Equine Reflections Therapy Victoria

22/03/2026

Strong girl who is a fighter!

22/03/2026

Stella the therapy horse - the heart and souls of Equine Reflections, my personal horse and key support for my clients unfortunately suffered what could have been another fatal bout of colic however due to the team Highfield Equestrian Centre quick action then the amazing team at Avenal Equine hospital Stella's life was saved for a second time in 5 months!

Colic can be a fatal condition unless caught early and in Stella's case these episodes have required surgery as her colon was twisted. We have since learnt she has a high risk of reoccurrence due to the size of her bowels in comparison to her tummy size.

she had just started enjoying being back in work the next 3-4 months will be a long road
to recovery. For those that know and love Stella pls send love and strength as she embarks on her recovery

19/03/2026

BOOK QUICKLY like a Taylor Swift concert!

Looking for something meaningful this Easter? Something that gets the kids outdoors, helps them feel confident, and gives them real connection. The Equine Reflections Holiday Programme is here.

This 3-hour farm experience combines horse riding, hands-on animal care, and therapeutic activities in a calm, welcoming space. Your child will:

🐴 Ride horses with our friends from Highfield Equestrian Centre
🧽 Learn to groom, feed, and care for horses
🐐 Spend time with our gentle farm animals
🌿 Enjoy a peaceful environment that supports confidence and emotional wellbeing
💛 Be guided by Registered Counsellors and Social Workers
🐴 Reconnect with familiar faces and make new friends
We keep groups small so every child feels safe and included. If your child has specific needs, just let us know—we'll adjust the programme to suit them. Wheelchair users are welcome (note: the farm doesn't have an accessible toilet, but there's one at a café 2 minutes away).

May be claimable through NDIS as a group Counselling therapeutic group program1

Programme Dates
Tuesdays: 7 April & 14 April
Fridays: 10 April & 17 April

Ages 5–11: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Our teen Farm programme runs in the second week of the holidays—keep an eye out!

Cost
$220 + GST per session
Book all four sessions and save 10%

NDIS participants may be able to claim this programme, depending on your plan.

23/02/2026

For those that have thought about Equine Therapy and want a bit more information on why this type of therapy can be so effective read more on this post. I studied through Equine Assisted Therapy Australia RTO no:41482 and have been privileged to support my clients in my practice for almost 3 years. So many journeys no matter how short or long that I have witnessed

When humans spend time with horses - especially in a calm and non-pressured way - a range of physiological changes can occur 🧠🐴
Here’s what research and clinical observation show:

🧠 Nervous system regulation
Many people experience a shift out of fight/flight and into a calmer, more regulated state
Breathing often slows and deepens
Heart Rate Variability (a marker of nervous-system flexibility) can improve

💙 Hormonal & neurochemical responses
Beneficial neuroendocrine effects have been associated with reduced anxiety and improved mood
Reduced cortisol (the primary stress hormone) has been observed in some studies
Oxytocin may increase during positive, relational interactions, supporting feelings of safety, trust and connection

🫀 Cardiovascular effects
Lower heart rate and blood pressure has been reported
These effects are associated with relaxation and parasympathetic (rest-and-restore) activation

🧘 Body awareness & regulation
Horses often encourage slower movement, grounded posture and present-moment awareness
This can enhance interoception - the ability to notice internal bodily signals

🌿 Emotional and psychological flow-on effects
Reduced anxiety and tension
Increased sense of safety and connection
Improved mood and awareness

✨ Importantly, these effects are context-dependent.
Safety, consent, relationship and attunement matter. When interactions are rushed, pressured or stressful, the nervous system can respond very differently - for both the horse and human.

This is why Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) should always place a strong emphasis on safety, relationship, nervous-system awareness and ethical, horse-centred practice

08/02/2026

Reach out to us if you need support! We work with all clients both private and NDIS no matter what your age or needs! We strongly believe in the power of

08/02/2026

Meet Coco and her baby expresso! She's an amazing mumma who loves carrots, brushing and just generally lots of affection! Her baby Expresso is still needs to build trust and connection with humans! Reach out if you're looking for neuroaffirming practitioners who accept individuals for who they are no matter what! whether it be Equine therapy or taking time to be within nature, enjoying time with our other animals (chickens, Ducks including ducklings!, a goose, farm sausage dogs, stable cats and kangaroos) we are able to help people through Highfield Equestrian Centre

03/01/2026

The horses remind me daily to be here, fully —
to meet each moment with presence, softness, and truth.
They don’t know when a moment is the last… and neither do we.

So I’ve been asking myself:
What would I want my last words or message to be to someone I care about?
And why wait to say it.

If a friend comes to mind, call them.
Organise the coffee.
Say yes to hide and seek.
Be the one who reaches out — because sometimes silence has a story behind it.

And with family, if there’s been distance, maybe leave the door gently ajar.
Not forced open.
Not closed.
Just open enough for someone to return when they’re ready.

Life is fragile.
Connection is precious.
And I want to honour that in the way I move forward.

01/01/2026

Shhhhh… parents, we see you.
It’s 2026, the kids are “bored”, the devices are glued to their hands, and you’re one Minecraft meltdown away from hiding in the pantry.
We’ve got you.
🐴 Equine Reflections Holiday Program — a 3‑hour farm adventure where kids swap screens for sunshine, horses, fresh air, and a whole lot of giggles.
They’ll:
✨ Ride horses
✨ Learn horse care
✨ Meet the farm animals
✨ Enjoy equine‑assisted activities that build confidence and connection
All while you enjoy three hours of time to yourself.

✨ Small groups
✨ Therapeutic, confidence‑building fun
✨ Run by Registered Allied Health professionals
✨ May be NDIS‑claimable
📅 Jan 13, 16, 20, 23
⏰ Ages 5–11: 9:30–12:30
⏰ Ages 12–18: 1:30–4:30
💲 $220 + GST (10% off if you book all four!)
Spots are tiny. Kids are many. Book early.

15/12/2025

In the wake of the Bondi shooting, our hearts are with the Jewish community.

As counsellors and equine therapists, we recognise the deep pain and fear that such violence brings, not only to those directly affected but to all who share in the collective grief.

There are many services in the community that are inclusive and also culturally competent that you can access in order to help anyone in the community that needs support after this heinous crime. If you aren't sure and need some help finding these services Equine Relfections are happy to support ar no costs anyone that needs assistance

22/11/2025

Franchessa had so much insight not just with aging but also the experience of autistic individuals that have experienced trauma

Professor Francesca Happé joins us from King’s College London, to discuss ‘Autism and Ageing’, in the first of her three Keynote Presentations.

Dr Happé will highlight the urgent need for studies on older Autistic adults, including those who remain undiagnosed. She will explore key aspects such as mental and physical health, trauma, life experiences, cognition, and overall quality of life.

Both quantitative and qualitative research will be reviewed to provide a clearer picture of Autism in later life.

14/11/2025

Asia Pacific Autism Conference 2025 heading into the Gala Ball after 2 days of amazing presentations with 1 day left!

14/11/2025

La Trobe University
https://redcap.latrobe.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=97HJYJKDPWECD3D3

I am not associated with the trial with the exception of seeking further info for my daughter to join it! Another amazing resource I have found at the Asia Pacific Autism Conference 2025