Equine assisted therapy can support people with a large variety of mental health concerns including:

• Depression and Anxiety

• Neurodiversity (Autism & ADHD)

• Social Skills

• Emotional Regulation

• Grief and loss

• Bullying

• Low self-esteem

• Communication skills

• Recognising and managing boundaries

• Relationship difficulties

• Attachment issues

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Behavioural issues

• Learning difficulties

• Improving resilience

• And much more…

Get in touch to discuss your needs and book a session.

While we recognize the significant benefits of equine therapy, there are occasions when alternative activities may be more suitable. This could be due to inclement weather conditions or when our clients are interested in exploring different options. In such instances, we offer a variety of nature-based activities, including:

• Nature walks: Exploring local trails and observing wildlife in their natural habitats.

• Art projects: Utilizing natural materials like leaves, rocks, and twigs to create eco-friendly art.

• Gardening: Participating in planting, weeding, and harvesting in our therapeutic garden.

• Playing sports: Engaging in light outdoor games such as kicking a ball or flying a kite.

• Bird watching: Learning to identify local bird species and their calls.

• Forest bathing: Practicing mindfulness while immersing in the forest atmosphere.

• Rock balancing: Building stacks of stones, which can be meditative and enhance focus.

These activities not only diversify our therapeutic offerings but also deepen our clients' connection with nature, supporting holistic well-being.

Arrival and Introduction:

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by our friendly staff who will give you a brief tour of the facilities, introduce our therapy horses, and discuss the safety protocols. This is a great time to ask questions and express any concerns you might have.

Initial Connection:

You will spend the first part of the session getting to know the horse/s you will be working with. Don’t worry if you have no prior experience with horses; our skilled facilitators are here to guide you through every step. This phase is about establishing trust and a comfortable relationship with the horse.

Therapy Activities:

Equine and nature therapy involves a range of activities, which may include:

• Guided interactions with the horse, such as grooming, feeding, or leading, which help build confidence and reduce anxiety.

• Reflective or therapeutic walking, either with the horse or in nature, allowing you to process thoughts and feelings in a tranquil environment.

• Observation and interaction exercises that focus on the horse’s behaviour, helping you gain insights into your own emotions and reactions.

Reflection and Relaxation:

After interacting with the horse and spending time in nature, there will be a period of reflection. This is an opportunity to discuss your experiences and feelings with your therapist, who will help you understand and integrate what you’ve learned during the session.

Closing:

At the end of the session, we will review the session briefly, discussing any insights gained and setting goals for future sessions if applicable.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Closed-toe shoes are essential for safety around the horses.

A water bottle to stay hydrated.

An open mind and heart.

All activities are done from the ground. Some examples of things we may do with the horses include:

• Walking or sitting with them

• Obstacle courses

• Observing herd behaviour

• Grooming

If you are just after riding please try: https://www.facebook.com/people/Williams-Run-Riding-School-Wynyard/100083056854493/

All our sessions are conducted outdoors, and currently, we do not have access to sheltered or indoor therapy spaces.

We often proceed with sessions in light rain, so please bring a waterproof jacket to keep comfortable.

In the event of severe weather, sessions may need to be cancelled for safety. Should this occur, we will make every effort to inform you at least one hour prior to your session's start time.

We understand that schedules can change and unexpected circumstances arise. However, in order to efficiently manage our resources and ensure availability for all our clients, we kindly request adherence to our cancellation policy.

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will incur a fee equivalent to 50% of the full session rate. This fee compensates for the time set aside for your session and helps maintain a fair and functional scheduling system for all clients.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

We are not NDIS registered, however, we do serve many self-managed or plan-managed clients. We encourage you to check if your plan covers therapy services.

Our services can be billed under NDIS Item Number: 15_056_0128_1_3

Some clients are eligible to receive funding from Medicare when they have a Chronic Disease Management Plan from their GP.

This covers $58 per session for up to five sessions. Please note that gap fees apply.

To access this benefit, ensure the plan is made out to Sefronia Oakes, Credentialed Mental Health Nurse. Use Item Number 10956, or Item Number 81325 for clients who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.