Hi, I’m heather
Thank for taking the time to read about the benefits of the programmes and services that we offer here at Stockdale Farm. To understand us better, allow me to introduce myself, my family and our little piece of paradise.
We are Heather and Taka Kauri. We live here on the farm with our two grown daughters, Alice and Meg and our moko Ruby. We have a family history of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and PTSD. In the beginning, Stockdale Farm was a part of our healing journey, and has now grown to provide healing to others.
It all started around 2011 when anxiety and depression were impacting our family, in particular a then ten-year-old Meg. At that time, Meg was struggling to communicate how she was feeling, becoming socially withdrawn, and finding it hard to make and keep friends. After hearing about a local riding school, the ex-rider in me decided to see how this might help Meg.
It was perfect. Meg quickly connected with a horse named Mate. A former trotting horse, Mate was anti-social and didn’t like being told what to do — kindred spirits! Mate would spy someone coming towards him with a lead rope, flatten his ears and walk away. But with Meg, he didn’t walk away.
She suddenly had new purpose: to make Mate happy. She knew that her mood and attitude had a direct impact on how Mate would handle that day. Meg started to gain confidence, and over time started to take on a mentor role with the younger kids.
In 2015, a semi-rural property came up for sale and we jumped at the chance to secure it. This turned out to be Stockdale Farm. Our animal whanau quickly grew, and soon we opened our gates to animals who found themselves in need, either through neglect or because their owners’ circumstances changed.
They are all safe, loved and happy here.
Heather and her mum Carol
It didn’t take us long to realise that we had something special. So in May 2018 we decided to run Stockdale Farm as a business, providing an accessible way for anyone to develop empathy, life skills, and mana by spending time with our animals. We started with one young client, and we now employ a small team and help up to 20 clients a week.
We are not trained, licensed Therapists. We are Redirectional Therapists who have had first-hand experience with mental health struggles, learning difficulties, and behavioural disorders. We offer our knowledge in the benefits of equine, animal and human interaction.
OUR STAFF
LAUREN // administrator
A close friend, Lauren has been there from the very beginning as a volunteer and sounding board. She officially joined the team in late 2022 when it became clear that I needed some support running the business.
Lauren brings a wealth of administrative expertise. She also efficiency and a sense of balance which makes everything hum.
emma // redirectional therapist
Emma joined us in June 2021. At the time, we were looking for someone with a specific qualification. The first time I met Emma was at her job interview. When I saw her lying on the floor playing with Simon the cat, I knew she would fit right in.
Our younger clients love Emma because they easily resonate with her. She quickly establishes trust, and is seen as a peer, not as their superior.
TEACE // Redirectional therapist
Teace started in October 2021. Our business was growing and Ali, our Social Worker in training, was going on maternity leave. I needed someone experienced who could learn quickly, and who would complement our existing team.
Teace came highly recommended by Emma, with whom she had trained in Equine Studies. Another recommendation sealed the deal. We are so lucky to have her.
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”
– Amy Poehler