60-day Equine Empowerment Progam
A path to healing and employment
The Equine Empowerment Program is a comprehensive 60-day rehabilitation initiative designed to support young people aged 12-25 who are recovering from or struggling with drug addiction, facing juvenile detention, or experiencing behavioural issues, anxiety, anger, ASD, ADHD, or other mental health challenges. This program aims to provide therapeutic support, personal development, and employment skills necessary for a successful reintegration into society, particularly focusing on the LGBTQI+ community, Indigenous peoples, and those with mental health disabilities.
What this program offers participants
Melanie Mardon, CEO/Owner of Angel House Australia sole trader and a registered Specialist Behaviour Support Practitioner and Provider with the NDIS, started this initiative to support her participants on the NDIS. She took in a 15-year-old boy of aboriginal descent after his family structure collapsed and who was repeatedly in trouble with the police to participate in this program at no charge to him and to have a safe place to live.
​
This young person had dropped out of school at age 15 and celebrated his 16th birthday with his and Melanie’s families in August 2024. She is working on restoring his family structure, as well as supporting him through the Equine Empowerment Program in his successful reintegration into society, encouraging self-development and finding a long-term role in the equine industry, which additionally presents the possibility of future travel in line with his equine skills and work ethics acquired during this time. Due to the successful outcomes achieved with her LGBTQI+ participants (who make up 90% of her clients) and their families, other NDIS participants living with mental health disabilities and this Indigenous boy, Melanie aims to bring this initiative to many more people who desperately need to restore balance in their lives and themselves.
Program Goals and Objectives
​
-
Rehabilitation: Utilize equine-assisted therapy to foster emotional healing and recovery.
-
Therapeutic Support: Implement a structured program incorporating mindfulness training, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), life coaching, and counselling.
-
Employment Skills: Equip participants with the skills necessary for employment in the equine industry, including work ethics, personal development, employment counselling and time management.
-
Cultural Sensitivity: Provide an inclusive environment sensitive to the needs of LGBTQI+ individuals, Indigenous Australians, and others living with mental health issues.
Program Structure
Duration:
-
60 days per cohort (Max 6 participants at a time)
-
Operates 10 months per year.
​
Daily Schedule:
Monday to Friday
​
Activity Description
6:00 AM
Morning Meditation: Guided mindfulness session to start the day with intention and focus, fostering peace and readiness.
6:30 AM
Horse Care: Participants groom, feed and check the health of their individual horses (assigned to them at the start of the EEP). Focus on building trust and rapport.
7:30 AM
Breakfast: Healthy and nutritious meal to fuel the day ahead.
8:15 AM
Stable Maintenance: Activities include mucking stalls, cleaning equipment, and ensuring a safe environment for the horses.
9:45 AM
Group Therapy Session: Structured discussions led by trained therapists to explore feelings, challenges, and coping strategies.
11:00 AM
On-Ground Horsemanship Training: Focus on groundwork skills, communication, and building confidence with horses through exercises, leading, lunging, and understanding horse body language to enhance connection.
12:30 PM
Lunch: Balanced meal with a focus on nutrition and communal dining.
1:15 PM
Paddock Maintenance: Participants work together to maintain paddocks, ensuring fences are secure, and fields are clean.
2:30 PM
Off-Ground Horsemanship Training: Training on riding techniques, posture, breathing, handling, verbal and non-verbal instructions.
3:30 PM
Individual Mindfulness Session: One-on-one mindfulness practices (like breathing exercises or guided imagery) tailored to each participant's needs.
4:30 PM
Afternoon shift: Bringing horses into their stables for the evening. Rugging them for the night (when applicable) and spending time grooming and bonding with them.
6:00 PM
Dinner: Healthy meal encouraging socialization and reflection on the day.
7:00 PM
Group Sharing Circle: Evening gathering for participants to share their experiences, insights, and feelings from the day. Focus on community building and support.
7:30 PM
Evening Reflection and Journaling: Time to reflect on daily activities and emotions through journaling, guided questions provided to encourage deep reflection.
8:00 PM
Relaxation Time: Engagement in calming activities such as reading, light stretching, or enjoying time with the group around a wood fire, winding down for the night.
9:00 PM
Lights Out: Participants prepare for bed, ensuring adequate rest for the next day.
