Who We Are

It was here that Judy experienced firsthand the dramatic positive changes that equine based therapy, similar to EFL, had on several clients she worked with.

Since this time, Judy has had the drive and passion to begin her own journey to help those at risk and suffering trauma using the interactions of horses and donkey to benefit her clients. Her hands-on work in this area has enabled her to become specialised in managing challenging behaviours in young people and those who have been the victims of trauma and abuse.

Judy grew up around horses, competing in pony clubs, gymkhanas and trail riding and has been a horse lover and owner from the age of ten.  She has always been fascinated by the way people interact with horses and how their mental state can be transformed in a positive way when in the presence of a horse.  Her interest in the power of horses to transform lives has led her to combine her horse knowledge with the technique of Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL).  In 2015, Judy obtained her qualifications as certified EFL Facilitator.  She currently owns two horses (Mr Moe and Jed) and two miniature donkeys (Wonka and Plonka) with her husband John at their Elphinstone property, which will be the ‘happy hooves’ role models to benefit clients.

Since taking the Equine challenge he has been involved in horse rescue and rehabilitation, natural horsemanship clinics and attending training days to improve his knowledge and skills. John also joined the Creswick Lighthorse Troop and attended (on horseback) a number of RSL functions, Street Parades and Funerals to commemorate the 100 years of World War 1.
John’s leadership style and ability to quickly build a rapport with people inspires confidence of those that come in contact with him and their horses. John has attended the EFL Level 1 course and plans to work alongside Judy providing the Happy Hooves experience.

Franklin’s goal that the horse and human become partners through the inspired and excellent leadership of the human. Additionally, his desire is that the horse be honored and highly respected within any horse – human activity. He was an outfitter and wilderness guide at his ranch on the island of Maui for 30 years (Adventures on Horseback), along the way creating The Maui Horse Whisperer experience. This was the first Equine Facilitated Learning program in the Pacific basin and one of the first in the US. He is credited in Your Horse Magazine 2004, UK’s premier equine magazine, as being the first person to introduce EFL for children with a learning disability to the UK. Additionally, about that same time, he is credited as the first person to bring EFL to Australia. He founded the Australia Equine Facilitated Learning Pty. Ltd. (AEFL) several years ago. With his Training Through Trust DVD, filmed in 2005, he created the first video documentation of EFL for children with learning disabilities. For many years before the Natural Horsemanship bandwagon and craze he taught his brand of gentle, effective horsemanship (Beyond Natural Horsemanship, Successful Training through Compassion, Wisdom, Skill and Trust) and EFL in seven countries annually. For over 25 years Franklin has been published internationally in various print media outlets. Other media credits include: podcasts, webinars and numerous television and radio appearances, on the topics of horse training, horsemanship and Equine Facilitated Learning. He even acted in a western movie titled September Dawn starring Jon Voight. He has recently released his first two volumes of a five book series, eBooks entitled Trust ‘n’ Horses. They is available, along with numerous DVDs, podcasts, radio interviews, essays and more through his website.

Russell has been responsible for planning and speaking at events such as; Bundy Busk, Youth Week, Battle of the Bands and skateboarding competitions. Russell received personal reference recommendations from both the Youth Development Officer and the Bundaberg Lord Major, for any future employment opportunities he may embark on for his reliability, drive and passion to help others.
After relocating to Victoria, Russell again continued his volunteering with the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Development Officer, YO Bendigo, The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion and Headspace. At Headspace, Russell has been an activity Youth Mentor attending meetings and assisting Headspace staff, when time permits, with organising events for the young people of Bendigo, such as an Under 25’s Car Show where Russell used his photography skills as well. Russell has assisted the Great Stupa of Universal Passion with their major fundraising events such as Vegecarian Festival & Versak Festival of Light, where he also was a photographer for these events.
Russell now comes to volunteer at Happy Hooves Experience after attending the Level 1 EFL training and he is constantly building on his horse skills to assist in this area. Russell’s enthusiasm and passion to help others and play with horses at the same time, is a welcome addition for Happy Hooves in the future.