Dreaming in the Company of Horses
Trish Renton said she has long admired the I Have a Dream kaupapa, as she believes every young person needs to have experiences, but sometimes they don’t get those opportunities.
I Have a Dream’s Year 9 Kaupapa Hoiho Horse Riding after school programme, has quickly become a treasured experience for Dreamers lucky enough to take part. The programme is run by Year 9 Navigator Marcia Aperahama and facilitated by Trish MacPherson of Renton Sporthorses,
The idea was first sparked during a 2024 Summer Holiday Programme at Whangaruru when Marcia noticed the way one of her Tikipunga High School Dreamers, Blazay, lit up the moment he climbed onto a horse. She knew there was something worth nurturing and began seeking the right person to co-create an after school programme with. Trish had engaged with a senior group of Dreamers in a one off session, and Marcia was keen to engage as well. When Trish finally became available, Marcia jumped at the opportunity.
In term four of 2025, small groups of Dreamers saddled up for a four week introduction to horsemanship, which Trish co-designed to blend practical skills with personal growth. Over the four weeks, Trish teaches the basics of horse handling and riding, but also encourages the Dreamers to slow down, tune in, and learn from the horses themselves. Over time, the group has reduced to two Dreamers to allow Trish to give each of them more focused attention.
She said watching the Dreamers gradually build trust, confidence, and genuine friendship with Willow and Blondie, both former competition horses, is one of the most rewarding parts of the programme.
She reminds the Dreamers that being around horses isn’t only about riding. It’s about being present, getting to know the animals, and feeling safe to be themselves. At the arena, no one has to pretend to be anything other than who they are.
The programme has also had unexpected ripple effects. Year 13 Pompallier Catholic College student and volunteer Ebes has grown more confident around the horses, and Marcia admits she has been working on her own fear of horses simply by being alongside the Dreamers, Trish, Ebes, Willow, and Blondie.
Trish said she has long admired the I Have a Dream kaupapa, as she believes every young person needs to have experiences, but sometimes they don’t get those opportunities. “I think I Have a Dream is absolutely amazing because of what they offer Dreamers.”
When selecting participants, Marcia pairs Dreamers who complement each other and bring out the best in one another. After seeing Blazay’s leadership at kura and camp, she recognised his potential to influence his peers in positive ways. She chose him and Jaydyn to return for a second round of the programme, and said the conversations they share have become highlights in themselves. Hearing the boys talk about the horses, what they’re learning, and then sharing those experiences with classmates helps other students feel more connected to I Have a Dream and what it has to offer.
Both Dreamers have big aspirations. Jaydyn, a proud Otangarei Knights player, dreams of becoming an NRL star. Blazay has discovered a passion and hopes to live on a farm combining his love of horses and motorbikes.
What began as an observation during the 2024 holiday programme has grown into an outlet for building confidence, competence, and possibility for the Dreamers involved. The bond they’re forming with Willow and Blondie and the other horses is something they’ll carry with them long after the sessions end.
