5 Minutes With… Mel Ashford

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A love of horses, lived experience with mental ill health and a genuine desire to help people led Mel Ashford to start Pynmanto Equine Encounters, offering Equine Assisted Learning to groups and individuals at a private property just north of Townsville.

Tell us about yourself and your business.

Throughout my childhood and early adult years I worked with a variety of animals – cattle, sheep, emu’s, ostriches plus many more. I never really had the opportunity to interact with horses, other than sneaky pats with my son at the local horse paddocks. I always found them kind and majestic but to be honest rather intimidating.

2017 was the start of my love affair with horses. First I met Candy, the rescue horse that was finding her feet – just as I was… Then a few weeks later I was introduced to Pippyn, who taught me so much and started me on a path of self-discovery, learning and love.

I am now an Equine Psychotherapy Institute Certified Practitioner, offering Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions. EAL is a unique Trauma Informed method of experiential learning where clients are offered safe experiences both emotionally and physically with our herd of four wonderful co-facilitators.

Comanche, Toa, Arayah and Peaches support clients sharing their wisdom of self-awareness, self-regulation and non-judgmental interspecies relationship. We offer one-on-one and group sessions along with Self Care Sunday sessions, all with the support of the herd and nature. A real place to reconnect with yourself.

***Mel with Toa, the youngest member of the herd***

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a business owner?

Believing in myself! Luckily, I have a supportive group of friends that remind me I CAN DO IT!

What is a fun fact about yourself?

I used to race Moto X and competed in Qld Flat Track Titles in Townsville.

I have worked as a Mental Health Peer Worker for the last 2 years. I’ve tried so many different roles, but working as a peer worker and as an EAL Practitioner are by far the most rewarding roles.

I have two adult children.

I got my first horse at age 43!

I had the opportunity to leave a retail management role to work in a remote Indigenous community alongside Traditional Owners. This gave me a deep appreciation and more attuned connection to nature and all its healing properties.

***Peaches is the newest member of the team***

What is the best piece of career or business advice you ever received?

Be consistent, Be authentic, Just be you.

There are so many people out there in a similar situation to where I was, lost, alone and struggling with mental health challenges, looking for something. I’ve learnt that I’m not broken, and by learning to value myself and my experiences, I am able to authentically show up to support others.

Oh, and having a tribe of wonderful supporters is the best!

Going forward, what is next on the cards for your business?

I’m currently studying a Diploma of Counselling, further developing my current individual and group offerings, as well as planning a range of new services to support clients in 2023.

Dates have been set for Self-Care Sundays and Full-Moon Mindfulness group sessions, with plans in place for Paint with Ponies (think along the lines of Sip and Paint but in nature supported by the herd) and Half-Day Retreats.

We are awaiting a shipment of Djembe drums and percussion instruments to commence regular “Rhythm 2 Recovery” sessions, along with incorporating these into Self Care Sundays, Retreats and 1-on-1 sessions. These have been proudly purchased due to a sponsorship from a community member.

For updates, please visit my website and follow my socials, or contact me via " target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">email if you would like more information about our services.