An emerging therapy in America, Lisa was sceptical about replicating Monty Roberts’ approach: “So I went to the
L I F E A F T E R R AC I N G
Have a heart
Equine Psychotherapy Institute at Daylesford and learned how to bring horses into the therapy space effectively and genuinely." Founded in 2018, Racing Hearts is an Equine Assisted Therapy practice based in Moorooduc on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The original practice is located at Graybrook,
With many in our communities in need of mental health support, Racing Hearts is making a valuable contribution, writes JO MCKINNON.
L
isa Coffey has found her calling in life – and that's working with Thoroughbreds to assist people
a 30 acre purpose-built property with multiple paddocks fitted out with horse shelters. The property has a dedicated sand arena for horse training and therapy sessions, as well as a farmhouse. Racing Hearts also has a base at Pakenham, with
as well as for Racing Victoria’s equine welfare department.
plans to expand into the NSW’s Hunter Valley and Queensland. As an Equine Assisted Therapy practice,
for various stables including Peter
After suffering a riding injury, she studied counselling and psychotherapy while recovering, ultimately deciding to combine her love of horses with her interest in therapy and to specialise in Equine Assisted Therapy. "I was coming to the end of my time at Racing Victoria and had qualified as a counsellor, and I thought one of the issues that needed addressing was what happens to retired racehorses who were not suited to jumping or pretty
Moody, Mick Price, and Ciaron Maher,
enough for the show ring.”
horses with special needs."
struggling with psychological issues. Mental health is at an all-time low for many Australians, especially since COVID, and she's making a positive difference through her charitable organisation Racing Hearts. Originally from Ireland, Lisa made the move to Australia in 2009 and worked
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Racing Hearts is the first of its kind in Australia, not only offering therapy to humans but retraining retired racehorses to act as ‘assistant practitioners’, while at the same time helping them find new homes and a new life after racing. "To date, we have rehabilitated more than 100 retired racehorses. We work alongside Racing Victoria with a focus on their Reset Program, which caters for
