Ballarat Equine Assisted Therapies

Welcome

Ever feel a sense of calm wash over you when you’re around animals? Here at Ballarat Equine Assisted Therapies, we harness the power of that connection to create a unique therapeutic experience. Our core service, equine-assisted therapy, utilises interaction with gentle horses to foster trust, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. While building and experiencing a partnership on the ground with our horses can then be translated into valuable life skills. 

This approach complements a range of other evidence-based therapies we offer, including play therapy for children, animal-assisted play therapy, EMDR, and The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP). With art therapy soon joining our suite of services, we provide comprehensive support for children and adults seeking to heal from trauma, strengthen their mental health and build a brighter future.

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Services

Equine/Animal Assisted Therapies

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Counselling /Telehealth

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Play Thearpy

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EMDR / TRTP Trauma Therapies

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What is Equine Assisted Therapy?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) provides a innovative and hands on approach to counselling that supports clients of all ages in addressing therapeutic goals. This therapy helps clients with difficulties such as overcoming anxiety, depression, healing past trauma, loss of a loved one, personal growth and development. Clients benefit from this powerful therapy as they interact with the horses, they learn about themselves, their relationship styles and to recognize unhealthy patterns, build on their personal strengths and change their lives.

Sessions occur in a safe and natural environment, such as a paddock or arena with a trained and Certified EPA practitioner. There may be one or many horses participating in the session.

Why Horses?

Horses are a prey animals who have  develop finely tuned senses, to the degree that they can even read our heart beat and breathing rate. Their native language is body language. Therefore, they are experts at reading our non-verbal cues, giving clients direct, objective feedback about their non-verbal communication, underlying emotional and mental state,  even when we are not aware we are giving them.

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Horses have the natural ability to sense the emotions of others around them. Horses live in the ‘here and now’ and offer authentic, honest contact, free from judgement and interpretation.  This can bring even subconscious or suppressed emotional struggles into our awareness. With the help of our therapist one can then access and process the emotions, make sense of them and file them into memory , allowing the start of emotional healing.

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How does Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) work?

Horses have finely tuned senses such as hearing, smell and touch. While in a herd, horses sense each other’s feelings and naturally respond to each other via body language.  This helps the survival of the herd. 
Horses can also sense our emotional state, even when we are not aware of it.  This natural ability of horses is utilised by introducing a person/group of people to a small herd of horses. This is not about horsemanship or dominating the horses nor about riding, but about becoming a guest member of the herd.  Horses will then respond to what is going on for that person emotionally at this time. Our therapist can help them make sense of this experience. The experience occurs without words, and therefore, there is no risk of miscommunication via spoken language. 

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Equine Partners in Counselling

Relating with horses and accomplishing ‘tasks’ or activities with horses can encourage the development of skills and values that promote emotional health, ie patience, fairness, commitment, emotional congruence, clear communication, relaxation along with determination, clear and consistent boundaries.  Activities with horses and the learnt skills can be further explored with clients, then integrated into all areas of their life.

To make an appointment fill in the form below or phone us directly

Referral Form: HERE
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Equine Assisted Psychotherapies can help you with:

  • Increase self-awareness
  • Emotional Regulation
  • Confidence & self esteem
  • Communication skills
  • Increase problem solving skills
  • Improved assertiveness

People who access Equine Therapy enjoy the following benefits in a non-threatening environment to support:

  • Express feelings
  • Improve social skills
  • Manage anxiety and depression
  • Develop healthy coping skills
  • Grater resilience
  • Regulate your nervous system

EAP Can Help People Experiencing:

  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • ADHD
  • Greif and loss
  • Emotional regulation
  • Bullying

To make an appointment fill in the form below or phone us directly

Referral Form: HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all. No riding or horse experience is required. Everything is done at your comfort level, and you’ll be gently guided throughout the session.

Horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language. They respond honestly and without judgment, which can help clients become more aware of their feelings, patterns, and nervous system responses.

Each session is tailored to you. You may:

  • Spend time connecting with the horse
  • Engage in guided activities
  • Reflect on your experience with the therapist
    Sessions are gentle, experiential, and paced to your needs.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes (like boots or runners) are recommended.

Sessions typically run for 60 minutes, but this can vary depending on the program or client needs.

This depends on your goals. Some clients benefit from just a few sessions, while others choose ongoing support. This can be discussed during your initial consultation.

Absolutely. Equine therapy works beautifully alongside other therapies such as EMDR, animal play therapy, and nature-based art therapy.

Do you work with participants with trauma and complex needs?
Yes. We are experienced in supporting individuals with trauma and complex needs. Our approach is trauma-informed, client-led, and paced to each individual, with a strong focus on safety, emotional regulation, and building trust.

Sessions are tailored to your needs and may support areas such as nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and developing a sense of safety and connection.

Where appropriate, we can also work alongside your existing support team to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach.

No. Most sessions are done on the ground. This can include observing, leading, or interacting with the horse in a safe and supported way.

We work with kids and adults, equine therapy can be very beneficial for children and adults. Sessions are adapted to suit their age, needs, and comfort level.

Yes. Sessions are trauma-informed and designed to work gently with the nervous system, helping clients feel safe, regulated, and supported.

Equine therapy goes beyond talking. It engages the body and nervous system, allowing clients to process experiences in a deeper, more experiential way.

That’s completely normal. Many clients feel this way at first. You’ll be supported at your own pace, with no pressure to do anything you’re not comfortable with.

Sessions usually will go ahead in all weather conditions.  If it is raining, we recommend you wear a raincoat and warm clothes. If you don’t want to be in the rain, we have a small undercover area, or we can move to our rabbit enclosure or move into our therapy room.  

You can phone us directly and book your appointment time over the phone or you can fill in our referral form.  Once we receive your referral form, we will give you a call to organise an appointment.  

No, you do not need a professional referral. Simply give us a call or fill in the referral form yourself. 

NDIS Questions

Yes, we welcome NDIS participants. Equine Assisted Therapy can be a powerful support for individuals working towards goals related to emotional regulation, social skills, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

No referral is required. Participants must have relevant NDIS funding available in their plan and ensure the service aligns with their goals.

Yes. I am a registered social worker and counsellor. I charge under the social work line item: 15_621_0128_1_3

Yes, absolutely. Many of the people we support have experienced trauma or are navigating complex challenges.

We understand that healing isn’t about pushing or rushing—it’s about feeling safe first. Sessions are gentle, supportive, and always guided at your pace, helping you build confidence, regulation, and trust over time.

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Get In Touch

Meet Us

347 Swinglers Rd, Invermay

Call Us

0419 335 154

Email Us

info@ballaratequinetherapy.com.au

To make an appointment fill in the form below or phone us directly

Referral Form: HERE
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