Equinnect: Counselling & Equine Assisted Learning - EAL

02/11/2025

We’re over the moon to share that Mabel has won the Gold Award for RSPCA WA in 2025 for her contribution to helping humans in WA 🎉

This incredible horse isn’t just a beauty—Mabel plays a vital role in Equinnect and equine-assisted services, helping people build confidence, find calm, find happiness and meaning in their lives, and connect in ways only horses can. Her gentle nature and big heart make her a true champion for wellbeing, mental health, and community impact.

💛 Here’s to Mabel for showing us the power of human and horse compassion and connection!

Equinnect is so grateful to Mabel’s therapeutic clients, her humans, and for her nomination and award! 🌟🩷
We share this celebration with all of Equinnect’s and Mabel’s supporters.

28/09/2025

Paddock antics 🤭 Today I was frisked for 🥕

‘Could this human be harbouring hidden treats - yet to be shared?! 😳🤔 ‘

I love watching Burke and his herd boys and how they interact and communicate with each other. This is part of my ongoing effort to understand and learn more about horse behaviour and communication (micro and macro). And more about Burke in his natural
home and herd environment. We are always learning from these magnificent creatures.

Burke’s friends are so lovely and are a very curious crew. Often taking turns to come over to say ‘hello’ - as I sit quietly on a granite rock and watch them do their horsey things.

But, removing my jacket during a break in the rain today ☀️ created increased curiosty from some.

‘Inspection required! Let the frisking of the garment begin…And again!’

What horse behaviours can you see?
What qualities are these beauties demonstrating that we can learn from…in addition to their natural curiosity?

Unfortunately I had to stop videoing as you’ll notice one became a little too curious in a lip balm…

Lip balm gently and easily rescued, all ponies happy - minus ‘treat-happiness’, and now I know where i was storing all my ‘lost’ lip balms - 3 - thanks ponies 🤭.

And where was Burkie during all of this? He was nearby (in the background), snacking on his grass ‘fries’, and occasionally watching these antics. Three 🐴 inspectors/treat friskers must be enough (one supervising) - plus no 🥕 or 🍎 crunching effects heard from their efforts.

Thank you to Burke’s friends who featured in this video 💚

13/09/2025

The transformative power of working with horses to improve mental health and well-being.

Can horses change how our brains work?
Using a brain-imaging cap, researchers found that veterans working with horses showed increase in brain activity and focus. Safe, real-time science that supports what horse lovers already know.

01/09/2025

FAQ #2 Equinnect: Counselling & Equine Assisted Learning - EAL

Swipe left to learn more.
Check out the Important note.

Thanks to our clients over the years for these questions. If you have any question you’d like answered related to the work and care we provide - please PM us ☺️

26/08/2025

💚💚 Mr Burke (aka Burkins or Burkie) has been cleared to return to his Equinnect: Counselling & Equine Assisted Learning - EAL care and work at Zia Park Equestrian Centre & Horse Riding School

Here he has been featured in an Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services post. Thanks to his vet, Tania, and specialist Mr Lester 💐

💚💚

🧠 Neurological Assessments in Horses: Why Early, Expert Evaluation Matters

‼️ Neurological disorders in horses can be subtle in onset but devastating if missed.

🐴 Neurological assessments are especially important in ridden horses, where even subtle incoordination can lead to dangerous falls or accidents under saddle.

⚠️ They’re also essential for horses recovering from ARGT toxicity before resuming any ridden work. While some horses make a full recovery from rye grass toxicity, others may have persistent deficits in coordination, proprioception, or strength which can pose a significant risk to both horse and rider.

🐴 Ataxia, proprioceptive deficits, cranial nerve abnormalities, and abnormal mentation are all clinical signs that warrant a comprehensive neurological examination.

🩺 We always recommend these assessments are performed by an equine internal medicine specialist like Prof Guy Lester of Equiimed. Internal medicine specialists are highly trained in equine neurological evaluations, and we can arrange for this exam to be performed on your property.

