TRUE LEARNING brings together my favourite things to do, some of my favourite people and, of course, my animals. It connects my passion for natural science and the environment, my love of teaching and desire to help others.
In 2015 I started a not-for-profit animal rescue, Red Dot Animal Programs. Since then, I have rehomed around 200 animals – mostly working breed dogs.
I rarely know much about their past. When they are here, I observe them closely in a range of situations to understand their actions and reactions to gather information to help match them to the right home.
They remain here until I feel they are ready to be rehomed. Sometimes they need to learn to trust. Sometimes they need some basic training. Many times, I’ve seen how different combinations of individuals bring out different behaviours.
As a result, I’ve learned a lot – about the animals, as well as myself. I’ve learned there are times when I need to be patient, assertive, encouraging, still, creative, empathetic – all of which we employ in interactions with people.
My desire to step into the nexus between animal interactions, education and personal development came into focus in January 2019 when I bought two Clydesdale x Throughbred colts from a drought affected property in central NSW.
This was my first experience with unhandled horses. In some ways, they were similar to other animals I have worked with. In other ways they were very different.
I relished the experience of gaining their trust, thinking from their perspective, discovering the different ways each one learned and reacted, then planning the next steps in their training.
Blaze’s initial resistance, then willing obedience when asked a second time reminded me of someone I know well (think: “clean up your room!”).
Flash was very different and it was necessary to devote a significant amount of time to earn his trust first and, only then, make small requests at a time – a bit like proving yourself to your boss, before asking to work from home…
There were so many connections between what was taking place in the round yard and situations in my everyday life.
I began jotting down ideas for activities to engage people in a process of learning about themselves, understanding how they relate to others and how they can make positive changes that involved references to the colts and the other animals here.
Finally, one day in the round yard I asked myself “if not now, then when?” And so, my ideas have come together as TRUE LEARNING.
My own animals, and others in care with Red Dot, make up my “team” and can be easily and meaningfully embedded in any activity (plus, the animals love the extra attention!).
For situations where it is not possible to bring my “team”, I’ve crafted a range of activities that involve items relating to them which makes the experience memorable – think saddles, bridles, ropes and the like.
I’m excited to see where this takes me and I hope you will come along for the ride.