Finding Purpose: An Impact Response Guide to The Healing
Nick Barkla’s documentary shows a powerful and proven therapy in action. But once the credits have rolled, what can you do to continue the film’s message?
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What social causes does The Healing explore?
Animal Welfare, Survivors & Victims, War & Peace
If you’re struggling, help is available.
Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 Crisis Support or visit lifeline.org.au
If you’ve seen The Healing, you’ll know first hand why it’s such an important film–and how its message is driving much needed change in the areas of veterans affairs and psychological support services.
For many ex-servicemen and women, “traditional” therapies aren’t the right solution–but programs like Scott’s are proving to be vital lifelines. Many participants have credited their work with Scott’s horses as saving their lives.
With those kind of stakes, you might be wondering ‘What can I do on my own?’ But you can do some small individual actions that really matter.
Here’s a quick rundown of some direct steps you can take to keep The Healing’s momentum going–making a genuine difference to the lives of former frontline responders and ex-racehorses.
Donate to Horse Aid
You probably know by now that Horse Aid is the not-for-profit charity that runs the healing horsemanship programs that helped Mel, Max, Georgie and many other veterans with their mental health challenges.
But you may not have realised that Horse Aid runs these programs fully free of charge for the participants, and they still receive zero government funding.
That means Horse Aid urgently needs donations now to continue their programs today. Make a tax-deductible donation to help Horse Aid bridge the gap until their program receives official Department of Veterans’ Affairs approval.
Every dollar donated truly makes a difference to defence personnel & first responders’ mental health recovery, and helping ex-racehorses finding a new purpose after the track.
Tell a friend about The Healing
A picture says a thousand words, so it’s amazing the impact an hour documentary can have. If you know someone who’d benefit from the film, share this link with them to watch The Healing online. Every new pair of eyes helps the film’s message grow.
Leave a good.film Review
Sharing a personal connection is a great way to spread the word. Let other movie buffs know how The Healing made you feel by leaving a review on good.film. Short, long, or anything in between–it’s up to you.
Refer a veteran or first responder to Horse Aid
Since 2016, Horse Aid have helped hundreds of Veterans, Serving Defence Personnel and First Responders across Australia take life by the reins again. Their residential program gives veterans the opportunity to spend five immersive, transformative days learning horsemanship skills and experiencing the healing power of the human and horse connection. With further programs planned for 2024, Horse Aid are planning to help hundreds more participants find their purpose again. Do you know someone who could be one of them?
Host a Community Screening
We’ve had lots of interest from all over Australia from folks keen to host a screening of The Healing at their horse club, RSL, community centre or classroom - fantastic! We’re putting together a resource pack, including a link to the film, that anyone can use to host a screening in their own community. If you’d like to be on the list, hit the link below to send us your details.
Frequently asked questions
What is Horse Aid?
Horse Aid is a registered not-for-profit that was established to run
horsemanship programs using thoroughbred ex-racehorses who need
retraining for a second career to help veterans, serving defence
personnel or first responders with mental health issues like post
traumatic stress injuries.
How did Horse Aid start?
Horse Aid began in 2016 as the Thoroughbred and Veteran Welfare Alliance (TVWA) and was established by former mounted policeman, horse and riding instructor Scott Brodie working with British Royal Marine Commando Adrian Talbot.
The TVWA was borne of the belief that the treatment of veterans suffering anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress injuries needed far more work and fresh ideas. Adrian reached out to Scott to design an equine program in Australia that would be similar to those already successfully treating traumatised veterans in the UK. Many programs later, Horse Aid was formed from the TVWA as a registered charity in 2021—allowing a more efficient approach to fund raising.
Horse Aid’s mission is to meaningfully improve the quality of life for veterans, serving defence personnel, first responders and their families, and to provide retraining and second careers for thoroughbred ex-racehorses.
How is Horse Aid funded?
Horse Aid is funded and operated exclusively through private, individual donations and volunteer work. Horse Aid is a registered, tax deductible charity with the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission. Donating is the best way to support the heroes who have courageously served us all and provide a second chance for ex-racehorses. Visit this link to find out more about how to donate, arrange a bequest, fundraise, or volunteer your time to support Horse Aid.
Why is it important to retrain and rehome thoroughbred ex-racehorses?
Like military cadets, racehorses are taught and trained for a certain way of life: going round a track. Actually, they are bred to do that. They only know one set of skills, so without retraining, they have no value. That’s why so many ex-racehorses have no future other than being slaughtered for pet food.
Ex-racehorses can also be dangerous to handle unless their new owners and riders have plenty of experience. But with retraining, ex-racehorses can gain themselves a new future, with new careers as therapy horses, recreational horses or equestrian competitors.
Where do the horses that Horse Aid works with come from?
In their quest for the next superstar racehorse, the racing industry breeds far too many horses. As these thoroughbreds age out of racing, find themselves injured or simply don’t win often enough, the lucky ones are donated or sold to new trainers like Scott. But there are literally not enough trainers to rehome and retrain all the horses that are retired every year. The sad reality is that many of the horses end their lives at the slaughterhouse.
What happened to Sam who we met as a program participant in the film?
We’re happy to share that Sam is now living in Queensland and has recently become a father again.
Why doesn’t the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) financially support the work of Horse Aid?
Equine programs for veterans and first responders are supported in other countries - for example, the UK and the USA - however the DVA in Australia requires that stringent, evidence-based research be undertaken before they consider providing ongoing financial support. According to the DVA, they are “continuously monitoring the evidence and research relating to emerging and alternative therapies relating to PTSD". However, there is a catch-22 that Horse Aid needs to overcome: as ABC TV’s “The Drum” pointed out in November 2023, "It's chicken or the egg for these kinds of programs because without the funding they can't get the evidence base, and without the evidence base they can't get the funding."
What do we know about the mental health benefits from completing the Horse Aid Program?
From over 200 participants that have completed Horse Aid’s healing horsemanship programs for veterans, serving defence personnel and first responders, 83% reported experiencing a significant improvement in their overall mental health and wellbeing one year later, and 100% of participants experienced an improvement in both their purpose & meaning, and their sense of hope after three years. Dr Mel Baker’s Evaluation study of Horse Aid’s program is available to download here.
I’m a veteran or first responder, how do I get into the Horse Aid program?
Reach out to Horse Aid and learn more about their introductory and residential programs here.
Can Scott actually talk to horses?
Yep! At least, we’re pretty sure he can.
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