The Healing - film viewing at Nelson Bay Cinema
Hunter Horse Haven Inc. wishes to announce that, in conjunction with Horse Aid a screening of the inspirational film documentary, “The Healing” will take place at 5.00 pm on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 at Nelson Bay Cinema.
This is an inspiring Australian documentary film directed by Nick Barkla and supported by the impact entertainment team at good.film.
Set in the Kangaroo Valley in NSW, it shows a week in a life-changing program where a group of veterans and first responders work with, and bond with, ex-racehorses with a goal of mutual rehabilitation. As the title suggests, the healing that happens between the horses and humans is nothing short of life saving.
The film has already had wonderful success, including sold-out festivals, international awards and features on ABC, The Guardian and more.
It’s difficult to convey the invisible connection between human and horse: an unspoken bond that’s forged in a mutual trust. However, that’s exactly the quality that Australian Director, Nick Barkla, sensitively captures in this feature documentary.
Even more remarkably, that trust between his subjects, has been built on a shared experience of significant trauma. While traditional equine therapy uses well-adjusted horses to help people, The Healing takes us behind the scenes of a powerful new program that works with traumatised thoroughbreds, as human and horse learn to trust each other.
The Healing introduces us to horseman Scott Brodie, Director of the Thoroughbred and Veteran Welfare Alliance, who runs his unique program - bringing together traumatised ex-racehorses with former military veterans and first responders, for their mutual rehabilitation.
It’s a pairing with an unexpected similarity. In their relentless quest for a champion, thousands of racehorses are discarded each year by the Australian racing industry, with many suffering trauma and misery. Likewise, after serving their country, thousands of Defence Force personnel retire each year - and, left with a lack of structure and often substantial trauma, many go on to experience mental health issues, homelessness and suicide.
The Healing is a timely film. It provides a gently powerful insight into why, tragically, THIRTY TIMES more Australian military personnel and veterans have died by suicide than have been killed in combat since the year 2000.
Through this screening we are hoping to raise awareness of the Horse Aid program to help support their life changing work and, more locally, to support the work of Hunter Horse Haven Inc who rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned, abused and neglected horses, including many ex-racing thoroughbreds.
Guest speakers will include Group Captain Nick Dyce-McGowan who will talk about his experience of the healing impact of working with horses.
Pre-event ticket sales only and the ticket price includes refreshments, wine and beer tasting courtesy of B.Farm at Murrays, guest speakers and the opportunity to meet and speak with key personnel from Hunter Horse Haven, Horse Aid, the Red Cross and military personnel.