Natural Mystic: Rural Operation Uses Healing Power of Horses to Engage Disconnected Teenagers

Te Arahiora Farrell and Tracy Rampton have launched Natural Mystic, a rural Paengaroa operation that uses the healing power of horses to engage teenagers disconnected from the education system. Farrell brings seven years' experience in mental health and youth work, while Rampton has more than 26 years' experience as a horse instructor and competitor. The two have combined their vastly different backgrounds, including expertise in mahi wairua (spiritual work) and rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine), to create a unique therapeutic programme. After running a pilot programme that gave an outlet to teens not engaged by school, both women say they've been amazed by the results and now have bigger plans for expansion.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.