Flemington

22 Rehab4Rehab is leading the way in evidence-based equine therapy program, offering a unique style of clinical psychology minus the clinical setting, and with the addition of retired racehorses who are proving extremely adept at breaking down barriers. Clinical Psychologist Joanna Paterson has always appreciated the value of the human connection with horses, but it’s never been more apparent to her than now that retired racehorses are changing - and saving - young lives. As Head Of Therapy at Rehab4Rehab, Joanna treats some of the most vulnerable children suffering from the most severe forms of mental illness, and it’s changed her view on therapy. “I’ll never do therapy with a child or teen in a clinical room ever again,” she says. Rehab4Rehab is Australia’s most advanced evidence-based equine therapy program, offering a unique style of clinical psychology minus the clinical setting, while also helping injured racehorses through their recovery. Sadly, many children who attend Rehab4Rehab do so as a last resort, because traditional therapy hasn’t worked for them. “We find that when kids aren’t under a spotlight and expected to disclose personal information, they are far more likely to open up and engage in meaningful conversations,” Joanna explains. Founder Alisha Griffiths says that more often than not something remarkable happens when a child meets a horse at Rehab4Rehab, leading to life-changing outcomes. “We see the profound impact of equine therapy on children every day. We’ve seen non-verbal kids speak for the first time, we’ve seen suicidal kids turn their lives around through our programs; it’s amazing what can happen when the pressure is off.” THE PERFECT MATCH: RETIRED RACEHORSES CHANGING YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIVES BY BELINDA MEYERS EQUINE WELFARE