Horse therapy helping children and young people in Goulburn

Horses are helping children and young people in the Goulburn region recover from family violence as part of the Victorian Government’s $21 million investment in therapeutic interventions for victim survivors.

Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams visited Yea on 26 February to see firsthand how equine therapy is helping to improve the lives of victim survivors who have experienced trauma and are recovering from the long-term effects of family violence. 

The Minister met with a mother and her 2 children who have used the Horses Assisting You (HAY) program that is delivered by Nexus Primary Health, Primary Care Connect and FamilyCare.

The therapy model does not involve horse-back riding. Instead the participants spend time with the horses in a paddock and interact through activities which has shown to support trauma recovery by decreasing the symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.