THE healing power of horses in helping people with disabilities and individuals who have been through trauma such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness has been given a boost.
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Horses Inspiring Humans, located at Hyndmans Creek near Port Macquarie, was started by Debra and Rodney O'Malley in 2016.
The business helps people build their confidence and self-esteem, develop emotional control and self-discipline and develop healthy relationship skills while interacting with horses.
Individuals and groups are referred to the programs by schools, occupational therapists, mental health teams and other services.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the business owners were assisted by the NSW government's Business Connect program.
"The owners attended Business Connect workshops to understand the NDIS audit process and that helped them gain verification as an NDIS provider and continue operating," Mr Tudehope said.
"The Business Connect advisor helped them develop a business plan and connected them to additional government support."
Horses Inspiring Humans operates alongside the couple's charity, Learn from Horses.
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey MP congratulated the O'Malleys and thanked them for the work of their business and charity.
"This unique program is delivering positive results for people in need on the Mid North Coast," Mrs Pavey said.
"We are privileged to have Learn From Horses delivering life skills to people who can then go on and make their way in the world."
Mrs O'Malley, who was a Lifeline counsellor for a number of years, said gaining NDIS verification has allowed the business to continue its work with people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD and other conditions while improving their life skills and knowledge of animal care.
"We have 24 horses and ponies and they all have different personalities and they're matched to the personalities of the clients handling them which allows the client to learn the effect they have on others," Mrs O'Malley said.
"We discuss communication, body language, de-escalation techniques such as breathing and self-soothing, social skills, respect and trust for others during sessions."
Mrs O'Malley said the operation has now grown to employ four staff and is operating seven days a week.
"Often clients come back to volunteer and mentor others. To see them come back and enjoy themselves with others is awesome."
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