6-week Equine Rehab Progam

An opportunity for new beginnings through horses ....

If a horse can feel a fly sitting on its back, imagine how much more it is attuned to your behaviours and emotions...

Looking for an opportunity to learn and grow while receiving therapeutic support? Look no further than Melanie Mardon, Angel House Australia's 6-week Equine Rehab Program. Facilitated by Melanie Mardon, this program is designed to help young people and adults find the healing they seek. Join us today and start your journey towards a brighter future.

What this program is about

Introduction to the Equine Rehabilitation Program (ERP) Goals and Structure

Welcome to the Equine Rehabilitation Program (ERP), a transformative journey designed to harness the healing power of horses in addressing a variety of emotional and behavioural challenges. This unique program combines horsemanship training with therapeutic support to foster personal growth and recovery in a safe and supportive environment.

Program Goals

1. Addressing Behaviours of Concern

Our program aims to help participants identify and address specific behaviours of concern, enabling them to understand the underlying causes of these issues. Through hands-on interaction with horses, participants will learn to recognize and modify their responses in a constructive manner.

2. Building Confidence

Confidence is essential for personal development. Through horsemanship training, participants will gain skills and knowledge that promote self-assurance and resilience. Working with their assigned horses, they will learn to face challenges head-on, fostering a sense of achievement and empowerment.

3. Addressing Addiction and Recovery

For those dealing with addiction, engaging with horses serves as a powerful therapeutic tool. The program provides a structured environment where participants can develop coping strategies, gain insights into their triggers, and work towards their recovery goals while establishing a positive relationship with an animal.

4. Managing Anxiety and Depression

The calming presence of horses can significantly alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants will engage in activities that promote mindfulness and emotional grounding, developing skills to manage stress and emotional dysregulation. The program encourages participants to express their feelings and confront emotional barriers within a nurturing context.

5. Exploring Anger Issues

Participants will learn healthy ways to express and manage anger using horsemanship principles, such as leadership and communication. By working closely with horses, they will cultivate emotional awareness and develop strategies to redirect their feelings into productive behaviours.

6. Addressing a Range of Emotional Challenges and Behaviours

The program is designed to support individuals facing diverse emotional challenges, including low self-esteem, trauma, relationship issues, and feelings of isolation. By forging a bond with their horses, participants will enhance their emotional intelligence and cultivate interpersonal skills that can be applied in their everyday lives.

Program Structure

The Equine Rehabilitation Program (ERP) is structured over six weeks, allowing participants to deeply engage with both the therapeutic process and their assigned horses.

Orientation and Assessment: Each participant begins with an orientation session, setting personal goals and discussing the specific emotional challenges they aim to address. Initial assessments help tailor the program to meet individual needs.
Daily Horse Care Responsibilities: Participants will be paired with a horse for the entire duration of the program. They are responsible for daily care, including grooming, feeding, and exercising their horse, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
Group Therapy Sessions: Weekly group therapy sessions facilitate discussions among participants, enabling them to share experiences and insights while gaining support from peers facing similar challenges.
Individual Therapy Sessions: One-on-one therapy sessions will target each participant's specific needs, offering personalized strategies to navigate their emotional challenges.
Horsemanship Training: The program includes practical horsemanship training that builds confidence and facilitates emotional expression while fostering a deeper understanding of horse behaviour.
Reflection and Integration: Each week culminates in reflection exercises, allowing participants to process their experiences and integrate what they have learned into their personal growth journey.

The Equine Rehabilitation Program (ERP) offers a holistic approach to healing and personal development by combining the empowerment of horsemanship with structured therapeutic support. Together, we will embark on this transformative journey, navigating personal challenges, building lasting connections with both horses and fellow participants, and paving the way towards a brighter future.