WE DO:
Fun - Friendship - Inclusivity - Empathy - Animals - Learning - Laughs
Vulnerability - Acceptance - Horse time - Silliness - Real Conversations - FUN!
WE LEARN:
Life skills - How to build positive relationships with animals and people
How to empower learners and inspire behaviour change - Tools to cope with stress and anxiety
Fun - Friendship - Inclusivity - Empathy - Animals - Learning - Laughs
Vulnerability - Acceptance - Horse time - Silliness - Real Conversations - FUN!
WE LEARN:
Life skills - How to build positive relationships with animals and people
How to empower learners and inspire behaviour change - Tools to cope with stress and anxiety
Next Gen is an annual programme (regular monthly workshops) for 11-16 year olds.
For under 11's and/or for weekly term-time classes, please click here
NEXT GEN TRAINERS SAY:
"I love Next Gen because it makes me feel like I'm in a safe place, and I can talk and ask questions without feeling like it's a wrong question or thing to do. "
"The group of girls make me feel so comfortable and it's like a mini community. I enjoy the laughs we have and the memories we share. And of course I love spending time with the animals, and the training tips and tricks I come away with! It is such a fun time and I am constantly waiting in anticipation of the next event."
"I love Next Gen because it makes me feel like I'm in a safe place, and I can talk and ask questions without feeling like it's a wrong question or thing to do. "
"The group of girls make me feel so comfortable and it's like a mini community. I enjoy the laughs we have and the memories we share. And of course I love spending time with the animals, and the training tips and tricks I come away with! It is such a fun time and I am constantly waiting in anticipation of the next event."
A few highlights:
Next Gen Trainers - Membership Programme 2023-2024
WHO ARE WE?
Next Gen is for 12-16 year old animal lovers. Next Gen trainers are dedicated and passionate and like to have fun. They want to learn more about animal behaviour and become better trainers, because good training is all about two-way conversations, communicating with compassion and respect. They are keen to learn how to inspire behaviour change in their pets and other animals they meet (including the human animal! Siblings, parents, peers...). Next Gen trainers love spending time with animals, and want the animals to enjoy their interactions as much as they do.
WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
This is a unique opportunity for you to spend regular quality time with the Positively Together team (human and four-legged), and to grow your human "herd", connecting with like-minded friends. The emphasis of NextGen is on kindness, empathy and respect for our animals and for each other. This is a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow and challenge ourselves.
Activities focus on learning how to set the animals up for success so they are happy and cooperative, without the use of traditional training tools such as escalating pressure and punishment. We spend a lot of time hands-on training horses, dogs, sheep, chickens and other animals - seeing with our own eyes how we can empower others and inspire behaviour change in positive ways no matter the species. Meanwhile, trainers learn important keys to building positive relationships, communication and trust with others, both human and non-human.
Throughout all sessions we keep a strong focus on those important life skills that run in close parallel to our positive horsemanship and animal training - consent, compassion, trust, respect and kindness to self and others, developing resilience and self-confidence, and open honest communication. We know that teenage life is hard work! Dealing with anxiety, depression and mental health challenges is something we all face - whether it impacts ourselves, our family or our friends. We want to empower Next Gen Trainers to be kind and compassionate, with themselves and with others around them, and to equip them with tools to live their best life.
Next Gen is for 12-16 year old animal lovers. Next Gen trainers are dedicated and passionate and like to have fun. They want to learn more about animal behaviour and become better trainers, because good training is all about two-way conversations, communicating with compassion and respect. They are keen to learn how to inspire behaviour change in their pets and other animals they meet (including the human animal! Siblings, parents, peers...). Next Gen trainers love spending time with animals, and want the animals to enjoy their interactions as much as they do.
WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
This is a unique opportunity for you to spend regular quality time with the Positively Together team (human and four-legged), and to grow your human "herd", connecting with like-minded friends. The emphasis of NextGen is on kindness, empathy and respect for our animals and for each other. This is a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow and challenge ourselves.
Activities focus on learning how to set the animals up for success so they are happy and cooperative, without the use of traditional training tools such as escalating pressure and punishment. We spend a lot of time hands-on training horses, dogs, sheep, chickens and other animals - seeing with our own eyes how we can empower others and inspire behaviour change in positive ways no matter the species. Meanwhile, trainers learn important keys to building positive relationships, communication and trust with others, both human and non-human.
Throughout all sessions we keep a strong focus on those important life skills that run in close parallel to our positive horsemanship and animal training - consent, compassion, trust, respect and kindness to self and others, developing resilience and self-confidence, and open honest communication. We know that teenage life is hard work! Dealing with anxiety, depression and mental health challenges is something we all face - whether it impacts ourselves, our family or our friends. We want to empower Next Gen Trainers to be kind and compassionate, with themselves and with others around them, and to equip them with tools to live their best life.
