“Spread your arms & hold your breath & always trust your cape”
Morgan Evans
Our Philosophy
HEROES for Humans believes in the innate ability of the horse to challenge, soothe, empower, and awaken the mind, body and spirit.
We partner participants with retired racehorses to explore the benefits associated with Equine Assisted Learning/Equine Facilitated Learning in a safe, nurturing environment where growth and change happen naturally.
Our Services
HEROES for Humans offers EAL/EFL from a picturesque 100-acre rural property at Myola (near Elmore) in Central Victoria.
Our sessions are available to anyone who is interested in learning more about themselves in partnership with horses and the program is flexible – participants may visit once, or on a regular basis depending on their individual aims and objectives. No previous horse experience is necessary.
EAL/EFL takes an experiential or hands-on approach to developing life skills which support educational, professional and personal goals.
Participants often build increased self-awareness and confidence, enhanced problem solving, decision making and communication abilities and/or heightened resilience and patience.
Potential outcomes may also include enhanced self-worth through recognition of personal competencies and nurtured ambition; the ability to set and maintain boundaries; and increased equine knowledge and understanding alongside basic horse skills development.
Through guided interactions with horses in an inclusive, non-judgemental and supported environment, HEROES for Humans participants have the opportunity to reflect, learn and grow at their own pace.
Session prices vary according to the duration and number of participants.
Phone 0407 413 156 or email heroesforhumans@gmail.com for further information, to discuss your requirements or to make a booking.
You can also follow us on Social Media for all the latest news and updates.
“No one is you, and that is your superpower”
Anonymous
Why Retired Racehorses?
HEROES for Humans is proud to provide an opportunity for horses who are no longer suitable for racing to enjoy a fulfilling, nurturing and nurtured life beyond the track.
Standardbreds particularly are known to have a brilliant temperament, level head, excellent work ethic and love of human interaction, making them the ideal EAL/EFL partner.
Our equine team comprises principally pacers and trotters however we recently added a very special Thoroughbred to the H4H herd.
Some were very successful racehorses boasting six figure stake earnings and Group One wins while others enjoyed mediocre racing careers.
All were much loved by their racing connections who were mindful, accepting and respectful of their welfare obligations and are thrilled to see their horses both excelling in a new vocation and giving back to the community in such a positive way.
HEROES for Humans likewise values the vital role our horses play, their honest and genuine feedback and significant contribution to the success of our EAL/EFL sessions
Meet Tanya
HEROES for Humans is an exciting new frontier for founder Tanya McDermott and the latest manifestation of her passion for supporting racehorses in their life beyond the track.
Tanya spent a significant portion of her working life with Harness Racing Victoria, in marketing and media positions prior to launching Harness Education and Rehoming Opportunities in 2015.
Under Tanya’s guidance, HERO grew to be recognised as the nation’s most innovative and progressive Standardbred life after racing project, blazing a trail for retirees to move on to a second career in a host of competitive and non-competitive roles including the rapidly growing Equine Assisted Learning/Equine Facilitated Learning field.
Tanya’s interest in EAL/EFL was sparked by her own experience with horses bred first and foremost for racing, and the sense of calm, focus and purpose they have brought to her life, particularly during times of personal challenge.
Formal study under world renowned EAL/EFL experts including Leif Hallberg (https://leifhallberg.com/) and AEFL – Elaine Russell (https://efl.net.au/) has consolidated her belief that there is universal benefit in guided human interactions with horses which provide an opportunity to reflect, learn and grow.
Tanya is never happier than when she is spending time with her herd, whether it be informal smooches in the paddock or riding the beautiful tracks surrounding her property.
She is grateful everyday for the companionship and wisdom of her horses, their extraordinary powers of perception and their ability to communicate with subtlety yet power.
Tanya is committed to ongoing education and training to further explore EAL/EFL and the vast possibilities it represents both personally and professionally.
She is a member of the International Institute of Complementary Therapists, is fully insured and has a Working with Children Check.
“We are the HERO of our own story”
Michael J Fox
Meet The Herd
NODDY (Kyvalley Mac NZ)
If Noddy were human, he’d be the class clown. Everyone would see his bold, confident personality and most likely overlook the kind, sensitive soul he prefers to keep well hidden. Noddy likes to have an opinion about most things but is as loyal and reliable as they come.
BOUNTY (Mutin)
Bounty is the newest HEROES for Humans recruit, joining us after a 47-start racing career which produced 2 wins and $90,000 in stake earnings. He is an incredibly gentle and kind Thoroughbred who thrives on human company and has a huge amount of love to give.
TOFF (Waikare Aristocrat)
When life gets tough, Toff is the friend you need by your side. Solid, consistent, honest and affectionate, he has a calm and thoughtful approach to most tasks and rarely gets flustered. A man of simple pleasures, he can down a bucket of molasses and water in record time.
ARMSTRONG (Illawong Armstrong)
Armstrong comes to HEROES for Humans with a very special story. He was gifted by the family of his late owner/breeder Martin Hartnett and identified as the perfect EAL/EFL horse because of his wonderful nature, big personality and love of humans, particularly young people.
TAS (Villagem)
Tas is a super friendly chap with a cheeky personality, especially at dinner time when he produces the most extravagant facial expressions. He’s tall (16hh) and quite self-assured, although he’ll happily line up for a cuddle and enjoys both equine and human company.
ARNOLD (Coyles Lane)
Like his namesake Mr Schwarzenegger, Arnold is an equine giant. He is a reserved soul who makes carefully considered decisions in his own time and on his own terms. Arnold has a gentleness that is very endearing and has much wisdom to impart to those who take the time to listen.
Contact Us
1164 McNamara Road, Myola VIC 3551
Ph 0407 413 156
Send Us a Message
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HEROES for Humans acknowledges and sincerely thanks the following photographers who provided website images: Racing Photos (www.racingphotos.com.au), Louise Sedgman, Josie Hayden, Ashlea Brennan, Stuart McCormick, Olya Tutova (42Beats) & Tanya McDermott. Logo Design: Nat Soulsby (http://www.soulsbydesign.com.au/)
HEROES for Humans 