek a different approach in dealing with life

Young people, especially those who find formal education more challenging, have been shown to benefit from working with horses. This can extend from non-ridden encounters through to riding and career focussed care. There is clear evidence that being with horses enables young people to overcome learning difficulties, behavioural difficulties, and helps raise low self-confidence or self-esteem.

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How does ITCH work in practice?

There is no one standard approach to the sessions at ITCH. They can simply be observing the horses from a distance, quietly interacting with them within their natural environment, or working alongside them in a structured way in a school or stable.