EQUINE THERAPY PROGRAM – SOUTH QUEENSLAND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM Mates4Mates is running a 5 day residential course over the period 23 – 27 February 2015 in the stunning countryside around Mt Tambourine on the Gold Coast. All participants will need to be at the accommodation on the evening of Sunday 22 February, ready for an early morning start on Monday 23 February 2015. Staying in accommodation on Mt Tambourine, you will be able to share dinner and experiences in a relaxing location with other Mates and our trained staff. About the Equine Therapy Program Evidence shows that equine therapy helps people to control anxiety, depression and other emotional challenges to build trust and confidence, improve physical wellbeing, and enhance social skills. The bond between horse and human has proven highly therapeutic for many people who may otherwise find it difficult to communicate with others. Our equine therapy program allows participants to build support to deal with anxiety, fear and frustration and allows them to focus on the present to reduce emotional escalation. Each day will offer a range of graded activities, from a simple herd meet in the paddock, to quietly observe natural horse behaviour, through to handling horses and some graded riding activities. Also, there will be demonstrations on training horses using natural horsemanship techniques. No prior horse experience is necessary. An important part of this therapy program is the debriefing session, which will be conducted every day. This gives each participant the opportunity to reflect on the day and share with others. Dates: Arrive at Mt Tambourine 4pm Sunday 22 February 2015 Finish around lunch time on Friday 27 February 2015 Meals and accommodation are included. EOI’S CLOSE 30 JANUARY 2015 Equine Therapy - Expression of Interest Form Page 1 This form is to register your interest in participating in the Equine Therapy Program from 23 – 27 February 2015 on the Gold Coast. Submission of this Expression of Interest (EOI) does not guarantee you a place on program. EOI’s close on 30 January 2015. Successful participants are expected to be notified by 6 February 2015. Mates4Mates is dedicated to helping the Wounded, Injured and Ill (our Mates) and their families now and into the future. As a charity, we must distribute our limited funding wisely and therefore we can offer only a small number of spaces to those we hope will receive the most benefit. This EOI will be part of a selection process to determine the final participants. Therefore, it’s important you provide enough information on this form about how your inclusion on this activity will assist in your rehabilitation. All information collected on this form is confidential and is used by Mates4Mates employees only, including our appointed Equine Therapy Facilitator (Equine Encounters Australia). All personal information is kept secured and will not be shared with third parties without your permission. Your Personal Details (please print clearly) Name: Mobile: Email: Home Address: Are you currently registered as a Mate? If not, please submit an application. YES / NO Are you current or ex-serving? _________________________________________________________ Media Opportunities So that we can raise awareness of Mates4Mates and bring attention to some of the issues our Mates are dealing with, we often look for media opportunities to “advertise” our free services and to let the general community know that Mates4Mates are here to help. This is also part of our fundraising strategy, which ultimately allows us to provide these free services to our Mates and their families. Would you like to be involved in any public affairs or media opportunities? YES / NO Fundraising – Everyday Hero It would be great if our Mates could help support the invaluable work we do here at Mates4Mates. Would you be willing to fundraise via our Everyday Hero website? YES / NO Equine Therapy - Expression of Interest Form Page 2 Why would you like to join the Mates4Mates Equine Therapy Program? Please describe how you will benefit from participating in this activity. If you are the family member of one of our Mates, please tell us how your participation on this program would assist the Mate. Equine Experience: No experience is necessary to participate in this program. However, if you do have some experience, please let us know what type of riding you have done in the past (eg recreational, jumping, dressage) and how long it’s been since you’ve had any contact with horses. Please return the completed form to Mates4Mates by 30 January 2015 Email – enquiry@mates4mates.org Fax 07 3262 8453 Equine Therapy - Expression of Interest Form Page 3