Ayla Therapies: Equine and Nature Assisted Mental Health OT

23/08/2026

Introducing Bug!

We are delighted to welcome this little lady. She is a gentle, sweet little thing who has come from a loving home. We hope that the conditions here suit her well and can't wait to see her thrive.

15/08/2026

The last line is gold. "We've both got to get okay before we can do something different."

07/08/2026

Troy and Ayla were the direct and very lucky recipients of some hands on care by Jane Equine Healthworks Clothier today. The rest of us enjoyed some shared bliss and formed a spontaneous meditation circle. Well, most of us. Desiree (the potato pup) continues to model questionable choices and missed social cues...

25/07/2026

Freya (my daughter), is a busy kid and was still wound up after school camp this week. We thought we might take our ponies for a walk today. When we went to catch them, Pepe was having a lie down. Freya dropped the halter, choosing to sit with him a while. This led to the most beautiful moment of co-regulation. Sitting turned to lying, turned to both of them dozing in the sun while I trimmed Troy's feet. They stirred in their own time and we went for a lovely settled walk together.

13/07/2026

Local mental health support with a difference.

I have just populated my calendar for next term and have space for one more client. I would particularly love to offer this as an adult or teen counselling session.

Please check out my website and contact me via email for more information.

aylatherapies.com.au
[email protected]

10/07/2026

Some wise words from Kelly Malher.

At Ayla Therapies, I work with the client to help them notice and support their inner selves. Often this gently evolves from first noticing the horses, dogs and natural environment. Feeling and understanding what might be happening for our animal friends can open the door to self reflection and looking at how we see ourselves fitting in, setting boundaires and regulating to our ever changing surroundings.

08/07/2026

Beautiful words and sentiment here. As an occupational therapist, there are often client goals that relate to 'doing.'

Time after time, I have seen that allowing a safe and trusted place to experience regulation, authentic relationships and new challenges, opens opportunities for participation and 'doing.'

What is equine-assisted therapy?

Equine-assisted therapy is a form of support that includes horses within the therapeutic space.

At Finch Lane Collective, this work is ground-based and guided. It is not about riding or performance. It may involve noticing, observing, walking, brushing, or simply being in the environment alongside the horses.

The focus is not on “doing” something with the horse, but on what can begin to shift when there is space, safety, and support.

02/07/2026

Sharon and I are very pleased to be able to offer a half-day retreat for high school students. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

17/03/2026

Finally I have completed the last page of my website (for now). My deliberations related to my difficulty of putting into words just why horses and nature are so important to the work I do. I watched this and it clicked. It's not about words, it's way, way deeper. Thanks Harry.

https://aylatherapies.com.au/horses-and-nature/

24/02/2026

100% this!

New research highlights the healing potential of equine-assisted services for children’s mental health

A recent peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Social Work Practice explores how equine-assisted services can support children experiencing trauma, anxiety and emotional challenges.

Key insights from the research:

Children often feel safer and more connected in natural, horse-inclusive environments than in traditional clinical settings.

Horses’ sensitivity to human emotion can support trust-building and emotional regulation.

Practitioners observed increased openness, communication and readiness for therapeutic engagement.

Children demonstrated improvements in confidence, resilience, and sense of self.

Importantly, the research also highlights the need for:

Strong ethical frameworks and professional standards such as the ATL Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

Sustainable funding pathways are important which is why ATL works hard at raising funds for our Mental Health Outreach and Pathways Program

Continued high-quality research to strengthen the evidence base

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we advocate for evidence-informed, ethical, and accessible animal-assisted services across Australia.

When delivered by appropriately qualified and insured practitioners, equine-assisted services can form a meaningful part of holistic mental health support. You can read more here:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02650533.2025.2495741?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQBoixleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeF9-wVnfVJor_w4tMiukYndHf0MnrRZoNoPXdIp3jxBhgeiCRNA_iUhWMutA_aem_YRA63jIFyhNt7DRBB79elw