Elaine Delaney spent her childhood riding horses through the hills of the far south coast of New South Wales.
So, she says, the ability to train the animals is in her blood.
“My grandfather had one arm and was an amazing, natural horseman, so I just have got some of his genes,” Ms Delaney said
“From an early age, when we were competing with the horses and trail riding, I realised there was something more we could do to help others.”
It was decades in the making, but when Ms Delaney and her husband Mike retired to Laggan on the NSW Southern Tablelands, their dream to help others came true.
Holistic horse therapy
In 2021, the couple turned their property into a holistic horse equine assistance provider.
“It’s a non-verbal way of spending time with horses,” Ms Delaney said.
“I’ve always used natural horse training, and I’ve never used force, so our horses are very used to a loving environment.”
Visitors include those involved with NDIS, people suffering from mental health issues and others who want to get over their fear of being around large animals.
Parents from the city also bring their kids to give them an experience of being around animals and a taste of country life.
“It may be just grooming the horse, patting the horse, talking to the horse, leading the horse around and sometimes it could be riding,” Ms Delaney said.
“There are many animals being used to work with people with mental health issues to allow them to be in a place of stillness or healing.
“I recognise the joy that being around horses can have on people.”
Experience with horses
The Delaneys have spent years working with their four horses and ponies to get them confident enough to spend time with visitors.
There is Prince, a 22-year-old Arabian gelding and Tessy-Rose, a grey mare.
Some visitors prefer to spend time with the smaller Welsh mountain pony, Claudie.
“Horses are very empowering to be around, and the horses truly love having humans here,” Ms Delaney said.
Health benefits
In the two years since people started visiting their property, the couple has seen for themselves the impact it has.
“NDIS carers bring people to us, and we all see for ourselves the huge benefit for them of being around horses,” Ms Delaney said.
“Just the touch of a horse can put the most amazing smile on a person’s face.”
But there can be those who are initially reluctant.
“One young girl came with a group of NDIS students, and when she arrived, she sat on the ground and said, “I hate horses,'” Ms Delaney said.
“After a little while, she got up and got close to a horse and had her head leaning against one of the horse. It was beautiful to see.
“I have overflowing joy doing what I do, and I get to share what I love with other people.”