From The Horse's Mouth
Where healing happens through honest connection.
Our Story
From The Horse's Mouth (FTHM) was born from a simple truth: sometimes the most powerful healing doesn't come from talking — it comes from connection.
Developed by Cheryl Forrest of Equestique Riding and Agistment, this program brings together a network of passionate organisations united by a common purpose: supporting those who serve, those who struggle, and those who simply need a different path forward.
We partner Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) with community groups who specialise in equine therapy, veteran engagement, and holistic support. The result? A program that meets people where they are — without judgement, without pressure, and without the clinical coldness that can make traditional therapy feel out of reach.
These are their stories
For many veterans, this program offers something rare: honest connection, a path to healing, and the chance to rediscover purpose after service. Through the patient wisdom of horses, participants find trust, transformation, and a renewed sense of identity.
Voices of Healing
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Jason Isaac, Veteran
"As you know, horses are honest and respond appropriately to the connection felt between both parties. In many cases it's probably the first occasion where veterans feel they're in an honest collaboration regarding their circumstances. The emotional connection and ability to learn new values towards purpose, meaning and identity for life to continue after service is shared between the veterans and horses. A moment with 'Billy' provides understanding without words. We both have lived experiences in extreme environments of training and performance driven outcomes. We're both dealing with hardships that injury has created, however it's an amazing and yet powerful connection through our lived experiences that provides a bond of healing."
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Colonel David Jamieson, President Ringwood RSL
"This program is sponsored by the Ringwood RSL Sub Branch and is designed to help particularly, veterans and their families better manage their mental and emotional health. Interaction with the horses provides an opportunity to build and experience a relationship of trust that can be a pattern for life. Participants are encouraged to set personal goals as a pathway to experience a more fulfilling life with their family and comrades. I wish you all the very best as you embark on this journey and trust each of you will have a positive life changing experience."
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Wrangler Jayne, Horsemanship with Heart Coach and Trainer
"Having guided humans for over 20 years on the path to creating healthy, happy relationships with horses, I can say that there is not a more humbling, yet empowering teacher than the horse. When the student is willing and their heart is open, the horse will offer the opportunity for self-reflection, joyful awareness and inner gratitude as the human's understanding, sensitivity and patience grows. Mutual trust, confidence and respect blossom, as the relationship is explored and the 'mysteries' of the horse unfold. Horses are clairsentient and when given the chance, give us insights into their world of all-seeing — where we stop 'doing' and start 'being'. Horses teach us to 'feel' rather than to 'think'. This can be extraordinarily revealing in so many ways. It's a mind, body and soul experience to be close to horses, when you match their cadence, and be in the moment. Oh, how the heart soars when we feel the beginnings of acceptance and love from our equine partner! It's truly magical."
Reading about an organisation only tells part of the story. The real measure is what happens when our partners, programs, and people come together in the field.
Seeing the difference horses make
The programs on this page grew from a belief that horses can help people heal, learn, and reconnect — with themselves and with their communities. Horse Sense EAL is one of our longest-standing partners, and their student program is one of the clearest examples of that belief in action.
This case study documents a real program, with real participants, and real outcomes.
Horse Sense — Transforming Lives Through Equine Therapy
A local partnership focused on strength-based community development. This program works with young people and uses horses as a framework for building confidence, emotional regulation, and trust.
Read the full case studyLink: /case-study-horse-sense
POST PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND OUTCOMES
Melanie - Mental Health Practitioner, at a Victorian Secondary School.
“The Horse Sense program was a huge success. This is a program we would like to continue offering to our students with communication and confidence challenges”
Quotes from staff
who attended
Horse Sense
“Can’t believe how confidently some of the kids handled the horses, I have never seen the kids like this before”
– Abbi
“Beautiful to see the kids interact with the horses, and how they were able to get the horses to trust them” – Mel
– Mel
“Loved how they interacted with the blind horse, they made the horse feel so safe” - Jeff
- Jeff
Hear from School Students who
did the the Horse Sense program
“I learnt to lead the horse around, he would follow what I said”
15 year old Student“When I talked the blind pony listened to my voice, and when I came back the next week he recognized me”
13 year old Student
“When can I do the program again”
14 year old Student
Learn More
Why Horses?
Horses are remarkably intuitive creatures. They don't care about your rank, your diagnosis, or your story. They respond to what's happening right now — your energy, your body language, your presence.
This creates something rare: an honest relationship. For many participants, it's the first time they've felt truly seen without having to explain themselves.
Horses don't judge. They don't demand words. They simply invite you to be present — and in that presence, healing begins.
What is Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy, also called horse-assisted therapy, is a form of therapeutic treatment where individuals interact with horses to support emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing.
Sessions might include grooming, leading, or simply being present with horses under the guidance of qualified facilitators. You don't need riding experience. You don't need to be "good with animals." You just need to show up.
Activities are tailored to your needs and comfort level. Some participants find peace in quiet connection; others discover strength through learning new skills. There's no single "right way" — just your way.
The Benefits
The unique bond between humans and horses creates a supportive environment where growth happens naturally — often in ways traditional therapy cannot reach.
Emotional Regulation
Learn to recognise and manage intense emotions in a safe environment.
Reduced Anxiety & Depression
Find calm through focused, grounding activities.
Improved Self-Esteem
Build confidence through achieving small, meaningful goals.
Social Connection
Connect with others who understand, without pressure to "perform"
Mindfulness & Presence
Practice being in the moment, not trapped in the past or worried about the future.
Physical Coordination
For those with physical challenges, improve motor skills, balance, and body awareness.
Resilience & Purpose
Rediscover meaning and direction through caring for another being.