A complete assessment evaluates:
👀 Cranial nerve function – assessing responses like menace, pupillary light reflex, and facial symmetry for lesions affecting the cranial nerves
🥾 Gait and posture – including dynamic tail pull, tight circling, and incline walking to detect incoordination, weakness, or dysmetria
⚡️ Tests to differentiate upper vs. lower motor neuron lesions
🧬 Neuroanatomical localisation – determining whether signs originate in the brain, cervical spine, thoracolumbar cord, or peripheral nerves

🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

24/08/2025

A counselling FAQ (frequently asked question)
…
I’m often asked what’s the difference between counselling and seeking support on a problem from a good friend…

Answer… (just like many rainy moments today in Perth)… I invite you to imagine a herd of horses standing under a tree in the rain 🌧️🐴 or look at this photo of Burke and his friends Zia Park Equestrian Centre & Horse Riding School

With friends, it’s like standing close together under that tree—you feel the warmth and comfort of being side by side. (And often they share ideas, though with the best of love and intentions, from their perspective or opinion with an inherent unaware bias.)

Counselling is different. Firstly, check the Counsellor is registered with ACA or PACFA (national regulatory bodies) or if receiving counselling from a psychologist is registered with AHPRA. Then - It’s like stepping out gently with a trusted guide, who helps you notice not just the rain but also how you feel in it and experience it - cold, unsettled, or maybe longing for shelter. In the safe counselling space, emotions (thoughts, feelings, sensations) aren’t problems to push away—they’re signals, pointing to what you most need: safety, comfort, connection, or freedom. 🌿

Just like a horse listening to its instincts to find the next safe place, counselling helps you listen to your emotions and follow where they lead. It’s a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand yourself more deeply and discover new ways to move forward. 💚

Reach out to Tanya at Equinnect if you have more questions or would like to explore counselling or equine-assisted services for you or someone you value in your life.

23/08/2025

“A Day On the Green” with Burke and His Friends —a nurturing blend of connection and nature.

For a a restorative and therapeutic time, nestled in green, and that nurtures your well-being with lasting effects, contact Equinnect Counselling & Equine-Assisted Services

Did you know?
Spending just 10 minutes in nature can create noticeable improvements in your mental health—whether walking in a garden or sitting under a tree (if you like research this fact is supported by a 30-year meta-analysis in Ecopsychology MQ Mental HealthSciTechDaily.)

Five health and well-being benefits of engaging with nature include:

🌱Reduced stress and cortisol levels

🌱Enhanced mood and reduced anxiety and depression

🌱Improved cognitive function (attention, focus, creativity)

🌱Lower blood pressure and heart rate; better cardiovascular health

🌱Stronger sense of connection, meaning, and emotional resilience.

Contact Equinnect to see how we can work together to improve your life - where gentle equine companionship, nature, and professional guidance converge beneath open skies, offering a calming, healing space.

21/08/2025

✨ A special moment with Mabel 🐴

In this Equine Assisted Learning session, the client’s passion and strengths, creativity and connection came together as Mabel stood for her portrait. And Mabel came around a few times to see how her painting was progressing- then returned to face the client for her painting to continue ☺️

Horses respond with presence and authenticity, helping participants build confidence, express emotions, and explore new ways of learning.

At Equinnect, every interaction is an opportunity for growth, reflection, and calm connection with nature. 🌱🎨

We are at Zia Park Equestrian Centre & Horse Riding School 🩷

16/08/2025

Mr Burke update 💙

Burke is such a good boy!
He’s been so good for his awesome vet Tania @ Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services
and his specialist Dr Guy Lester, and accepts his medicines from the fabulous team and family at Zia Park Equestrian Centre & Horse Riding School or me.

He’s now stabilised and achieved good levels for his new PPID / ‘Cushings’ condition.

As an older gentlehorse 🎩 he’s just getting used a new medication for his osteoarthritis and then he’ll be back to his co-facilitation role for EAL or Counselling at Equinnect. Just like us humans, gentle movement is important to horsey health too.

We look forward to seeing you around Zia Park for our walks ☺️🌟

Big thanks to Tania, Dr Guy Lester, and all our friends and family at Zia Park 💚💐

31/07/2025

🩷💚

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14JTYfMdzdW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

26/07/2025

Burkie update 🌟

He’s doing well on his new medication regime.
We went for a long walk today on the beautiful property of Zia Park Equestrian Centre & Horse Riding School enjoying the warmth of the sun and birdsong. We both went above 10000 steps. Burkins met a couple of kulbardi (magpies) who endeavoured to redo his sweeping forelock style - they didn’t succeed 🤭 Burkins loves his style too much 💚

Thank you to all our friends who check in on Burkie’s wellbeing 🌟

Thank you Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services and Zia Park Equestrian Center