​
Weekend Schedule (Saturday and Sunday)
​
Activity Description
6:00 AM
Morning Meditation: Guided mindfulness session to start the day with intention and focus, fostering peace and readiness.
6:30 AM
Horse Care: Participants groom, feed and check the health of their individual horses (assigned to them at the start of the EEP). Focus on building trust and rapport.
7:30 AM
Breakfast: Healthy and nutritious meal to fuel the day ahead.
8:15 AM
Stable Maintenance: Activities include mucking stalls, cleaning equipment, and ensuring a safe environment for the horses.
9:30 AM
Free Time: Leisure activities, with options for self-care or catching up with hobbies.
10:30 AM
Group Activity/Outing: Community projects, group workshops, or outings to local parks/nature areas emphasizing teamwork.
12:30 PM
Lunch: The communal meal will focus on building relationships among participants.
1:15 PM
Life Skills Workshop: Focus on personal development topics such as time management, communication skills, and interview preparation.
3:00 PM
Individual Reflection Time: Time to journal, meditate, or engage in personal projects.
4:30 PM
Afternoon shift: Bringing horses into their stables for the evening. Rugging them for the night (when applicable) and spending time grooming and bonding with them.
6:00 PM
Dinner: Healthy meal (barbeque by wood fire) encouraging socialization and reflection on the day.
6:30 PM
Creative Expression Activities: Art therapy, music, or other creative outlets to encourage emotional expression.
8:00 PM
**Storytelling or Group Games
9:00 PM
Lights Out: Wind down, ensuring participants are ready for a restful night's sleep.
​
Weekly Themes (Optional)
Each week could focus on different themes related to personal development, fostering deeper understanding and skills. Themes might include:
​
-
Week 1: Trust and Connection
-
Building trust with horses and peers; understanding the importance of relationships. Inviting Indigenous and other industry-related professionals as guest speakers.
-
-
Week 2: Emotional Awareness
-
Exploring feelings of anger, anxiety, and joy; journaling prompts related to emotional experiences.
-
-
Week 3: Teamwork and Community
-
Emphasizing collaboration through maintaining the stables and other group projects; highlighting the strength found in support networks. Inviting Indigenous and other industry-related professionals as guest speakers.
-
-
Week 4: Personal Growth
-
Focusing on individual goals; introducing personal development plans with actionable steps.
-
-
Week 5: Leadership and Responsibility
-
Developing leadership skills through horse care responsibilities and group decision-making activities.
-
-
Week 6: Mindfulness in Daily Life
-
Integrating mindfulness practices into everyday routines; emphasizing the importance of staying present.
-
-
Week 7: Future Planning
-
Workshops on setting realistic goals for the future, job preparedness, and exploring paths within the equine industry. Visits to equine centres and thoroughbred racing stables.
-
-
Week 8: Reflection and Integration
-
Closing the program with reflections on growth, sharing insights, and celebrating achievements.
-
Notes:
-
Each day's schedule will be flexible to accommodate weather conditions and participant needs.
-
Therapeutic sessions can be adjusted based on individual progress and dynamics within the group.
-
Regular evaluations will ensure that participants are receiving the support they need and allow for adjustments to the schedule.
By integrating equine care, therapeutic practices, and mindfulness training, the Equine Empowerment Program aims to provide a holistic approach to healing and personal growth, empowering young individuals to transform their lives positively.
​
Saturday:
-
Focus on personal projects or volunteer work within the community, promoting real-world applications of skills learned during the week.
Sunday:
-
Rest and recreational activities to promote balance and self-care. Optional group outings to local parks or cultural events.
​
Facilities and Accommodation
-
The program will be hosted in a safe, nurturing environment at 875 Old Northern Road, Dural NSW 2158 with modern accommodations and amenities that include:
-
Four private shared bedrooms that sleep 2 people per room to foster community bonding.
-
A communal lounge/dining room with a coffee station, microwave and fridge.
-
Shared bathroom with shower.
-
Laundry facilities.
-
Games room.
-
Facilities for therapeutic sessions, mindfulness practices, and yoga.
-
Equine facilities for hands-on horse interaction and training.
-
Outdoor spaces for reflection and recreational activities.
-
Outdoor undercover barbeque and relaxation area.
-
Success is measured by the outcomes ...
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |
Equine Interaction Benefits Research
Equine-assisted activities and therapies have garnered significant attention and research support for their varied benefits across physical, emotional, and social domains. Below is a detailed exploration of the key areas where equine interaction provides substantial advantages, particularly in therapeutic, educational, and personal development contexts.
