Epona Enterprises

26/11/2025

It is almost two weeks since I joined forces with my good friends and collaborators, Kate Young from Wild Horsemanship and Kellie Cochran from Furlong Soul Connections , to deliver our first Wild Within clinic. To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what kind of experience we were creating in the concept phase, but I had a lot of confidence in my talented friends and they believed in me.

In my head and heart, this clinic was going to be about creating the conditions for safety and connection, in both horse and human, and neither safety nor connection was going to be allowed to compromise the other.

In the end, we created something truly unique and beautiful. It was a curious blend of practical and compassionate horsemanship, supported by complimentary human and equine research, with a generous dash of magic and fun.

So, what was different about this clinic? This wasn’t my first rodeo; I have been to a few. I think the two most obvious differences were, firstly, a genuine willingness on the part of all involved to remain open to new ideas or ways of doing things differently, and secondly, there was a focus on what the horse and human both bring to the relationship and how each influence the other.

I have been to a lot of clinics where the focus was 100% on the “horse’s issues”, while the elephant in the arena stumbled around like a big hairy mammoth in a pink tutu. In most cases, the human was a significant part of the “horse’s issues”, not intentionally, of course, but the trainer didn’t have the heart, head, or diplomatic skills to address this. In this clinic, we did address these issues with practical solutions, courage, kindness and curiosity. Many thanks to the wonderful participants who were brave enough to pivot when required and try something different for the sake of their horses.

In the process, we shared a lot of ideas, some good laughs, a few tears, our vulnerabilities, and a lot of genuine warmth and support. All in all, it was a nourishing experience for mind, body and spirit, and I am truly honoured and grateful to have been part of it.

Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible, including Kari at karis equestrian, who generously shares her world-class equine facilities in Dorrigo, to make other people’s dreams and ideas come to life. I look forward to building on this experience in 2026 and sharing our eclectic approach with as many people as possible.

09/10/2025

A nice reminder that we are so much more than a diagnosis. Have a peaceful World Mental Health Day!

Today is World Mental Health Day 💚

02/06/2025

What exactly is equine therapy? How does it work? What do the horses do? These are very good questions and I know from my own experience, that it was a mysterious process until I had my first big “ah-ha” moment with a horse and trained therapist.

This post below from Equine Assisted Therapy Australia RTO no:41482 is a very good introduction.

If you are curious and have more questions, come out and have a chat sometime. We are always up for a coffee, a confidential chat, and a homemade muffin. Guaranteed no obligation or hard sell - we just like muffins, especially Wee Toby.

At Equine Assisted Therapy Australia, we understand that people may have questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy—and we welcome the opportunity to clarify what our work involves.

Equine-assisted therapy is a recognised, evidence-based mental health intervention that is client-centred and experiential. It’s not simply about having people “pat a horse.” Our approach integrates counselling and psychotherapy with carefully facilitated interactions between clients and horses. These sessions help individuals develop emotional regulation, build self-awareness, and process trauma in ways traditional talk therapy may not achieve.

Equine-assisted therapy has been studied in areas such as trauma recovery, PTSD, autism, and general mental health. Outcomes have shown improved emotional well-being, self-regulation, communication, and interpersonal skills. While research is ongoing, results are promising, with many clients experiencing increased resilience, reduced anxiety, and greater social connection.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), we offer accredited training that ensures practitioners meet professional and ethical standards. This is not a hobby or a casual pursuit—our practitioners are qualified professionals in counselling, psychology, social work, psychotherapy, or occupational therapy, with additional training in equine-assisted mental health.

In relation to the NDIS, we provide structured therapeutic interventions that align with participant goals. Equine-assisted therapy is not a leisure activity—it’s a valid and powerful form of therapy that many clients find more engaging and effective than office-based approaches. NDIS funding approval depends on meeting specific criteria and demonstrating alignment with a participant’s plan.

We value informed discussion and welcome healthy scepticism. There is a growing body of research supporting this modality, and we are committed to ethical, transparent practice that prioritises both client well-being and the respectful treatment of our horses.

02/05/2025

Last weekend I had the privilege and honour to attend an Emotional Horsemanship clinic with Lockie Phillips. Conrad and I signed up almost 12 months ago. It was a leap of faith; we really didn’t know what to expect, but we trusted the gut instinct of our good friend and trainer, Kate Young at Wild Horsemanship, and we were looking for something different. Different from what? Past experience? No experience is wasted if you learn something, and I am always learning. Conrad is more than capable of articulating his own experience, so I am going to stop using “we” and talk solely to my experience from this point on.

