The lifelong gift of horsemanship skills

Horses can teach humans a lot about resilience and emotions. And Mary Denton has made it her mission to use her animals to help others.

Mary Denton on her farm at Broadford. Picture: Zoe Phillips

There's a lot you can learn from spending time with horses, says Broadford’s Mary Denton.

And the 59-year-old rider would know better than most, for it was her horses she says saved her when she needed help the most.

Opening Ellamber Park Equestrian in 2019, Mary spends her days teaching women and young people living with disabilities vital horsemanship skills, riding techniques, competition skills and groundwork.

Through this, she can foster lifelong resilience and empathy in her students.

“Giving individual lessons is one thing. But that community aspect is something people are longing for,” Mary said.

Mary Denton with her horse named Prince. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“It’s a supportive and friendly environment, and we’re all like-minded. We all love horses.”

Establishing her own equestrian centre was a lifelong dream for Mary, who has been a riding coach since the 1980s.

But it’s a dream with roots in a deeply personal tragedy: in her early 30s, Mary gave birth to a stillborn baby, and spent a period of time grieving.

“I tumbled into not a nice time. But the horses were always there for me. They helped me out of that funk,” Mary said.

Mary went on to have two daughters, and reached a stage of life where she was ready to chase her dreams, and pass on the skills of resilience she herself learned from her animals.

“And it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Horses are my passion, and to be finally doing it, it’s very satisfying,” Mary said.

“Women need to hear that it can help them with their healing.”

A central focus for Mary is her NDIS work with young students, which started after she was approached by an NDIS support worker.

She now spends her days working alongside students with autism, ADHD and other learning difficulties, where horsemanship is helping teach them simple life skills.

“Even co-ordination and motor skills and becoming stronger … a lot can’t even lift a saddle. To watch their strength develop is wonderful,” Mary said.

“I can see so many positive, profound differences that can be made. It’s one of my great personal and professional achievements, without a doubt.

“I wake up every day and I’m happy to go outside. It’s wonderful.”

Mary Denton has been nominated for the 2024 Shine Awards, which celebrate the achievements of rural and regional women across Australia. Click here to nominate an outstanding woman you know.