Healing with horses

HEATHCOTE RSL Sub Branch is collaborating with Central Church Kilmore, and Healing Hoofs and Equestique Horse Riding to provide a unique program to assist veterans and their families.

Project manager and Heathcote RSL Sub Branch welfare officer, Bob Menadue, said the program would not be possible without the support and involvement of all parties.

“The program is a consortium… harnessing the expertise of many through collaboration,” he said.

“We aim to create an environment for Veterans to engage socially encouraging mutual support through shared life experience.

“Participants will gain new skills to manage depression, anxiety, and understanding via psychoeducation.

“It provides opportunities for veterans to foster intergenerational connections with senior veterans, builds peer relationships that last beyond the program, connects them to ongoing well-being services, and local community.

“The program is easily accessible and one of the only in the northern region, and with public transport.”

Menadue and Heathcote RSL Sub Branch president Miles Humphrey, and their wives, have been friends since the men served together in Townsville 40 years ago.

“The stars all aligned,” said Menadue.

“When we decided to run the program, we approached Heathcote RSL and the committee quickly offered their support.

“Sammie Grantham, who will be running the program, has her own personal PTSD story and is well equipped to assist veterans.

 

“Located in Kilmore, From the Horses Mouth offers a four-week introductory group course, private equine therapy session and family experiences.

“FTHM is government funded for eligible registrants through the Department of Veteran Affairs.”

Grantham has specialised in equine-assisted psychotherapy for the past ten years and has 26 years’ experience working across the community and mental health sector.

“The benefits of using horses are outstanding,” she said.

“Horses are intuitive.

“Sessions take place on the ground with horses, integrating evidence-based therapeutic practice with the unique relational feedback horses provide.

“This is particularly effective for trauma, anxiety, identity work, and reconnection with self.

“The horses meet people exactly where they are, without judgement, expectation, or pressure.

“There is no riding involved and you do not need any horse skills.”

The horses used in the program also have their own stories with many having been rescued, rehabilitated and their training repurposed.

Humphrey said Heathcote RSL Sub Branch Inc is very happy to be involved.

“The program has the potential to help many veterans,” he said.

“We are very glad to support it in any way we can.”

Menadue has been speaking about the program at RSL clubs in the area.

“We already have participants, including two from Heathcote, signed up to participate in the program when the first session begins,” he said.

“The program concept has been very well received, and I am looking forward to seeing the results.”

Anyone who would like more information about the program can contact [email protected].