by Tanya McDermott
The newest graduate of Harness Racing Victoria’s HERO Program will have an important job in his life after racing.
Four-year-old gelding Hercules is the latest addition to the horse herd at Global Hoofprint, an equine assisted therapy group based at Yackandandah in Victoria’s far north east.
Hercules was gifted to Global Hoofprint by the HERO Program, which recognises both the importance of projects that focus on mental health and the therapeutic value of time spent with horses.
HERO Manager Tanya McDermott recently completed a certification seminar in equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning with US instructor Greg Kersten, who is a pioneer in the field.
Global Hoofprint director Jodie Whish-Wilson said her organisation’s mission was to utilise horses to improve the mental, physical, cognitive or emotional health of individuals, groups and society.
She explained a key component of her work was preserving the dignity, integrity and health of the horse.
Kirinari Community Services, which supports the Global Hoofprints horse program, sent client Jamie to visit HERO HQ to inspect the new recruit and he gave him his stamp of approval.
An impeccably-bred son of Bettors Delight and the Christian Cullen mare Joys Underworld, Hercules was a $52,000 yearling purchase in New Zealand and finished the first phase of his life under the care of the Jayne Davies stable at Clyde.
He lacked the ability to make the grade on the track and subsequently joined HERO where he was re-educated for riding.
The Davies stable has a proud history of rehoming its retired racing Standardbreds dating back more than two decades.
Past success stories include Penny Veejay, Hurricane Jett and You Two Bono, while the newly retired Come Out Swingin is presently in HERO retraining.
Hercules will be utilised for both ridden and in hand work with Global Hoofprint clients.
A pleasure harness career is also on the agenda for the affectionate former pacer whose small stature and solid build make him the ideal candidate for the diverse role.
“We are very excited to welcome Hercules to the team,” Jodie said, adding that there is a nice synergy between her work and the aims and objectives of the HERO Program.
“Global Hoofprint is proud to provide this opportunity to a retired Standardbred.
“We love the breed’s calm temperament and, given his fantastic foundation, I feel confident that with ongoing development and training, Hercules will become a valued part of our equine family,” she said.
“I commend and congratulate all involved with HERO for their commitment to Standardbred life after racing.
“These horses have enormous potential to excel in so many different equestrian fields given the chance.”
For further information and to see Hercules in his new life, follow Global Hoofprint on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlobalHoofprint/ or visit their website www.globalhoofprint.com
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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