Herd Harmony

Registered nationally with the Australian Not-for-profit and Charity Commission, Herd Harmony operates from Wilindi Estate, at Tyabb on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Every year in Australia, around 23,000 horses take their last breath in slaughter houses. These horses endure a one-way trailer ride to an unimaginable fate, and the most painful & cruel death. Herd Harmony rescues horses from auctions and neglect situations. These horses are often in terrible condition; sick, starved and tossed away.

Horses & ponies are purchased from sale yards in livestock auctions.  Herd Harmony will bid on horses that are receiving interest from the meat processors.  Without Herd Harmony intervention, these horses will be killed within 2 days following the auction.

As horses arrive at Herd Harmony, they do so with a history of unknown trauma. After a period of quarantine, medical and behavioural assessment, these precious souls are allowed time to ‘decompress’ and relax without anything being asked of them.

Miriam says “We believe if humans can change their perspective that animals are property, and instead that we are their guardians, It is then we create an opportunity to respectfully & kindly connect in their way”. This is the key to the Herd Harmony rehabilitation ethos.

During this period, Miriam will spend time with them and observe. So much can be learnt through their responses and communication to their daily care. By watching subtle cues, facial expressions and interactions with both the humans and the herd, it is possible to respond to the horses and let them know we are listening.

Miriam believes, every horses experience is different but all, by nature, seek connection and safety. Providing these animals with time, safety and a willingness to communicate and connect is vital in creating a solid foundation for the rehabilitation process to begin.