A Halls Creek student participating in the programHalls Creek District High School in the East Kimberley has drastically reduced student absenteeism through an innovative new partnership with Argyle Diamonds.

A Horse Mastery Programme rewards local students for attending school by allowing them to learn to ride, groom and feed horses and eventually take part in riding competitions.  Safety and personal responsibility are key themes of the programme.

Attendance rates have jumped from 50 per cent to over 75 per cent in the programme’s first year.

“These experiences go a long way to shaping these students’ futures,” said school principal David Faulkner, who has seen a significant shift in student confidence and enthusiasm.

He describes learning to ride as a great metaphor for life: “If you don’t take control of the horse, the horse will take control of you.”