Equine assisted learning was a last attempt to find something that connected with our (foster) son. I’d tried so many things, everything was just too challenging, and he struggled to keep up and wasn’t engaged. Our son is diagnosed with ADHD, autism and FASD (foetal alcohol syndrome). Honestly, I’d taken him to so many sessions and therapies this was as much about me going to something that I could enjoy too, we have horses at home, so it was a good opportunity to learn. The benefits have been amazing. What we’ve seen is his ability to communicate, connect and engage with his peers has improved significantly. His ability to use critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills has evolved. But most significantly has been has improved self-regulation abilities. We believe that this is the first therapy that our son has really engaged with, and Jo has an amazing ability to read the client and situation to maximise the benefits. She puts a lot of effort into targeting the sessions towards the areas that need work. And working with horses gives the client a non-judgmental space to practice life skills with immediate feedback from the horse both positive and negative without judgement or resentment IE when the client responds positively so does the horse. Jo has a magnificent team of horses and animals, amazing facilities in the most tranquil location. We now engage in community activities including pony club, and other memberships, we also see huge improvement in our family relationships, and we all enjoy things together through the help of Jo and the EAL sessions. I can’t recommend these sessions highly enough, and I really encourage where possible for the parents/carers to get involved as the learning opportunities extend to all involved.

'HI Jo, thanks again for looking at Theodore for me. Just wanted to say that what you did has made a massive difference to him!! Ive had two flatwork rides and a jump since then and he is so forward, light in the contact, bending and jump … the lift in his front end is crazy! No bucking into the canter transition! The only thing he has had that’s different is your bodywork session.

FROM THE TOOF DR HIMSELF
'It was back to the OG Tasmaniacs place yesterday with a day spent with Jo Pickett. Many many people make each years trip possible, however it was Jo who I originally met during a trip to Tassie on which I was teaching dentistry about a decade ago who bent my ear and created the trips which have in the end benefited so many horses here. And in the cascade which has been the follow on tours it was directly through Jo initially that I met so many of the other Tasmaniacs. Theres a story that I tell about one of those early years working on a patient who started out chestnut and finished up a bay … but if I was exhausted then Jo must have been equally as tired because she was doing as much if not more in the background to make those trips possible and it was only through a place of wanting to see as many horses as possible get the right help. It was nice to be able to work with Jo yesterday, and at the same time we could both relax a bit. Anyway I guess I wanted to acknowledge Jo’s fundamental role in driving these trips to begin with, meeting Jo Pickett has certainly had a profound effect on me and I think a lot of horses too.'

'Dear Jo. Long time no see. Im Junkyu. Thanks to you, Siha and Taeho are growing well. They became middle school students, not an elementary school students. As you always emphasized, they became students with respect and kindness. They miss you, too. So do I. We want you to be happy until we meet again. (and forever)'

'A big thankyou to Jo Pickett for looking after our horses today and every trim. Such attention to detail, absolutely top notch trimmer! Always on time, great communication to organise times that suit. Takes time and care with any issues, knowledgeable and supportive. AND, very good with cheeky chops Ted

'Awesome day out at Donovan Park training day with Jo Pickett with my gorgeous OTT Tiff. Such a great opportunity with on the ground and ridden work. Can't wait for the next one!'