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GENERAL
SUPPORT

At Path of the Horse we offer compassionate, evidence-informed equine-assisted therapy to support mental health, well-being and personal growth for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether you’re coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD or trauma, or simply seeking greater self-awareness, resilience and emotional balance, our gentle herd provides a safe, non-judgmental space to reconnect with yourself.

We believe healing can take many forms. Through therapy grounded in nature, connection and compassion, we guide you to build resilience, clarity and a deeper sense of inner calm.

Who We Help

  • Members of the general public

  • Adults, teenagers and children

  • Veterans and emergency service personnel

  • Carers

  • Neurodiverse clients (including those with Autism and ADHD)

No horse experience is needed.

 

You may spend time grooming, leading or quietly sharing space with a horse, supported by a professional team trained in trauma-informed care. 

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What We Do

  • Trauma (C-PSTD & PTSD), moral injury, resilience strengthening, trust and anger issues.

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Confidence building. Establishing effective boundaries

  • Awareness – working out themes and patterns that don’t serve us well

  • Mindfulness and self-regulation

  • Neurodivergence (Autism and ADHD)

  • Developing better relationships and social skills.

  • Teamwork and leadership, having difficult conversations, and communication skills for groups and individuals

  • Addictions

  • Grief and loss

  • Psychosocial support

  • General (non-equine assisted) Counselling and Psychotherapy

  • Learning to practice self-care

What to Expect

  • To be warmly welcomed just as you are

  • Large undercover arenas to keep you comfortable during all types of weather

  • Peaceful and natural surroundings

  • Well-established indoor facilities with tea and coffee-making facilities

  • Beautiful horses and wonderful kelpies

  • Highly qualified, caring and empathetic clinicians

Individual Sessions (Weekday):

$220 per hour (plus GST if applicable)

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Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy? We’re glad you asked. It's a gentle, supportive approach that incorporates horses and nature. Think of it as counselling or therapy, but with horses. It’s not like going to a typical clinic. It’s a different way to heal, grow, and make positive changes in your life. Plus, there are no stuffy and uncomfortable waiting rooms. Your session is private, comfortable and just for you.

 

Tertiary-qualified mental health professionals lead all of our sessions. Our calm horses, together with the peaceful Wombat State Forest, are powerful assistants in the healing process.

We are not a riding school or trail riding business

Why Horses

Our calm and gentle herd model behaviours supportive of human healing. Horses live in a state of awareness that has helped them survive for millions of years. They self-regulate, share their feelings openly and honestly, and are highly attuned to human emotions. They never judge, are excellent listeners, and provide an authentic connection.
 

No previous horse experience is required, only an open mind and a willingness to explore a new way of healing. You may meet the herd, groom a horse, participate in lead work or share space with a horse you feel drawn to. All interactions are guided and always kept safe and comfortable.

A Story from Path of the Horse

When a client first arrived, their body spoke before they did. Their shoulders were tight, breath shallow, movements small and guarded. Anxiety had been shaping their days.

Paired with one of our gentle horses, they slowly settled into the quiet rhythm of the paddock. The client noticed the horse’s steady breath, soft, deliberate steps, and how the horse’s body stayed open and relaxed. The practitioner explained that both humans and horses communicate through body language, and anxiety is a natural part of our evolutionary wiring. Our brains are designed to scan for danger and keep us safe, even when no real threat exists.

By the end of the session, the client felt their body relax, and their breath deepen. They left with simple, practical tools they could use whenever anxiety rose again. Through the calming presence of the horse and the gentle guidance of their practitioner, they discovered how to recognise their anxiety, create space around it, and regain a sense of control. This was a gentle yet powerful step toward greater well-being.

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We need your support!

We operate as a self-funded charity, and the upkeep of our trained, happy, and healthy horses, along with maintaining our leased property, is a time-consuming and costly endeavour. 

Your support plays a crucial role in enabling us to continue our mission. Whether it's through a donation to aid our clients, sponsoring a horse, providing horse feed, or contributing to facility improvements, every bit of assistance makes a significant impact.

If you share our commitment to making a positive difference, we invite you to reach out and explore the various ways you can support us.
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