Since 2017, I have attended quite a few horse clinics – this wasn’t my first rodeo! They usually offered a closer connection with your horse, the opportunity to communicate more clearly with your horse, the opportunity to be more confident, and some practical horse handling skills. For quite a long time, I have been curious about why the aforementioned relationship with the horse was so one dimensional. If it was a relationship, a real relationship, surely both parties would bring something to the table. Both horse and human would need boundaries to feel safe, both would need to demonstrate active listening skills and be accountable to each other. You could see some trainers tentatively approach the elephant in the arena, but they never really acknowledged that this horse had a human problem! Fair enough, as a business model, it’s not a winning formula to tell people that they are pretty s**t at handling their horse and maybe they should get a more compliant animal like an axolotl. This is not a criticism of these trainers; they did their best with what they knew, but they didn’t have the courage and emotional intelligence of Lockie Phillips.

Lockie is a very rare person. He is talented but humble, intelligent and articulate, precise and analytical, and exceptionally kind to horses and humans. He has the audacity to ask the difficult questions because he is a genuine advocate for the horse. Lockie uses his deep knowledge of equine biomechanics to see into the heart and soul of the horse. He is part scientist, part magician and 100% authentic. Authentic is an over-used word these days but when you meet it, in the flesh, it is nothing short of amazing. You feel alive in its presence, energised by its potential, and grateful to be with someone who does not play games, or seek to feel good at your expense. There are no egregious expressions of ego, no baffling you with BS, and no violence to you or your horse. I feel very humbled and deeply grateful to have had experience. It was nothing short of life-changing.

During the clinic, I had many poignant moments with my darling mare, Abbie. I felt safe and supported to look at some challenging issues. I felt sad at times but confident that I would, with the right guidance, be able to make the best decisions for her health and our future together.

I could continue to wax lyrical about some of the profound shifts arising from this experience, for me and others, but let me just end by saying that this was the best prepared, most thorough horse clinic I have ever attended. The expectations for participants and auditors were very clearly articulated before the clinic and this set the scene for a safe, respectful and nurturing experience. Thank you, Lockie and Kate, you did a wonderful job, and I look forward to continuing on this journey of discovery with you.

If you get the opportunity to participate or audit one of Lockie’s clinics, go for it, sign up immediately, you will not regret it, and your horse/s will definitely thank you.

13/04/2025

Boundaries are a work in progress for most people but horses are actually pretty good with them. This post from Equine Assisted Therapy Australia RTO gets to the heart of the matter. Curious to know how horses can help you with better boundaries in all areas of your life?? Get in contact for a confidential chat.

🌟What are boundaries? 🌟
Think of fences around a yard, a boundary is like an energetic fence we put around ourselves. We use words to set boundaries like- No, not now, I don’t want to.

We create boundaries when we set limits, when we clearly state what we need and don’t need, when we say no, when we delegate tasks to others and when we stand firm for ourselves and our own needs. For example “I need some time alone now, I will be in my room reading, please don’t disturb me.”

Boundaries are essential for maintaining healthy relationships and self-respect, and Equine-assisted therapy is a powerful way to practice setting and respecting personal limits. 🐴 Horses communicate through energy and body language, helping us learn to assert ourselves with confidence. When you establish clear boundaries, you create a sense of balance and empower yourself to say "no" without guilt. 💪

Whether you're navigating work, family, or social settings, strong boundaries lead to a more peaceful and authentic life. 🧘‍♀️✨

09/02/2025

This is a great summary of the main reasons horses are so good at working with teens and children. I have been trained in the EATA model, which is trauma-informed, client-centred and mindful of the horse's needs.

If you are as curious as a horse, and want to try something different for yourself or your children, why don't you drop by the barn in Deer Vale. We are always up for a coffee and a chat.

3 Reasons Why Equine-Assisted Therapy is Beneficial for Young Children & Teens 🐴

1✨ Emotional Regulation and Stress Relief

Horses provide profound opportunities for connection, attunement, and co-regulation—key elements for fostering a healthy nervous system. Co-regulation is the process where one individual supports another in regulating their emotional state. The horses steady presence can help to ease feelings of anxiety, fear, or anger. Being with horses can encourage young people to identify and manage their emotions within a supportive, non-judgmental environment, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

2✨ Improves Social and Communication Skills

Horses rely on nonverbal cues, teaching young people to be mindful of body language and emotional expression. This enhances empathy, active listening, and interpersonal skills, which are especially helpful for kids with social challenges.

