UN-STABLE: Cost-of-living hits local charity

A Monarto charity offering rehabilitation to vulnerable horses and people has been hit by COVID and cost-of-living rises – leading to a call for support.

Lincoln Park Horse and Human Rehabilitation Centre lost “quite a few sponsors and donations” this year, as locals tighten their belts.

President Sonya Little is “crying out for help” to keep the place running.

“If things don’t improve soon, we’re going to have to downsize dramatically and that means I won’t be able to have as many people come through,” she said.

“It’ll be letting down a lot of people as well as a lot of horses, because where are they going to go? There are not many rescue places around at the moment.”

Horse owners have also had to sadly surrender their animals as they look for ways to cut costs.

“(They) are going through financial crisis and they can no longer look after their animals,” Ms Little said.

“This year, it’s really bad.

“With everything going up, a lot of people are finding they just can’t afford them.
“Horses are a luxury, and sometimes luxuries have to go when rent increases.”

The not-for-profit charity uses equine therapy, which is mutually beneficial for rescued animals and people with mental health issues and disabilities.

About 30 to 40 weekly clients come from a range of backgrounds, including domestic violence, PTSD, intellectual and physical disabilities, depression, children who are bullied, as well as those from the Aboriginal Sobriety Group and Mount Barker High School special education class. 

Many of the centre’s 56 horses were rescued, with some suffering neglect, abuse, or seized by the RSPCA.

Others are retired race horses and are rehabilitated before being rehomed.

As many horses are unable to be ridden, the animals mostly interact with clients on-ground such as agility games using gentle, natural horsemanship methods.

Ms Little said horses have a calming effect over people who mimic their bodies, and both horses and people can develop trust in one another.

“If they’re in a relaxed state, your heart rate, breathing and digestive system will slow down to match theirs,” she explained.

“After being with them, you can often feel quite relaxed – much more laid-back.

“It helps with learning to monitor your anxiety, controlling your emotions and self-confidence, because they’re handling a big animal and they can see how they move their animal around and build bonds as well.”

The benefits are widespread, with teachers reporting students are more productive in the classroom after sessions, and domestic violence victims have increased confidence.

“They can be quite shattered,” Ms Little said.

“I usually pair them with horses very similar and it becomes a building for both of them of confidence and trust.

“And for a lot of women, it’s a chance for them to do something for themselves for a change.”

Starting in 2017, the vet nurse, with a passion for helping horses, came to the realisation it could go hand-in-hand with helping people, and completed a diploma of counselling.

She is now supported by about 20 volunteers and her partner Lincoln, who the centre is named after.

“I love helping horses – I’m a passionate animal lover,” she said.

Volunteers are also being sought for 10am-midday every day apart from Wednesday and Sundays.

For further information, visit: (www.facebook.com/LPHHRC) or (www.lincolnparkhhrc.com.au).