Currumbin Waters retirees visit equine therapy centre

Currumbin Waters retirees have had an upclose and personal experience with ex-race horses as part of an equine therapy program for veterans.

Bolton Clarke Galleon Gardens retirement village residents were taken through the unique experience of the Horses4Heroes program at Wacol as part of Bolton Clarke’s partnership with Wounded Heroes.

Residents were introduced to two of the horses, spending time with them and experiencing for themselves the impact the horses can have for veterans living with PTSD.

Resident and former doctor Heather has spent much of her working life treating veterans and said experiencing the program for herself was invaluable.    

“As a former doctor, veterans are close to my heart because I used to treat a number of veterans,” Heather said.

“In fact, when I was a medical student I used to see many from World War I which was an absolute priviledge, so they have been part of my life for a long time.

“This has been a great experience, I can see what they mean about horse therapy calming people down – animals seem to do that.”

Bolton Clarke is partnering with Wounded Heroes to support their vital work with veterans and Heather and her fellow residents are now adding their own contributions to the cause after visiting the Horses4Heroes.

“A few of us are quilters, so we are excited to start making blankets that the team can hand out to veterans,” Heather said.

Recently residents from the Bolton Clarke Rowes Bay community in Townsville also visited the Wounded Heroes café and op shop showing their support.