“The Remount team only use Kent Saddles as they provide all levels of rider experience with comfort and confidence. The saddles are also comfortable for our range of horses which of course is so important”
– Ben Maguire –
In 2013 when The Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach hosted a major campdraft, Ben and Marina Maguire saw first-hand the power of the horse to heal. Colonel John
Mayer from the US Marines was in Australia at the time and chaperoned some veterans who mounted up to assist managing cattle at the event. John had previously run horsemanship programs in the US for veterans struggling with PTSD and encouraged Ben and the team to support this initiative.
When Ben & Marina moved home to Yass NSW with their daughter Harriette, the inspiration John provided encouraged them to explore supporting veterans on a regular basis. After connecting with many like-minded people in the region, Remount was formed and commenced operations in 2016. It has since hosted over 300 people and their families creating many life-changing outcomes for those that attend.
Remount is not-for-profit, and no one pays to attend. Although Remount now enjoys some corporate support, the program was initially funded by the community which is hosted on the Maguire family farm “Gunben”. Veterans, or Drovers as they are colloquially referred to, stay on the farm, and learn skills such as leather work as part of the experience.
It is supported by community-minded people who want to share their love of horses and the bush and give back to people who have served our country. It is the team of volunteers giving their time and horses that has made Remount so successful in achieving breakthroughs for those that attend.
Remount provides a real “circuit-breaking” opportunity for people suffering PTSD, depression, isolation or lack of self- esteem as a result of their service. Breakthroughs enable change in people’s lives that often have long lasting effects.
This main impact is found through teaching the language of the horse, then building a relationship with the horse. As a new team, the Drover then spends time mustering cattle, applying the new relationship skills they have developed with the horse. The rest comes down to spending time with good people, providing some country hospitality and acknowledging their commitment of service to our nation.
Remount has hosted people from all across Australia and has plans to take teams of veterans further afield on the road and broaden their experience on larger stations where possible.
For more information visit www.remount.org.au
and facebook.com/remount.org.au