On Course Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

08/28/2026

Summer Weekly Group at the Barn!

Another summer of connection, learning, and horse-filled fun is in the books!

Our weekly group spent time building relationships with the horses while practicing important skills like communication, emotional regulation, confidence, problem-solving, patience, and teamwork.

From grooming and horse care to activities, challenges, and plenty of time learning from our herd, each week brought something new.

We especially loved watching the kids encourage one another, try new things, work through challenges, and discover that sometimes the best lessons happen when we slow down and simply connect.

We found plenty of creative ways to stay cool and keep the horses comfortable while still making the most of our time at the barn.

📸 **These pictures are a little delayed due to some technical difficulties, but they're finally here!** 😉

Thank you to all of our families for another wonderful summer. We are so grateful for every kiddo who spent part of their summer with us and for the amazing herd that makes this work possible.

08/27/2026

**Summer Weekly Group at the Barn!

Another summer of connection, learning, and horse-filled fun is in the books! 💙

Our weekly group spent time building relationships with the horses while practicing important skills like **communication, emotional regulation, confidence, problem-solving, patience, and teamwork**.

From grooming and horse care to activities, challenges, and plenty of time learning from our herd, each week brought something new.

We especially loved watching the kids encourage one another, try new things, work through challenges, and discover that sometimes the best lessons happen when we slow down and simply connect.

And yes… the heat definitely gave us some challenges this summer! We found plenty of creative ways to stay cool and keep the horses comfortable while still making the most of our time at the barn.

📸 **These pictures are a little delayed due to some technical difficulties, but they're finally here!** 😉

Thank you to all of our families for another wonderful summer. We are so grateful for every kiddo who spent part of their summer with us and for the amazing herd that makes this work possible. 🐴

08/26/2026

We had an amazing week of learning, laughter, teamwork, and, of course, LOTS of horse time!

Our campers spent the week getting to know our herd, learning about horse safety and body language, grooming and caring for the horses, practicing communication, tackling teamwork and problem-solving challenges, and building confidence along the way.

And because Mother Nature decided to turn up the heat, we got creative! 💦 We gave the horses some refreshing baths, cleaned and refilled water troughs, played water games, crossed our "river," and found plenty of ways to stay cool while still having fun.

Throughout the week, campers practiced communication, courage, perseverance, teamwork, and kindness—all while building connections with the horses and each other. 🐴❤️

We are so proud of everything these campers tried, accomplished, and encouraged each other through. Watching them become more confident and comfortable throughout the week was the best part!

📸 A little late getting these pictures posted due to some technical difficulties, but we finally have them! 😉

Thank you to all of our wonderful campers and families for making this such a special week. We can't wait to see where their adventures take them next! 🌟

08/03/2026

Fall Home-School Enrichment is Here! 🐴

Looking for a hands-on learning experience that gets your child outdoors, building confidence, and connecting with others?

Join us this fall for our 6-week On Course Equine Home-School Enrichment Series! Through engaging activities with horses, children will explore communication, teamwork, emotional regulation, creativity, leadership, and problem-solving—all while making meaningful connections with peers and nature.

07/08/2026

Animal-assisted therapy is much more than "feeling good."
Current scientific research continues to demonstrate measurable physiological changes that occur during therapeutic interactions with animals.

Research has shown:

🧠 Serotonin increases, supporting mood.
💛 Endorphins increase, helping reduce pain.
🤝 Oxytocin increases, strengthening trust and social connection.
🌿 Cortisol decreases, reducing stress.
💨 Adrenaline decreases, helping calm anxiety.

These biochemical changes help explain why animal-assisted therapy is increasingly recognised as a valuable complement to conventional psychotherapy and medical treatment.

📖 Research - Bieniek, M., et al. (2026). Animal Assisted Therapy – A review of current scientific research. Quality in Sport, 51. https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.51.68630

At the Equine & Animal Psychotherapy Institute, we emphasise integrating current research with ethical, trauma-informed and animal welfare-centred practice. Give us a call on 0437 882 600 to chat about our extensive training options available!

For Research nerds: Consider visiting our website SHOP and purchasing our Equine Assisted Services and Animal Assisted Services Research Pack - ‘The 2013 – 2025 EAAPI Collection’ https://www.equinepsychotherapy.net.au/product/research-and-evidence-base/

06/02/2026

Over the past six weeks, our home-school group explored communication, connection, self-regulation, courage, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity—all through hands-on experiences with our horses.

From learning how horses communicate without words, to practicing calming strategies, navigating obstacle courses, solving challenges together, and honoring the memory of Journey, our participants showed kindness, resilience, curiosity, and growth every step of the way.

We are so proud of each child for trying new things, supporting one another, and building meaningful relationships with both horses and peers.

Thank you to all of the families who joined us this season. We loved watching their confidence and skills blossom each week.

Enjoy a few highlights from our spring session!

Interested in joining us? We still have a few openings in our weekly summer session beginning June 9th and limited spots available in our July camp!

06/02/2026

Our summer session begins next week and we have 2 spots left! All kids 5 and older are welcome! We focus on so much including team work, communication, problem-solving, building confidence and more, though activities such as obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, games with horses, relay races, etc!

Tuesdays, 9-11am, 6 weeks.

04/27/2026

This weekend we had to say goodbye to Journey, and it’s hard to put into words what that loss feels like.

He was one of those horses with a goofy personality and silly antics that many people were drawn to.

Journey developed a severe case of laminitis, and despite everything we could do, his prognosis was poor. Letting him go peacefully was the kindest choice, even though it was incredibly hard.

In true Journey fashion, his last moments were spent doing what he loved most—eating.

Run free, Journey

04/17/2026

Working with horses offers more than connection — it creates real shifts in how we regulate, relate, and respond.⁠
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Through their sensitivity and presence, horses help us: notice our internal state, build trust, strengthen communication, and process experiences in a safe, embodied way.⁠
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It’s not about the horse alone — it’s about what becomes possible in relationship.⁠
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Discover the powerful benefits of connecting with horses and humans alike in our upcoming SEEN Through Horses Workshops! Happening in Michigan, Delaware, North Carolina, and Ireland.⁠
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Learn more here: https://arenasforchange.com/training/

03/26/2026