Testimonials

I Love spending time with Rod and Deb at Horses Inspiring Humans. I was a little apprehensive before my first visit. I did not know what to expect or what would be expected of me. I was worried they might judge me for not knowing or behaving in the appropriate manner. I was also a little afraid of big horses. They let me get used to the pony’s prior to introducing the bigger horses.

I was relieved to find an environment where I was accepted and appreciated for who I am. I look forward to each session knowing I will leave relaxed and more able to cope with the week ahead. It is beautiful on the property with the rolling green hills, sparkling clean river and the horses grazing in the distance. The birds sing in the trees and there is a feeling if true peace and tranquillity.

The sessions are held in a large arena. You will work with one or two horses or pony’s dependant on your level of comfort and the nature of the days lesson plan. You learn as much about how to control your energy, how to relax and how to focus as you do on horsemanship and caring for our friends.

I am certain Rod is secretly a horse whisperer. The herd follow him and seek his approval. Deb is truly knowledgeable and has a heart of pure caring gold. They are incredibly careful to take the learning at your pace, so you will not be rushed into doing anything you are not comfortable with.

My favourite sessions are when I get to groom, feed, or just spend time with JB, Magic, Konan, or Sailor. They are affectionate and when they get to know you will come up to you for a snuggle. They feel your energy so will not approach you if they feel your anxiety. As you advance you will be introduced to other horses each with their own personality, likes and dislikes. The horses are a lot like people in this way. Dealing with the different personalities gives you confidence in dealing with all sorts of people.

Madison

My son has attended "Horses Inspiring Humans" for about 2 years. This has been one of the most significant programs to have helped my son who is diagnosed with autism. The program has been unique in the way it uses horses to develop confidence, compassion and understanding of social cues for my son. Caring for and working with a horse, learning about why it reacts in certain ways and gaining an understanding of triggers or cues has really helped my son with human interactions, social setting awareness and behaviour protocols. Gaining this knowledge through the program has given him confidence to interact more with people and engage more verbally. I'm very thankful for what the program has given to my son and continues in developing life skills for him. Damian.

I would like to say a big thank you to both Deb & Rod. Billy (Veteran) has started living again. He goes for a daily walk, is giving up smoking & is dealing with people so much better. He is more positive, enthusiastic & less anxious. It's such a pleasure to watch him. He absolutely loves his Mondays with the horses. I am so glad I saw your poster & rang you. Shirley.

When I first asked Ashton if he would like to do some work with horses it was a hard 'no'. They smell bad and can hurt you he told me. He decided to give it a go as long as he wasn’t riding and I was blown away with how awesome this was. To watch his face and emotions with the horse brought tears to my eyes. Deb O'Malley and her husband Rod have such a beautiful place out there and all the staff were amazing with Ashton. So if anyone is thinking about doing some equine therapy it’s a ten star review from me.

Emma.

Your program, patience and open arms gave me back the confidence I had lost over the years. Without your help, I wouldn't have become a foster parent. I wouldn't have finished TAFE. I wouldn't have regained my love for life. Thank you so so so much. I have my life back because of you two. 

Maddison

A sad day for Nautilus today as we realise we do not have our equine therapy today ☹

Thank you so much for enabling this program for our students. The students loved this and have all said how beneficial it was for them. The staff that attended were in tears as they described the transformation they witnessed with each student – words clearly inadequate to describe.

A heartfelt thank you!

Sharon

Deb and Rod and all their beautiful, amazing horses and ponies are making a huge difference to so many in our community. Our Maxine has been attending their programs for almost a year and the difference in her communication, self-regulation and confidence is amazing. I cannot recommend them highly enough. I would also like to say how wonderful the sessions are and how much Maxine is enjoying them. We are already noticing a difference in her confidence. She even came home from school the other day very excited because she had made a new friend.

Hana.

Thanks again so much for today. It almost brought me to tears to see how Ashton worked with the horse after coming from a place that there was no way he was going there. Look forward to doing some more work with you.

Paula.

I am asking for Ellie to continue with the ‘Horses inspiring humans’ program Weekly, which i have told them has assisted Ellie with emotional regulation (staying calm to help the horses be calm), recognising the horses’ emotions and responding appropriately, Developing and respecting boundaries with the horses and other people. It has also improved her patience, communication and confidence with other people.

Michelle.

Zoey just loves the program and I can see her confidence growing. Thank you, this is just such a wonderful thing you do! Many thanks.

Kim.