Information
Mission Statement: Riverlands Rise aims to create a nurturing environment through educational and equine assisted activities. We believe that cultivating positive relationships with horses can foster new beginnings and stronger support networks for individuals and groups. Our vision is to foster an environment that promotes open-mindedness, emotional growth, and lasting transformations.
Program Information: Riverlands Rise provides Equine/Animal/Nature-Assisted Learning (EAL) programs that promote well-being and self-awareness for children, teens, and adults. These sessions, which don't involve riding horses, aim to enhance social interactions, boost self-esteem, and assist individuals in navigating emotional challenges. The structured environment encourages trust, communication, and overcoming obstacles. No prior horse or animal experience is required to participate in these sessions.
How does Equine-Assisted Learning Work? Equine-Assisted Learning at Riverlands Rise partners with horses to support clients' personal growth. Sessions occur on the ground, involving grooming, leading, games, and observation. Through both structured and unstructured experiences, horses provide immediate feedback, reflecting emotions and behavior, promoting self-awareness and self-exploration. These activities seek to address areas like self-awareness, self-esteem, communication, interpersonal skills, trust, behavior patterns, setting boundaries, group cohesion, and more.
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What makes a horse so important? Horses are big, curious, and playful, and can sometimes seem intimidating. However, their gentle energy and ability to attune to us can captivate even the youngest child. Horses have a unique way of responding to us that encourages authenticity, picking up on subtle energy and body language cues and sensing when we are not being true to ourselves. Being with horses can create a deep sense of connection to ourselves and to them which can be both challenging and rewarding.
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Before Attending: Bring a water bottle and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for your safety. Closed-toed shoes (not steel-capped), jeans or sturdy pants, a water-proof jacket, and a hat or beanie. Dress for the weather, we operate in all types of weather conditions, it's all part of the experience. Avoid wearing loose jewelry that could get caught. Apply sunscreen during warmer seasons and bring bug spray as there may be flies and mosquitoes.
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Fees and Bookings: All bookings and fees can be managed on our bookings page. The completed information form is required 10 days prior to session/program commencement date. Payment is required 10 days prior to session/program commencement date. Your place is not secure until payment has been received. Please read our cancellation policy below. Bookings and payments can be made on our bookings page.
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Appointments: Can be made via email or directly on our website. To protect the privacy of our clients and my family, we ask that you not visit Riverlands Rise without an appointment.
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Professional Disclosure
Professional Disclosure Statement for Dawn Tukuniu and other practitioners of Riverlands Rise;
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Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a therapeutic activity that involves horses. During group sessions, there is often more then one facilitator. Horses have the ability to reflect our patterns and behaviors, making them unique partners in the process. Most of the work with horses is conducted on the ground, without riding, although there may be some mounted experiences. It's important to note that EAL can evoke deep emotions. Success in EAL depends on the participants' desire for change and their willingness to be honest with themselves, the facilitator, and the horse. Being aware of their needs, being willing to communicate, being curious, and having an open mindset will enable participants to gain the maximum benefit from the sessions.
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Formal Education and Training: Equine Psychotherapy Institute trained EAL Practitioner, Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer, Swim Coach, Human Resources Management. Registered with IICT, International Institute of Complimentary Therapies.
Confidentiality: As a professional, myself and my staff strive to maintain the strictest ethical standards of confidentiality. There are legal exceptions to client confidentiality.
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Cancellation Policy
At Riverlands Rise, we understand that plans can change unexpectedly. We strive to be fair and accommodating while also ensuring that we can provide the best possible experience for all participants. Please carefully review our cancellation policy:
1. Cancellation Notice: a. Cancellation made 10 days or more prior to the scheduled program/session: A full refund will be provided. b. Cancellation made between 5 and 9 days prior to the scheduled program/session: 50% of the total program/session cost will be charged. c. Cancellation made less than 5 days prior to the scheduled program/session: No refund will be provided.
