Life-changing Cudlee Creek fire trauma inspires Manes for Change
Two Hills women who came together racing to save horses’ lives in the Cudlee Creek bushfires have teamed up again in the hope they – and their horses – can do more good for people in pain.
Adelaide Hills
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Jo Harmer and Bec Jeyaseelan are the first to admit that the December 20 Cudlee Creek bushfire changed their lives forever.
Not only were the two women instrumental in saving around 25 horses from properties across the Adelaide Hills but they helped save a woman’s life.
“I knew of Bec and she knew of me but we hadn’t actually met until the fires but we had an instant connection when we met,” Ms Harmer said.
“It all started with Bec posting on Facebook saying she had just evacuated seven horses from a property, so I messaged her asking where she was – as I needed help – and she said Paracombe, whereas mine were more inland.
“Despite that, and even though she didn’t really know me, she came over to offer her help and together we ended up evacuating 10 horses that day.
“The next day, Bec got a call from another property to help evacuate another eight horses from a property the fires had gone through. So we spent the day in Woodside where it happened that the horse’s owner collapsed and we had to provide CPR till the paramedics arrived.”
The experience has led to a new-found friendship between the two women – so much so, they’ve decided to start a business together.
In March this year, Manes of Change hosted its first equine therapy program in Paracombe with the help of two of their horse mentors and bushfire survivors, Cloud and Tiny T.
“It was from that experience that we realised we work really well as a team and started talking about starting a program for youth or those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress,” Ms Harmer said.
“I found since moving to Adelaide that there are a lot of fantastic equine programs but I wanted something a little different, something that was a bit more about horsemanship and that would allow people to open up in a relaxed setting.”
While Ms Jeyaseelan has an education background and Ms Harmer trained in Equine Assisted Therapy, the Manes of Change program is anything but clinical.
“Our sessions are mentoring sessions with the horses as the mentors,” Ms Harmer said.
“While we have structured programs, sessions can be adapted to whatever suits – be that for work team building exercise, a child’s birthday, family sessions our couple sessions.
“It’s about letting the horses’ assist people getting in touch with their emotions and potentially help them work through certain issues.”
Members of the public can access the program by calling 0421 086 881 or by emailing manesofchange@gmail.com
