How Do I Access Equine Therapy Under the NDIS?

Quick answer: To access equine therapy under the NDIS: first confirm it aligns with your goals and circumstances, then discuss it with your support coordinator or LAC. They can identify the right funding category (therapeutic and social horse programs are funded differently), help you find a suitable provider, and assist with service bookings.

This article is general in nature and should not be read as personal professional advice. Always seek the opinion of your trusted advisors. This article is provided as general information by Heartfelt Support, a provider of equine therapy and related horse activities in Adelaide, South Australia.

Equine therapy — also known as horse therapy or hippotherapy — is a form of therapy in which participants interact with horses to achieve therapeutic goals. It can be an effective support option for people with a variety of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. Here’s how to access it through the NDIS.

Step 1: Determine whether equine therapy is right for you

Before pursuing equine therapy through the NDIS, it’s worth considering whether it fits your personal needs, goals, and circumstances. This includes thinking about whether you’re interested in working with horses, any physical or medical factors that might be relevant, and what therapeutic outcomes you’re hoping to achieve.

A conversation with your doctor or healthcare professional can help clarify whether equine therapy is appropriate for you. Your GP, psychiatrist, or occupational therapist may have views on whether it aligns with your current treatment or support goals.

Step 2: Talk with your support team

If equine therapy sounds like the right fit, the next step is to discuss it with the people managing your NDIS plan. This might include your Support Coordinator (if you have one), your Plan Manager, your NDIS planner, or your Local Area Coordinator (LAC). They can help you determine whether equine therapy is a good use of your NDIS funds and whether your current plan includes the right categories of support.

Your Support Coordinator in particular can be a valuable guide here. They’ve usually helped other participants navigate similar questions and know what’s likely to be approved and what isn’t.

Step 3: Understand which type of program you’re eligible for

There are different types of horse-based programs, and the distinction matters for NDIS funding. Make sure you find out whether you’re eligible for a clinical equine therapy program or a social horse program. At Heartfelt Support, for example, we offer a Multi-Disciplinary Team Equine Therapy program as well as a Horse-Centred Wellbeing social program. These are funded differently under the NDIS.

Your Plan Manager and Support Coordinator should be able to tell you what funding you have available, what suits your goals, and how often you’d be able to participate in your chosen program.

Step 4: Find a local equine therapy provider

Once you know what type of program you’re looking for, search for providers in your area. There are a number of organisations and practitioners offering equine therapy services in South Australia and across Australia. You can search online, ask your Support Coordinator for suggestions, or contact us directly if you’re in the southern Adelaide region.

It’s also worth noting that not every equine therapy provider offers the same programs. At Heartfelt Support, our horse programs are focused on emotional and mental health support — we don’t offer horse riding and don’t cover physical rehabilitation. If physical therapy is your primary goal, you’d be looking for a different type of provider.

Step 5: Make contact and ask questions

Once you’ve identified a provider, get in touch to discuss your needs and what they offer. A good provider will take time to understand your situation and be honest about whether their program is the right fit for you. Not every provider is appropriate for every participant — and a provider willing to say that openly is usually a good sign.

Availability and accessibility may vary depending on your location and other factors. It may take a conversation with more than one provider before you find the right match. That’s normal, and worth the time.

A video introduction

If you’d prefer to watch rather than read, there’s a short video version of this information available on YouTube: How to access equine therapy through the NDIS.