Horse power helps troubled children (From Northwich Guardian)

Hartford mum helps youngsters through horsemanship techniques

2:27pm Monday 30th July 2012 in News By Andrew Moores

HORSES are being used to transform the lives of troubled children from across mid Cheshire.

Chanti Cleland, 46, has so far helped more than 60 victims of violence and even helped bullies to correct the errors of their ways.

“The horsemanship techniques I have taught the children are also successfully used by them in other areas of their lives,” she said.

“It gives them a new start and enables them to move forward and make better choices.”

The Epona Pocket Money Programme runs from a stableyard in Waste Lane, Cuddington, with the help of horses Harvey and Nell.

Since 2006 Chanti has self-funded the work and has been dedicated to helping young people aged from eight to 20. “This is something that is so close to my own heart having experienced extensive bullying, verbal and written abuse from my peers as well as some domestic violence within my own childhood,” said the mother-of-two from Hartford.

Those in need of help and support visit the yard and carry out simple tasks such as grooming the horses and walking with them through the countryside.

Chanti combines this therapeutic experience with her own skills as a clinical hypnotherapy consultant, a neuro-linguistic practitioner and psychotherapy consultant to provide the right support.

“We work from the ground so there is no need to ever climb up on the horse,” she said.

“Most people experience a wonderful peace and inner calm when they are in the company of a horse which trusts them.”

Through her business, Chanti also provides marriage counselling where a couples’ work with the horses encourages them to improve the way they communicate.

Now Chanti hopes to introduce her work as an enrichment scheme in local schools and colleges.

“I’m a good reader of body language and because I have an understanding of horsemanship I can interpret different situations well,” she said.

You can call Chanti at The Epona Partnership on 01606 872405.