Flemington

24 “Having a human on their back, it’s all they know,” Alisha says. “One Won’t Hurt will be banging at the gate wanting to come out and connect with the children, and Eraset will stand at the gate waiting for his therapy session. It’s incredible to see the connection on both sides.” Rehab4Rehab is now an Off The Track Acknowledged Retrainer and part of Racing Victoria’s RESET program, while also a registered charity helping children from all walks of life, even if they are unable to afford the therapy themselves. Beyond the benefit to children and retired racehorses with limited options, Rehab4Rehab is on a mission to spread the word about the value of thoroughbreds after racing. “We are showcasing to the community - non-racing people included - how valuable retired racehorses are. We’re trying to change the narrative of the way people see these horses. We also want the industry to see the program in action, and we’d love to get to the point where equine therapy can be integrated with stable and staff wellbeing programs in the future. “It’s a very powerful win-win for the racing industry and the health industry. We’ve got the system - the demand is there, we just need more therapists, more locations and, of course, more horses to go through the program.” EQUINE WELFARE “I’LL NEVER DO THERAPY WITH A CHILD OR TEEN IN A CLINICAL ROOM EVER AGAIN.”