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Violet's Rose proves a winner off the track

28 January 2021

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By Jordan Gerrans 

IMG-4966.JPGViolet’s Rose never did quite make it to the racetrack after two indifferent preparations.

But, in her second lease on life, now these days known as “Jane” in Lockyer Waters, the seven-year-old mare is making a much more profound impact on lives than what she ever could have at the races.

Owned and bred by Brisbane man Tony Bennett and previously trained by Barry Ashe at Ipswich, Violet’s Rose has retired to the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy facility at Lockyer Waters.

Run by Rachel Farr, who is a qualified Equine Mental Health Practitioner with a Post Graduate degree in Community and Youth Work, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Queensland aims to improve the life of people with a range of issues by spending time with and around horses.

As Farr explains, Violet’s Rose has become their “star”.

Violet’s Rose had two preparations as a race horse to try and get to her race day debut, but concerns around immaturity, shin soreness and getting agitated putting a bridal on slowed those plans.

Jane now has a second lease on life helping people in need and is thriving post racing career.

“What is unique about what we do is how people are responding to the thoroughbreds,” Farr said.

“We have other breeds of horses here, but thoroughbreds appear to be more in tune with people.

“To see where Jane is today, it has been an amazing journey and transformation.

“She has gone from being very shut down and now realising there is something more for her and she will not just be stuck in the paddock for the rest of her life.

“The horses are constantly being handled, reading peoples body language and giving feedback.”

Bennett, who worked for 30 years on the railways, has owned race horses for much of his life and has completely changed his opinion on human’s interactions with horses following Jane’s time at Lockyer Waters.

“You get attached to your horses, especially when you have had them since they are two weeks old,” Bennett said.

“She is an entirely different horse now, away from stable life.

“She is enjoying herself and even self-loads on the float these days.

“She has found her niche in life, the horse.”

Farr has 20 years’ experience working in the community services field and uses a gentle approach alongside her team of horses, she says.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Queensland works with people that suffer from disability, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, addiction, mental health concerns and relationship difficulties.

Farr’s clients can range from teenagers up to people in their 60’s, with as many as six horses on her property she works with.

“Horses are authentic,” Farr said.

“There are benefits for the horse and people, different clients will be drawn to different people and vice versa.

“It is different to normal therapy … everyone that spends time with horses will say they feel better after spending time with them.”

IMG-4970.JPGWhile disappointed at the time to not see Violet’s Rose go around on race day, Bennett is pleased his mare, by Globetrotter, is making a difference in the wider community.

“We quickly found out, early on, that she was very good at what she is doing now,” Bennett said.

“The people were connecting with her, I have watched these sessions and people that are stand offish – they get along well with the horse.

“It was interesting to watch the session.”

Farr says the interactions between clients and horses are about partnerships, with no riding involved, all their work is on the ground.

“Jane is just amazing in the work she can do with the therapy of our clients,” Farr said.

“She has become a bit of a star for us.

“This is a career that horses can still have if they do not make it in race, it is a dual purpose in life.”

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Queensland would be open to acquiring more former race horses, Farr says.

Farr first had her eyes opened to equine Psychotherapy after a loved one suffered from PTSD and spending time around horses created a sense of calm.