2. Alternate Session Option: a. If you need to cancel a session, and have provided at least 10 days’ notice, we may be able to offer one alternate session option, dependent and subject to availability. b. If the alternate session has a higher cost, you will be responsible for paying the difference. If the alternate session has a lower cost, no refund or credit will be provided for the price difference.
3. Participant Substitution: If you are unable to attend a program/session, you may substitute another participant in your place at no additional cost. Please notify us in advance about the substitution. The substitution will need to complete a booking form prior to attending the session.
4. Illness Notification: a. If a participant falls ill and is unable to attend a scheduled program/session, we request immediate notification of the illness. b. Please provide a doctor's note or any other relevant documentation confirming the participant's inability to attend due to illness. c. A cancellation due to illness made 24 hours or more prior to the scheduled program/session: one alternate date or full refund will be provided, d. Less than 24 hours, no refund will be provided.
5. Weather-Related Cancellations: a. In the event of particularly challenging weather or unsafe conditions that prevent the program/session from taking place, Riverlands Rise reserves the right to cancel or reschedule. We prioritise the safety and well-being of our participants and the horses in such circumstances. If we cancel a program/session due to weather, we will offer the following options: i. Reschedule the program/session for another available date. ii. Provide a credit for a future program/session. iii. Refund the program/session cost in full.
6. Rescheduling Due to Facilitator Availability: a. In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as facilitator unavailability, Riverlands Rise Equine Assisted Learning reserves the right to reschedule sessions. We will make reasonable efforts to notify participants in advance and provide alternative options.
7. Force Majeure: a. In situations beyond our control, such as natural disasters, severe weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, Riverlands Rise reserves the right to modify or cancel programs/sessions without liability. We will make reasonable efforts to notify participants in advance and provide alternative options if possible.
8. Cancellation Process: a. All cancellation requests must be made in writing via email or through our official communication channels. b. To be eligible for a refund as per the cancellation notice mentioned above, the cancellation request must be received within the specified timeframes.
9. Refund Processing: a. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 7 days after the cancellation request has been approved. b. Please note that any transaction fees, or non-refundable service charges imposed by third-party payment processors or financial institutions are non-refundable.
We value the opportunity to provide transformative experiences through equine assisted learning, and we appreciate your understanding of our cancellation policy. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please feel free to contact us directly, and we will be happy to assist you.
Privacy Policy
At Riverlands Rise, we value your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you provide to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you interact with our services and website. By accessing or using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
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Information Collection: We may collect personal information such as your name, contact details, and other relevant information when you voluntarily provide it to us through our booking form, or during communication with us. We collect personal information directly from parents or legal guardians during the booking process or through their active involvement on our services. The information collected may include the child's name, age, and some personal information that is necessary to provide our services and deliver age-appropriate content, personalise user experiences, and improve our services.
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Parental Consent and Control: We obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting any personal information from children under 13 years. Parents or legal guardians have the right to review, request modifications, or delete their child's personal information at any time. They can also opt-out of future communications and restrict the collection or use of their child's information.
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Use of Information: We use the collected information to provide and improve our services, respond to inquiries, personalize your experience, and communicate with you. We may also use your information for administrative purposes, statistical analysis, and to comply with legal obligations. We do not disclose personal information of children under 13 years to third parties unless explicitly authorized by their parent or legal guardian or required by law.
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Information Sharing: We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our business, as well as in response to legal requests or to protect our rights and safety.
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Confidentiality: As a professional, myself and my staff strive to maintain the strictest ethical standards of confidentiality. There are legal exceptions to client confidentiality.
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Data Security: We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
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Third-Party Links: Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of such websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of those third parties before providing any personal information.
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Updates to the Privacy Policy: We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on our website with the updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
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Contact Us: If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding our Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us using the provided contact information on our website.
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By agreeing to use our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
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Other Information
As part of the booking form for Riverlands Rise, users of our services will also be advised of and/or requested for permission for:
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Emergency Release
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Consent and waiver of liability
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Under 18 authorisation (if applicable)
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Media Release
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Updated - 23/06/2023
