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I'm an Animal Assisted Activity Practitioner, running a miniature pony visitation program for aged care, hospice, palliative care and hospital settings across the Central Coast and Northern Sydney, NSW.

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Credentials:

• National Police Check

• Certificate in Equine Therapy

• Mental Health First Aid Certificate

• Horse Safety Australia — Module 1: Risk Management & Module 2: Horse Handling Fundamentals

• Currently studying dementia care subjects with the Wicking Dementia Research & Education Centre

• Current Public Liability Insurance

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My Story

 

Horses have been part of my life since I was five years old, growing up in New Zealand - riding, then owning and competing through my teens.  When I moved to Australia, life took over and horses took a back seat for almost thirty years.

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That changed when we were lucky enough to buy a forested property on the Central Coast, and I brought home a couple of miniature ponies, more out of love for the breed than any grand plan.

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Around the same time, I visited my grandfather in aged care with my dog Gus.  The response from him and the staff around us was something I'll never forget.  The room lifted, just because a dog walked in.  It made me wonder: could a mini pony do the same thing?

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It turns out, they absolutely can.

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That question became Ponies of the Forest.  What started with two ponies has grown into a herd of seven, each at their own stage of training and visiting.  Buddy, our most experienced pony, leads the way, with Lorelai close behind on her first visits - and a couple of the herd happily settled as trusted companions rather than visiting ponies.

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Why I Do This

What I love most is the reaction when someone sees a pony at their door - faces light up, there are looks of disbelief, wonder and awe.  There are tears of gratitude, memories from times long past, and laughter at those crazy rainbow shoes the ponies wear.

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I'm passionate about animal welfare and about the small, unexpected moments of joy that make a real difference - to the staff working hard in aged and health care, and to the seniors whose day is made brighter by finding a pony waiting in the hallway.

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Every visit is built on the wellbeing of the ponies as much as the people they meet; calm, willing animals, handled safely and with care.

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Book a Visit

If you'd like to bring some sunshine to your community, facility or ward,  I'd love to hear from you.