Explore Equine Assisted Therapy

Equine assisted therapy offers a grounded and respectful approach to emotional and social support. Set in the natural surrounds of the Blue Mountains, it brings people and horses together in a space that invites awareness, presence and connection. In this post we’ll walk through the core benefits of this work and who it may support.

What Is Equine Assisted Therapy?

Equine assisted therapy involves guided interactions with horses. It doesn’t rely on riding or horsemanship skills. Instead, it’s about being in relationship with horses through simple, everyday interactions such as walking alongside them, observing their responses or spending quiet time in their presence.

Horses are highly sensitive animals. They respond to the energy, emotions and body language of the people around them. Through this responsiveness, they invite us to notice what’s going on in our own bodies, thoughts and patterns without judgement or pressure.

How Can Equine Assisted Therapy Help?

Support with emotional regulation

People experiencing anxiety, overwhelm or past trauma often find the presence of horses calming. Their steady, non-verbal responses can help bring a sense of safety and support, allowing space to tune into what’s being felt physically and emotionally.

Confidence and self-awareness

Engaging with a horse, even through simple tasks like leading, brushing or standing nearby, can bring up emotions and thoughts that reflect how we relate to ourselves and others. Over time, noticing these patterns helps build trust, both in ourselves and in the world around us.

Improving social and communication skills

Horses respond best to clear, respectful communication. Working with them can offer a real-time way to explore boundaries, cooperation and mutual respect. In group sessions, participants also practice working together, sharing space and supporting one another through different experiences.

Gentle physical engagement

Many equine-based activities involve movement like walking, bending and staying balanced on uneven ground. These small physical demands help with coordination and body awareness in a natural way, without the pressure of formal exercise.

Time in nature

The setting of equine assisted therapy matters. Being outdoors and surrounded by nature can offer its own form of regulation. For many, just arriving at the paddock and hearing the wind or watching the herd creates a sense of calm and grounding.

Who Might Benefit?

Equine assisted therapy is suitable for children, teens and adults. It may support those who:

• Experience anxiety or find it hard to regulate emotions

• Are neurodivergent and benefit from sensory-based, non-verbal engagement

• Have experienced grief, trauma or loss

• Find traditional talk therapy hard to access

• Are looking to build social connection, communication or confidence

Getting Started

If you’re considering equine assisted therapy, here are a few steps to begin:

• Find a local practitioner: Look for someone who offers a grounded, relationship-based approach with a safe space for both people and horses

• Have a chat first: Many practitioners offer a phone or in-person consultation to see if it feels like the right fit

• Set intentions: You don’t need fixed goals, but a general idea of what support you’re seeking can

  be helpful

• Come as you are: There’s no need to have horse experience or any expectations, just curiosity and openness

• Commit gently: The work tends to build over time. Regular sessions can support deeper insight and change

Why It Matters to Work with a Qualified Practitioner

Equine assisted therapy is not the same as horse riding lessons or general animal experiences. A trained therapist brings knowledge in areas like emotional regulation, trauma and safe relational work. They know how to read both people and horses, ensuring everyone stays supported and safe.

Finding a Program

Here are a few things to look for:

• Qualified practitioners: Check for mental health or counselling qualifications as well as experience working with horses

• Safe facilities: The environment should be well-maintained with clear processes around safety and consent

• Authentic approach: Look for programs that prioritise relationship over technique where the focus is on connection not performance

• Word of mouth: Feedback from others can help you get a sense of the experience and whether it aligns with what you’re seeking

A Closing Note

Equine assisted therapy isn’t a quick fix or a magic solution. It’s a way of creating space for noticing, connecting and learning alongside a sentient, responsive being. For many people, this kind of space has been hard to find elsewhere.

Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or someone you care about, this work offers something quietly powerful — the chance to show up as you are, in relationship with another living being, and start from there.