1. Physical Benefits
• Improved Motor Skills: Horseback riding and other equine activities engage multiple muscle groups. This activity improves core strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Participants, particularly those with physical disabilities, can experience enhanced motor functions through adaptive equestrian programs.
• Sensory Integration: Interacting with horses provides sensory stimulation through movement, sounds, and the tactile experience of grooming and saddling. This engagement is vital, particularly for individuals with sensory processing issues, such as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Posture and Balance: Riding requires maintaining a proper posture, which can benefit individuals with postural control issues. The rhythmic motion of a horse helps reinforce proper alignment and balance, essential for overall physical well-being.
2. Emotional Benefits
• Reduction in Anxiety and Stress: Interacting with horses has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. The presence of horses offers a calming effect, allowing individuals to connect in a tranquil setting. Engaging in activities such as grooming or simply spending time with a horse can promote relaxation by triggering the body’s relaxation response.
• Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence: Achieving skills in handling and riding horses can significantly elevate self-esteem. As individuals learn to control and communicate with a large animal, they gain a sense of empowerment and confidence in their abilities.
• Emotional Regulation: Equine therapy encourages participants to develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Participants often learn to recognize and express their emotions through guided interactions and activities with horses. This process can serve as a non-threatening way to confront and process challenging feelings.
3. Social Benefits
• Improved Interpersonal Skills: Working with horses, especially in a group setting, fosters teamwork, communication, and social interaction. Participants learn to work collaboratively, develop trust, and communicate effectively, which enhances their social skills.
• Connection and Trust Building: Developing a bond with horses requires trust and respect, both from the horse and the handler. This relationship can teach participants essential skills in establishing healthy relationships with people, promoting empathy and understanding.
• Reduced Social Isolation: Many individuals involved in equine therapy come from backgrounds where they may feel isolated or disconnected. The communal aspects of caring for and riding horses create a sense of belonging and community, counteracting feelings of loneliness.
4. Cognitive Benefits
• Enhanced Focus and Attention: Equine activities require participants to remain attentive to both the horse’s needs and their own actions. This focus can be especially beneficial for individuals with attention-related challenges, such as ADHD. The structured environment of equine sessions promotes improved concentration and reduces distractions.
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Interacting with horses often presents unique challenges. Participants must learn to anticipate behaviors, adapt to changing circumstances, and develop strategies for effective communication with the animal. This experiential learning enhances critical thinking and adaptability.
5. Therapeutic Applications
• Horse-Assisted Therapies: Various structured interventions use equine interaction as a therapeutic tool for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and developmental disorders. Licensed therapists and certified equine specialists work together to provide a comprehensive approach to mental health support.
• Family and Group Therapy: Equine activities provide a neutral ground for family and group therapy sessions. Engaging in horse-related tasks encourages collaboration and addressing interpersonal dynamics in a supportive environment.
• Developmental and Behavioral Disorders: Equine therapy is particularly effective for children and adolescents with developmental disorders like ASD or behavioural issues. The non-judgmental nature of horses can facilitate communication, social engagement, and emotional expression in ways that traditional therapies may not.
6. Case Studies and Research Support
• Numerous studies support the efficacy of equine-assisted therapy. For example:
• A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that children with ASD showed significant improvements in social skills and emotional regulation after participating in equine-assisted therapy.
• Research published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine highlights the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms among adult participants in equine therapy programs.
• Personal narratives and case studies from participants often reflect transformative experiences and significant changes in behaviour, emotional health, and overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Equine interaction offers a wide range of benefits that can positively impact physical health, emotional well-being, social skills, and cognitive abilities. The therapeutic nature of these activities—combined with the deep bonds formed between humans and horses—creates a unique and effective avenue for personal growth and healing. As research continues to expand, the potential applications of equine-assisted activities in various therapeutic and developmental contexts will likely continue to grow, providing more individuals with the tools they need to overcome challenges and enhance their quality of life.
Equine interaction not only aids in rehabilitation efforts but also fosters lifelong skills such as empathy, responsibility, and confidence, making it an invaluable resource for diverse populations, including children, adolescents, and adults facing mental health challenges or developmental barriers. The combination of physical activity, emotional support, and social engagement found within equine programs positions them as a powerful complement to traditional therapeutic methods.