Equine Assisted Therapy

Our psychologists offer therapy with the use of a horse to improve the wellbeing and confidence in the clients we work with.

We believe animal-assisted therapies have many benefits for participants in all stages of life, and we encourage participants of all ages to engage in Equine Therapy as a social and capacity building activity

Benefits of Equine Therapy

Supports the development of social communication skills

Pursuing an interest in animals

Helps to motivate the client and engage in therapy

Can help with self regulation of emotions

(Guérin, Rodriguez, Brodhead, & O’Haire, 2017)

What we do

Jay works with clients in a natural and calming environment helping them to feel comfortable with a horse and to trust that they are safe. Clients focus on goals that are based on their individual therapeutic needs (for example NDIS goals).

Our qualified horse riding instructor ensures that clients use all the necessary safety equipment including helmets and safety boots . Clients begin by brushing and patting the horse to support them to feel comfortable with their new friend.

We then learn to sit safely on the horse and begin to enjoy the fun of horseback riding. Riding is done first in the safety of the all weather equine shed where the environment is predictable. There is a lot to learn about self regulation and building confidence by interacting with and learning horse riding.

Once clients are more comfortable riding they are able to take a trail ride in the natural surroundings while practicing the skills they have learned.

During each session Jay will be helping clients to reflect on and learn valuable skills including, teaching perspective taking and theory of mind concepts, emotion regulation and self advocacy skills. At the end of each session Jay will sit with clients and reflect on the session and what they have learned.

Who could benefit?

Participants of all ages

We believe animal-assisted therapies have many benefits for participants in all stages of life, and we encourage participants from 6+ to engage in Equine Therapy as a social and capacity building activity.
What does a typical consultation look like?
Group Equine Therapy Classes

Equine-assisted therapy sessions are a professional and innovative approach to counselling, psychotherapy and mental health that supports clients of all ages in addressing therapeutic goals (emotional, cognitive, behavioural and disability issues, and mental health conditions) with horses as assistants, co-facilitators and teachers in this process.

The diverse and safe equine experiences that our trained practitioners offer clients may include observing and meeting the horses, grooming and leading experiences, mounting experiences and riding experiences.
How it works?
Participants attend a class in a group of 6-10 people of a similar age. We offer classes of various age groups to encourage positive social interaction between participants.

A psychologist facilitates the session and leads the group through various therapeutic activities, including riding and grooming the horses.

Therapy is delivered throughout the session, and participants have the chance to meet others of a similar age and develop their social skills in a natural environment.

Age groups

Adults (18+)

High school (14+)

Middle school (10+)

Primary school (6+)

Class information

Each class runs once fortnightly

Group Equine Therapy classes run across each school term (ie. 5 sessions per term)

Cost: $812.50 per term (ie. 5 sessions)

Everything you need for Equine Therapy class including helmet, boots, horses and an instructor will be provided.

Participants need to wear enclosed shoes and comfortable leggings or jeans.

Where?
Cherbon Waters Equestrian Centre
121 Cherbon Street
Burbank QLD 4156
Why choose equine therapy?
- Age-based group classes support development of social and communication skills
- Animal-assisted therapy addresses therapeutic goals
- Supports development of confidence and emotional self-regulation
- Participants are encouraged by pursuing an interest in animals
- Participants are motivated to engage in therapy
How to Enrol?
Contact us about upcoming places in our social groups.

Contact Us

Guérin, N. A., Rodriguez, K. E., Brodhead, M. T., & O’Haire, M. E. (2017). Assessing Preferences for Animals in Children with Autism: A New Use for Video-Based Preference Assessment. Frontiers in veterinary science, 4, 29-29. doi:10.3389/fvets.2017.00029