Equine Therapy on the NDIS: Your Complete Guide in Adelaide
If you’ve ever wondered whether equine therapy can be part of your NDIS plan, you’re not alone — and the short answer is: yes, it can. But like most things NDIS, it depends on a few factors.
Let’s break it all down, in plain English. Whether you’re new to equine therapy or just looking to understand how it works with your plan, this guide will help you get the full picture — and yes, Heartfelt Support offers both therapeutic and non-therapeutic horse programs for NDIS participants in Adelaide.
🐴 What is Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy involves structured interaction with horses to support emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing. It can help with everything from confidence building to anxiety management and sensory regulation.
It’s not horse riding lessons. It’s not just patting ponies. It’s something in between — and in the right setting, with the right practitioner, it can be life-changing.
👉 Is Horse Riding Part of Equine Therapy?
🧾 Can You Access Equine Therapy Through the NDIS?
Yes — but it must relate directly to a goal in your NDIS plan. That’s the golden rule. If your plan includes goals around emotional regulation, community participation, building confidence, or improving physical health, equine therapy may be a valid support.
It generally falls under “therapeutic supports” or “capacity building” funding. You’ll need:
- A therapist or practitioner who can provide reports and outcomes
- A planner, LAC or support coordinator who understands the value of outdoor and animal-assisted therapies
💡 We’ve supported plenty of participants to include equine therapy in their plans — talk to your support team, or we can help.
🎯 What Are the Benefits?
Equine therapy isn’t for everyone — but when it works, it really works. Horses are sensitive, non-judgemental animals. They reflect human emotions and provide immediate, honest feedback — which is incredibly powerful in therapy.
Some of the benefits include:
- Better emotional regulation and reduced anxiety
- Improved physical coordination and core strength
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Greater social connection
👉 How Horses Make Us Feel Good Physically
👉 Equine Therapy for PTSD
🌿 Equine Therapy That Suits You
Not all equine therapy is the same. Some people prefer group sessions, some prefer quiet one-on-one time. Some work with full-sized horses; others get incredible results from miniatures.
You might want to try:
- Traditional sessions with grooming, groundwork, and gentle exercises
- Sessions with miniature horses, perfect for indoor or lower-mobility environments
- Outdoor therapy programs, ideal for sensory regulation and fresh air
👉 One Horse or Many?
👉 Using Miniature Horses
❄️☀️ What About the Weather?
Great question. Equine therapy is outdoorsy by nature — and yes, Adelaide does serve up a full seasonal menu.
But we don’t let weather get in the way of great outcomes.
👉 Equine Therapy: What to Do About Winter
👉 Safe and Enjoyable Outdoor Therapies
👵 Is It Just for Kids?
Not at all. Equine therapy is incredibly effective for adults and older people, particularly for reducing isolation, building confidence, and staying active in a gentle and engaging way.
👉 Equine Therapy for Ageing Gracefully
🌾 Looking for a Non-Therapy Horse Experience?
Not everyone wants or needs formal therapy sessions — and that’s okay. At Heartfelt Support, we also offer Horse-Centred Wellbeing: relaxed, social sessions focused on calm connection and positive experiences with horses.
These sessions can be incredibly valuable for building confidence, reducing isolation, or simply enjoying time outdoors in good company (horse and human). They’re perfect for participants who might not need clinical support but still benefit from gentle, animal-based engagement.
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
Like other NDIS supports, equine therapy is priced per hour or session, depending on the provider and what’s involved. It’s usually similar to other allied health or capacity-building services.
We’ve broken down the typical costs here:
👉 How Much Does Equine Therapy in Adelaide Cost in 2024?
💡 And yes, it can be part of your NDIS plan if it’s aligned with your goals and documented appropriately.
🎨 Not Sure if It’s the Right Fit?
Equine therapy is powerful, but it’s not the only creative therapy out there. You might also consider:
- Art therapy
- Music therapy
- Or a combination
👉 Which One: Art, Equine or Music Therapies?
❤️ Why Heartfelt Support?
At Heartfelt Support, we don’t just provide equine therapy — we live and breathe it. Our programs are gentle, trauma-informed, and designed to be engaging and uplifting. Whether you want to work with a miniature horse, build confidence, or just enjoy a peaceful moment outdoors, we can tailor sessions to suit you.
Looking for a more hands-on and natural way to support emotional wellbeing? Explore our equine therapy approach here.
🚀 Getting Started
Want to explore equine therapy — or our Horse-Centred Wellbeing programs — for yourself or someone you support? We’d love to help.
📞 Contact us today
Or have a chat with your support coordinator and mention Heartfelt Support’s equine programs.