Six years ago my son had a motorcycle accident in Indonesia that left him 100% blind and with a severe traumatic brain injury. He has no memory of his life and has trouble laying down new memories. He now has a refractory seizure disorder and aphasia, so communication is very challenging. For six years my son had little interest in doing anything much in the community, and despite many attempts we had no success in finding him an interest.

And then we met Spud! Rod and Spud have become the highlight of our week, and the changes in my son in this past 12 weeks is incredible! He’s now going to the gym once a week so he’s strong enough to ride, and this last week he mounted Spud from the ground completely independently for the first time like he’d done it a million times before. His confidence in dealing with people has improved, his energy levels, his desire for more independence, we even did the 5km walk in the Sunshine Coast Marathon! Rod has the most amazing way with people and each week has a new challenge for Luke that will stretch him, but safely, and in line with the skills that he’s picking up each week.

I’m so grateful to Rod and Spud for so much! Not only for giving my boy something to look forward to all week for the first time, or the physical and health benefits of riding, but it’s the transformation outside of riding that has been incredible to watch. and it doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon! 🐴🤎

"Rod has been teaching me all about horses for about 16 years now. When I say “teaching me about horses” I mean everything! Horses are a very honest animal.

Rod once told me there was no more honest animal, and it's true. Horses are like mirrors. They allow us to see what’s in our hearts, minds and souls by feeding it back to us like mirrors. In that way, I find horses allow me to centre myself and reset.

Rod Herman is great at catering to whatever you need. I know my mum is too afraid of horses to ride but she has ridden once or twice on one of Rod’s horses (Shorty) and eventually Shorty found his forever home with us! He’s a valued part of the family.

So if its just brushing the horses, patting them, learning a bit about them or even riding them for some horse therapy, Rod is your guy! He’s a well-rounded horseman. He shoes his horses, takes care of them and rides them in different riding styles from English to Western.

There’s nothing he doesn’t know or do with horses! He has even taught my sister and my dad. In fact, my dad who hadn’t ridden since he was younger (and even then just riding bareback around a farm) was able to ride half wild horses in Mongolia for a 1000km after 6 months of training with Rod!

Rod himself even competing in said race! A true gentleman, with a no-nonsense attitude, he will give it to you straight.

Thanks for everything Rod!

From the Becker Family."

"My sessions are the highlight of my week and Spuds Place is definitely my happy place. What I have gained from my sessions is priceless and I cannot put into words how grateful I am to Spud and the team for what they have done for me."

"I found Spud’s Place wonderful and very suited to my individual needs. I was impressed by the setup, organisation and professionalism at Spud’s Place, as well as the individual, customised support. Spud was easy to ride and responsive to my care, which was part of the session."

"I began my journey at Spud's Place several months ago. I am a mature woman with a chronic auto immune disease called scleroderma. This condition means that among other disabilities I have very limited movement.

However, when it came to interacting with Rod and Spud, my riding journey was calm and very enjoyable. We spent the first months interacting with Spud, the quietest horse I have ever met, learning about safety and a bit of slow walking all under the watchful eye of Rod.

I am now moving onto a bit of free riding using specially designed reins. I wholeheartedly recommend Spud's Place as an experience to encourage socialisation, independence confidence in a safe and fun environment."