Back on the horse

After witnessing the mental health benefits of bonding with horses – as used to great effect by the Mates4Mates Equine Therapy Program – Thuringowa RSL Sub Branch has established a weekly opportunity for veterans and their families to interact with these healing animals.

The first event was held in September 2018 at the Bartlett Park Rodeo for Prostate Cancer. The children of local veterans rode at the event to support the cause and raise awareness for leukaemia. Among the riders was Abbey Christie, a child of two local veterans and a leukaemia sufferer.

“Emotions were definitely running high that day,” Thuringowa RSL Sub Branch Vice President Nic Topp said.

“Abbey’s determination to ride for her cause was incredible.”

Held every Sunday afternoon, Thuringowa RSL Sub Branch’s equine therapy group enables veterans who have completed the Mates4Mates program an ongoing opportunity to interact with horses in a safe, friendly environment. The group will also offer the opportunity for veteran families and children to benefit from the experience.

For more information on this program, contact Vice President Nic Topp on 0478 675 564.