6 June 2023

Free equine wellbeing program launched in Cape York

| Matt Nicholls
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WHERE there is a will, there is a guided way.

That is the essence of the free program being run from Cape York’s Wolverton Station with the dynamic duo of Emma Jackson and the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Jos Middleton.

The two-day equine wellbeing program is for anyone across Cape York looking to build awareness and become more authentic with themselves.

It’s an opportunity to understand how to tune into your body, feel physical sensations that are messages of communication and recognise thoughts – however desirable or undesirable.

Emma and Jos work with you, offering evidence-based tools and strategies around what you then do with those sensations and thoughts, channelling them so they become helpful and productive.

“When you notice feelings and thoughts, you have more control and power over how you respond, emotionally and physically,” said Emma, who has lived on Wolverton Station for two decades.

“Your behaviours, whether intentional or unintentional, impact on everyone around you so building awareness helps shape your communication style, approach and response to any situation.

“Life is full of challenges. This program supports and guides you to create a ‘toolkit’ that will help you through any situation, be it one of conflict, anger, sadness or frustration.

“You will also be taught how to recognise those emotions and appreciate them for what they are – information.”

Emma is trained in psychology, health and fitness and relationship therapy.

Long-time friends Jos Middleton and Emma Jackson, pictured at Conquer the Corrugations, are joining forces to deliver an equine wellbeing program.

Long-time friends Jos Middleton and Emma Jackson, pictured at Conquer the Corrugations, are joining forces to deliver an equine wellbeing program.

She is a fully registered teacher, pulling together her ability to design and deliver learning programs for any outcome with equine learning.

Emma is also a certified Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner and began incorporating horses into learning programs a few years ago on the station, in the Archer River region, through her business, Swift FNQ.

Jos is a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse who works for RFDS Queensland.

She has more than 25 years of experience working in mental health and seven years of experience in Cape York.

Jos also offers mental health education to communities and leadership to the RFDS Mental Health and Wellbeing team across the region.

As a clinician, Jos is partnering with Emma to offer an incredible depth of knowledge and wisdom for anyone looking to develop and strengthen take-home evidence-based tools and strategies, supporting them on their journey for years to come.

The unique combination of both Emma and Jos’ knowledge and skills brings together high-quality, specially designed material underpinned by theoretical frameworks, which will be thoughtfully delivered.

“With a mental health and wellbeing approach integrated through the two days this collaboration also creates a safe space where private one on one conversations with Jos as a mental health practitioner can take place offering deep and continuing support if necessary,” said Emma.

“Everybody is generally aware of their physical health, but are you aware of your mental health?

“This wellbeing program is for anyone and everyone, over the age of 16 looking to connect with themselves and perhaps understand themselves a little more.

“All activities are ground-based so no prior experience with horses is necessary.”

To find out more, or book, visit www.swiftfnq.com/horse-wisdom

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