3✨ Supports Trauma Recovery and Emotional Healing

Horses provide a nonjudgmental and calming presence, creating a safe space for young people to build trust and process their emotions. This can be particularly beneficial for those recovering from trauma or dealing with mental health challenges.

Interested to learn more? Find practitioners on our website or email us at admin@eata.net.au for more information.

24/01/2025

Co-regulation is a core part of equine therapy. At our core, both humans and horses, need to feel safe and connected.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to do some training with the Polyvagal Equine Institute and Equine Assisted Therapy Australia in October 2024. It was a fabulous learning experience and left me hungry for more.

If you are curious to learn more, please send us a DM. We are always open to a confidential chat about how Polyvagal Theory and Equine Therapy might be of assistance.

Did you know horses can actually sync their nervous systems with ours? 🐴💞

It’s called co-regulation, and it’s at the heart of equine-assisted therapy.

Horses can be helpful in regulating the nervous systems around them, creating a sense of connection and calm.

This process reflects our human need to feel safe and connected, making healing and emotional growth possible.

Through this bond, you can learn to regulate your emotions, build trust, and create deeper connections — not just with the horse, but with your therapist and others in your life.

Curious what it feels like to experience that kind of connection and growth? That’s what we’re all about here at PVEI. 🌿✨

24/01/2025

Epona Enterprises is proud to be participating in this important research project. It’s another small but important step for horses and humans, and a giant step for the legitimacy of equine therapy.

‼️Exciting News‼️
We are so excited to be involved in the TAL pilot program to adapt equine-assisted therapy to deliver rehabilitation support to Life Insurance customers who have experienced mental health issues.

We are very grateful to Wendy Coombe and Brian Zanker from Animal Therapies Limited for all of the work that they have done to make this happen.

This research project has been developed in partnership between Workcom, Equine Assisted Therapy Australia, the University of Southern Queensland and TAL. This pilot program seeks to address the growing need for innovative recovery approaches by combining the expertise of mental health and rehabilitation specialists with the unique benefits and principles of equine assisted therapy.

John Mellors (CEO, Workcom) and Glenn Baird (Head of Mental Health, TAL) will be presenting at the ATL conference and will introduce the pilot designed to adapt equine assisted therapy to deliver as a component of rehabilitation support to Life Insurance customers who have experienced mental ill-health. ATL Conference delegates will learn about the program's structure, customer journey, and its potential to enhance recovery outcomes for individuals living with PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

03/01/2025

For anyone who had a tough year in 2024, this message is for you. You survived, and in the future, you will do more than survive; you can thrive.

If time doesn’t heal the wounds, you could consider some counselling. I am always happy to have a chat; no pressure. Just reach out. You can always drop by for coffee, and meet the herd, including me.

Be gentle with yourself in 2025.

24/12/2024

Many individuals in my local community are facing challenges this year. I am with you in spirit. Although I am currently overseas, I remain committed to supporting you. I will return on 3 Jan 2025. Please do not hesitate to contact me for a confidential discussion. I am dedicated to ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder my ability to assist those in need. We can explore viable solutions.

12/12/2024

A beautiful reminder of the generosity of our equine allies and our long-standing shared history. Thank you, Equine Assisted Therapy Australia.

The Incredible Gift of Horses 🐴🌿

Throughout history, horses have stood by us as loyal partners—carrying us across continents, sharing in our battles, and offering safety and connection when the world felt uncertain. They have tolerated so much- both good and bad at the hands of humans and yet, they still offer partnership.

From their wild ancestors to the companions we cherish today, horses have evolved alongside us, retaining their natural wisdom and beauty while adapting to our needs. Their quiet presence, patience, and willingness to connect is a reminder of their incredible capacity to be in the moment, to be curious and to remain open hearted.

In the presence of a horse, many of us have found a sense of safety and belonging that felt out of reach with others. Horses see us as we are, offering a space where we can feel truly seen. I feel so blessed to live alongside these incredible beings and to connect and learn from them every day. 🐴✨💙

27/11/2024

It's time for a bit of shameless self-promotion gentle supporters. Please feel free to spread the word about the herd. Thank you in advance.