Dates for 2023-2024 season:
September 16
October 7
October 13-15: Optional - Equifest camp
November 11
December 2
January: summer camp
2024
February 24
March 16
April 20
May 18
October 7
October 13-15: Optional - Equifest camp
November 11
December 2
January: summer camp
2024
February 24
March 16
April 20
May 18
Registrations now open!
New Next Gen families - submit the form below
Existing Next Gen families - get in touch directly with Bex
Existing Next Gen families - get in touch directly with Bex
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world”
-Mahatma Gandhi
Kind - Compassionate - Confident - Capable
-Mahatma Gandhi
Kind - Compassionate - Confident - Capable
Parents say:
"She comes home a better person... she says she loves it because there's no digital devices, just lots of fun with good friends outdoors, learning and playing with horses"
"She gets so much out of these days. She is so enjoying what you are teaching and what she is learning during her time with you.
She really comes away feeling on top of the world having achieved results with the ponies. It’s opening her eyes!"
"She comes home a better person... she says she loves it because there's no digital devices, just lots of fun with good friends outdoors, learning and playing with horses"
"She gets so much out of these days. She is so enjoying what you are teaching and what she is learning during her time with you.
She really comes away feeling on top of the world having achieved results with the ponies. It’s opening her eyes!"
Hey Next Gen crew! Click here to shop for Next Gen Trainers merch
FAQ
Do you have to have your own horse or dog?
No, Next Gen is inclusive of all, as long as you love animals, you'll fit right in. The skills you learn are relevant to other pets as well as in life in general.
What is included?
Monthly events, including a mix of
- regular full-day sessions working with the Positively Together herd and other animals at Bex's place
- summer camp
- field trips
Consistent attendance is strongly encouraged so that friendships and knowledge/skills can be built upon.
What is the schedule ?
We generally hold events on the third Saturday of each month.
We take a break for the winter in May, and return in September. Fill out the registration form below to be added to our list and receive communications about discounted annual membership and future events.
Where will activities take place?
Most of the events will be at Positively Together home base, in Wright Road, Aongatete. Alternative venues will be publicised ahead of time and we can discuss re transport.
Can I bring my own horse or dog or other animal?
We work with the Positively Together team of animals, so please don't bring your own. This is for the safety, enjoyment and welfare of animals and humans. There may be occasional opportunities for Next Genners to bring an animal along, however this will be invite-only for specific purposes.
What is the cost?
Each full-day workshop is $70. There are family discounts available. Many families choose to save even more money, and guarantee their place at events, by registering for an annual membership (season runs September til May).
What does annual membership involve?
Annual memberships open up for a few weeks only, in August-September (the beginning of the Next Gen season). An annual membership saves you $100! It means you get priority access at all events, and you don't need to remember to pay each time. It gives you access to 8 workshop events plus summer camp.
If any event is cancelled due to facilitator illness or weather etc, we will first aim to postpone to another date or transfer you to the next event. All efforts will be made to alert families as early as possible to any changes.
I have more questions, how can I ask these?
Just email [email protected] or message Bex or Brooke via Facebook, or call 021440078 if you have questions, we're happy to discuss further.
No, Next Gen is inclusive of all, as long as you love animals, you'll fit right in. The skills you learn are relevant to other pets as well as in life in general.
What is included?
Monthly events, including a mix of
- regular full-day sessions working with the Positively Together herd and other animals at Bex's place
- summer camp
- field trips
Consistent attendance is strongly encouraged so that friendships and knowledge/skills can be built upon.
What is the schedule ?
We generally hold events on the third Saturday of each month.
We take a break for the winter in May, and return in September. Fill out the registration form below to be added to our list and receive communications about discounted annual membership and future events.
Where will activities take place?
Most of the events will be at Positively Together home base, in Wright Road, Aongatete. Alternative venues will be publicised ahead of time and we can discuss re transport.
Can I bring my own horse or dog or other animal?
We work with the Positively Together team of animals, so please don't bring your own. This is for the safety, enjoyment and welfare of animals and humans. There may be occasional opportunities for Next Genners to bring an animal along, however this will be invite-only for specific purposes.
What is the cost?
Each full-day workshop is $70. There are family discounts available. Many families choose to save even more money, and guarantee their place at events, by registering for an annual membership (season runs September til May).
What does annual membership involve?
Annual memberships open up for a few weeks only, in August-September (the beginning of the Next Gen season). An annual membership saves you $100! It means you get priority access at all events, and you don't need to remember to pay each time. It gives you access to 8 workshop events plus summer camp.
If any event is cancelled due to facilitator illness or weather etc, we will first aim to postpone to another date or transfer you to the next event. All efforts will be made to alert families as early as possible to any changes.
I have more questions, how can I ask these?
Just email [email protected] or message Bex or Brooke via Facebook, or call 021440078 if you have questions, we're happy to discuss further.