🐴 Types of Equine Therapy: What Are They, and Which One Suits You Best?
Equine therapies are a unique and engaging way to build confidence, regulate emotions, and connect with others. At Heartfelt Support, we use several types of equine therapy to meet different needs and goals under the NDIS.
🧠 So… What Are Equine Therapies?
The term equine therapies refers to a group of support approaches involving horses. Our focus is on connection, confidence, and emotional growth — all of which happen beautifully on the ground.
Different people benefit from different things, so let’s break it down.
🔹 Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
EAL focuses on building life skills like communication, self-awareness, and problem-solving. Participants complete simple, guided tasks with a horse — like grooming or leading — while being supported by a trained facilitator.
It’s hands-on, practical, and often a great match for NDIS goals around independence and social engagement.
🔹 Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
This approach involves a mental health professional using horse interaction as part of a therapeutic process. It’s ideal for people dealing with trauma, anxiety, grief, or complex emotional challenges.
While Heartfelt Support doesn’t currently offer EAP sessions, we do provide supports that are therapeutic in nature and help participants work toward personal goals — often with incredible emotional benefits.
🔹 Therapeutic Horsemanship
These sessions are about developing a relationship with a horse in a calm, structured way. You might learn how to approach, care for, and work with a horse over time — which can build routine, confidence, and trust.
For some participants, this blends beautifully with goal-setting and emotional regulation.
🔹 Horse-Centred Wellbeing (Our Own Blend)
At Heartfelt, we offer something a little different — a flexible model that allows us to tailor outdoor, horse-based sessions to suit the individual.
This might include:
- One-on-one mentoring with a horse present
- Gentle, emotionally supportive sessions
- Play-based or creative interaction for younger participants
And not everything needs to be therapy! Our Horse-Centred Wellbeing sessions also include non-therapeutic programs for joy, social connection, and calm. Read more about those here.
💡 Which Type Is Right for Me?
That depends entirely on your goals, your comfort with horses, and what kind of support you’re after.👉 See how our equine team works with participants.
Some people benefit from highly structured therapy. Others find that just being near horses is calming and motivating. We always start with a gentle introduction and build from there.
❓ FAQs About Equine Therapies
Q: Are equine therapies funded under the NDIS?
A: Yes, they often are! Depending on your plan, they may be funded under Capacity Building, Therapeutic Supports, or Innovative Community Participation. We’ll help you match the right supports to your goals.
Q: Do I need to have experience with horses?
A: Nope. In fact, most of our participants are complete beginners — and that’s exactly how we like it. We start slow and build confidence together.
Q: Do the sessions involve riding?
A: No. All of our equine therapy happens on the ground. Horses offer incredible support just by being present — no saddles or reins required.
📍 Final Thoughts
Equine therapies come in many shapes and styles — and there’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters most is finding a provider who listens, adapts, and helps you feel safe and seen.
At Heartfelt Support, we offer real-world equine experiences that meet you where you are — whether that’s in the paddock, in a recovery journey, or somewhere in between.
📞 Reach out to us to learn more, or come meet our horses and see for yourself.
If you are in Adelaide and interested in either type you can apply here.
Looking for a more hands-on and natural way to support emotional wellbeing? Explore our equine therapy approach here.