We’re ok in the “mane”
Announcement posted by Blaze Strategic Solutions 08 Oct 2020
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. With more than 50 very large mouths to feed and no income since March, this small family business is looking at how they can best serve their community rather than themselves as Victoria looks down the barrel of ‘COVID-normal’.
Iconic trail riding business, Gunnamatta Trail Rides on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, closed in March due to COVID-19 restrictions and hasn’t been able to reopen. They lost 20 staff and like many others, their livelihood simply dried up overnight.
The difference for this family however is the team of 50 plus horses they must feed, vet and care for.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t fit into any of the categories for government assistance – believe me we tried! - we’ve had to rely on friends, family, our savings and the community to feed and care for our beautiful horses,” according to Karen Alija, Gunnamatta owner, business women, amateur western Reiner and horse lover.
“We could have shut the business down I suppose and walked away but that ‘just felt wrong’. I can’t imagine a world without Gunnamatta Trail Rides; it’s been around for decades and is a Victorian icon,” said Karen.
“Instead of sinking into hopelessness and despair – although I have to admit there have been moments! – we’ve spent these last months looking at our business and preparing to pivot to provide something that is both close to our hearts but also critically important to Victorians and Australians alike - developing resilience.
“We have been working on a new wellbeing program called Mane Insights that allows individuals and teams to work with our amazing horses to learn resilience, coping, communication and connection.”
Ms Alija reinforces that the program is not about horses or therapy; it’s about working with horses - that boast more than 50 million years of experience in resilience, leadership and adaptability – to teach people about themselves and their impact on those around them.
“We’re not looking to run a therapy centre; rather, we’re developing Mane Insights as a community hub for Victorians,” said Karen.
“We want Mane Insights to be a sanctuary for its members; a place where people can come to unwind, recharge and learn about themselves with no pressure or expectations.”
Mane Insights is currently seeking crowd funding to help build an eco-pod facility on the Gunnamatta Trail Rides site. https://www.pozible.com/profile/mane-insights
ENDS.