Horse-centred wellbeing for NDIS participants in Southern Adelaide
Meet Astro – our Disability Support Pony. Horse-centred sessions that build trust, calm, and connection in a way that’s hard to find anywhere else.
What is the Horse Wellbeing Programme?
The Heartfelt Support Horse Wellbeing Programme uses structured, horse-centred activities to support participants’ wellbeing, confidence, and emotional regulation. Sessions are delivered in a safe outdoor setting with one-to-one support from trained staff.
This isn’t riding for sport. These are purposeful, calm interactions – grooming, leading, breathing alongside, and being present with Astro – that give participants a unique pathway to connection and regulation.
- Reduce anxiety and build emotional regulation
- Develop patience, confidence, and trust
- Experience unconditional, non-judgmental connection
- Improve focus and mindfulness through present-moment engagement
- Build social skills in a low-pressure, natural setting
Astro, Rocky & Vik
Astro is an Australian Saddle Pony – the heart of our programme and the face participants come back for. Small enough to approach without fear, gentle enough to calm even the most anxious participants, and perceptive in a way that surprises everyone who meets him.
Joining Astro are Rocky (miniature horse) and Vik (Shetland Pony). Together they form a genuine herd – and for many participants, spending time with them is unlike anything else in their support plan.
No other NDIS provider in Adelaide offers an equivalent programme.
Who the programme suits
Psychosocial disability
Participants managing anxiety, depression, trauma, or mental health challenges often respond to horse interaction in ways that traditional talk-based support can’t replicate.
Autism spectrum
The predictable, non-verbal nature of horse interaction – and Astro’s calm presence – can be particularly effective for participants on the autism spectrum.
Intellectual disability
Structured activities with Astro support skill building – patience, sequencing, care routines – in a motivating, hands-on environment.
Anyone who loves animals
You don’t need a diagnosis that “fits.” If spending time with a gentle pony sounds good, talk to us. That’s enough reason to start.
How to access the programme
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1
Send a referral
Use our referral form or call 1300 522 160.
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2
We get in touch
We’ll learn about the participant and discuss what might work for them.
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3
A gentle introduction
First sessions are low-pressure. Meet Astro. No expectations.
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4
Regular sessions
As the participant and Astro build a relationship, sessions become more structured and purposeful.
One of a kind in Southern Adelaide
Astro, Rocky, and Vik are a genuine programme differentiator – no other NDIS provider in Adelaide offers equine-centred support delivered by a trained team with horses like these. Heartfelt Support has been running the Horse Wellbeing Programme since 2023.
- NDIS provider – self-managed and plan-managed participants welcome
- Telstra State Finalist, Embracing Innovation – 2023 & 2025
- Telstra State Finalist, Building Communities – 2025
- Southern Adelaide based team
- Participant-led approach – we follow the participant’s pace
Ready to meet Astro?
Send us a referral and we’ll be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Or email us at care@heartfeltsupport.com.au