Horses for Hope
Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (13:53): Last week I was warmly welcomed by the team at Horses for Hope located on a property at Mooroopna North. Horses for Hope is an incredibly unique charity that was established 20 years ago. The purpose of the organisation is to provide therapy to horses that have suffered in the past, leaving behavioural issues, through working with people who have also suffered their own traumas and are undergoing therapy. The combination of both horses and people working through their challenges as one provides an environment that no other type of therapy offers. This is therapy for both horses and people in need of healing from physical and psychological traumas. The horses at Horses for Hope come from the RSPCA, from saleyards where they were rescues destined for the knackery or from private owners that wish to help their horses but do not possess the skills to do so. With 50 registered participants attending sessions at Horses for Hope, there is a waiting list of up to three months for new participants, highlighting the importance this charity offers to people. The team of seven staff include qualified counselling therapists, horse practitioners and a manager who oversees the program, all guided by an active volunteer board of directors. I would like to thank Kim, Alison, Amy, Jack and James for taking the time to explain the whole program of Horses for Hope, and I wish them all the best for the future.