This Mental Health Week we reflect on the success of the Horse Wisdom Equine Assisted Learning Program and how it is changing lives for people in Cape York.
The two-day program is delivered by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) (Queensland Section) Manager – Far North Mental Health Jos Middleton in collaboration with 2022 RFDS Queensland Local Hero Emma Jackson at Wolverton Station in the Archer River region of Cape York.
Jos and Emma work together with groups of up to six participants, offering evidence-based tools and strategies to build awareness about mental health and wellbeing as well as enabling individuals to become more in tune with themselves.
Through meaningful conversations, seven key topics are weaved into the program including the calm state, boundaries, relationships, thoughts, feelings, facing challenges and awareness.
“Working with the horses organically highlights different components of people’s personalities,” Jos said.
“There are times when the horses can highlight certain behaviours that individuals may wish to bring awareness to.
“For example, if you walk abruptly up to a horse – the horse is going to let you know that it’s not okay.
“This then heightens an individual's awareness of how one’s actions can be received by others.”
The ‘horse work’ is coupled with role-playing scenarios, brief interventions and psycho-education activities to allow participants to observe, reflect, share and grow in a safe space.
Since its launch in 2023, seven sessions have been held at the station, all proving to help participants achieve a reduction in stress, a deeper understanding of one’s feelings, an improved ability to self-regulate and an improved ability to cope with challenging situations.
“The program has helped participants who are struggling to cope with work-related stress, anxiety, traumatic experiences, relationship challenges and those who are simply interested in personal development and growth,” she said.
“One client said to me, ‘This was better than having 50 therapy sessions’ and another said, ‘The program was life-changing, calming and created lasting moments to take back to life’.
“The success of this program shows the importance of connecting with nature for wellbeing and how we can explore creative methods in supporting people by recognising that a one-on-one mental health consultation at a clinic isn’t for everybody.”
Jos said the program outcomes align perfectly with this year’s theme of Mental Health Week ‘Connect for mental health’.
“During the program we see participants strengthening their connections to self, community, others and nature – this alone is enough to improve someone’s wellbeing,” she said.
"This program is a life-changing experience and hopefully we can continue to secure funding to help more people in Cape York.”
This program was initially funded by a $20,000 grant courtesy of Ergon Energy Retail through the RFDS Local Hero Awards in 2022.
You can find out more about the Horse Wisdom Equine Assisted Learning Program by contacting Jos Middleton at 0409 154 477 or Emma Jackson at 0429 175 980 or email mhadmin@rfdsqld.com.au.
If you or someone you know needs urgent support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
