Animal Instincts Australia

22/02/2026

A fascinating peer-reviewed study has explored the potential of bovine-assisted therapy — where gentle steers engage in therapeutic interaction with people.

Researchers found that these cows not only enjoyed human contact but also showed strong preferences in engagement with women, and many participants reported positive emotional experiences during sessions.

This work expands our understanding of how farm animals, including cattle, may play a role in animal-assisted services that benefit both humans and the animals involved.

Key takeaways:
• Cattle showed comfort and active engagement with humans during 45-minute interaction sessions.
• Women tended to interact more and report stronger attachment behaviors with the steers than men.
• The findings open doors for further research into diverse species in therapeutic settings — beyond typical companion animals like dogs or horses.

Read the full open-access study: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2024.0016

21/02/2026

I recently had the opportunity to visit David Janetzki MP’s office and share more about the work we’re doing through our charity arm Outback Instincts youth programs.

David invited me in to learn about our programs and hear firsthand the stories of regional young people we work alongside — many who don’t thrive in traditional classroom settings and are seeking practical, hands-on pathways forward.

From working with animals and livestock to learning rural trades and building real-world confidence, our programs are about creating opportunities for young people who might otherwise miss them.

These conversations matter. When leaders take the time to listen and understand the realities facing regional youth, it helps create stronger pathways, better support and more opportunity across our communities.

Thank you David for the invitation, for the genuine interest in our work, and for taking the time to learn about the farm-, animal- and trades-based programs supporting young people across our region 🐾🌾

Meet Ace 🐾

He’s more than just a friendly face - he’s part of the life-changing work Outback Instincts is doing to support vulnerable and at-risk young people across regional Queensland.

Under CEO Hayley Chambers’ leadership, young people are building confidence, skills and real pathways forward.

19/02/2026

14/02/2026

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13/02/2026

🟢 WELFARE WEDNESDAY 🟢 Punishment is sometimes used in horse training with the idea that it will stop unwanted behaviour. In practice, however, equitation science shows that punishment is a poor teaching tool and carries real welfare risks.

Animal behaviourist Daniel Mills has outlined several key problems with punishment. He explains that punishment:

• Is non-directive — it may stop a behaviour temporarily, but it doesn’t show the horse what to do instead
• Can lead to desensitisation if the intensity is not exactly right, meaning more and more pressure is needed over time
• Can cause fear and frustration that interfere with learning and reduce a horse’s willingness to try new responses
• May create strong fear associations between the horse and the person applying it

Research also shows that horses, like people, learn best in a calm but slightly alert state. When fear and adrenaline rise too high, learning slows down or stops altogether.

This is why punishment often fails to produce lasting change. As one well-known observation puts it:

“If punishment was an effective training tool there would be no such thing as repeat offenders in our jails and no-one would ever have two speeding fines.”

Many behaviours riders find challenging — such as bucking, shying, bolting, or resisting — are usually flight responses. They are signs that a horse feels unsafe, confused, or physically uncomfortable. Punishing these responses increases fear, which can escalate the behaviour rather than resolve it.

Another major limitation of punishment is timing. For it to affect a specific behaviour, it must happen exactly while that behaviour is occurring. Even a small delay means the horse is likely to associate the punishment with something else — often normal movement — leading to confusion and anxiety.

Effective, welfare-focused training takes a different approach. It focuses on:

✔️ Identifying the cause of the behaviour (pain, fear, confusion, environment)
✔️ Setting the horse up to succeed
✔️ Using clear, consistent signals
✔️ Rewarding correct responses
✔️ Keeping stress levels low

This helps horses understand what is being asked, feel safe enough to learn, and develop confidence in their training.

These principles are reflected in the Pony Club Australia A Certificate Manual, which is based on equitation science and current research into learning and behaviour.

13/02/2026

Equine-Assisted Programs Supporting Young Offenders - Equine-assisted programs offer a unique, evidence-informed way to support young people involved with the justice system.

Working alongside horses helps young offenders develop emotional regulation, accountability, empathy and self-awareness. Horses respond honestly to human behaviour, providing immediate, non-judgemental feedback that encourages reflection and positive change.

These programs can support:
• Emotional regulation and impulse control
• Trust-building and healthy relationships
• Responsibility, boundaries and respect
• Trauma-informed rehabilitation
• Reduced re-offending through skill development

Equine-assisted services focus on connection, growth and responsibility — not punishment — creating opportunities for young people to rebuild confidence, self-worth and future pathways.

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we support best-practice, ethical and welfare-centred equine-assisted programs that benefit both people and animals.

09/02/2026

🐾 Why we do canine-assisted work with young people

There’s growing research showing that working alongside dogs can make a real difference for young people — especially those struggling with confidence, connection or emotional regulation.

Studies have found canine-assisted interventions can:

🐾 improve communication, social interaction and engagement
🐾 reduce anxiety, stress and depressive symptoms
🐾 support emotional regulation and self-control
🐾 strengthen relationships and pro-social behaviour
🐾 increase confidence and participation in learning and community settings

Research with children and adolescents shows therapy dogs can act as powerful motivators, helping young people open up, connect and stay engaged.

Other studies report improvements in emotional regulation, attendance and social response when dog-assisted programs are integrated into youth mental health and wellbeing settings.

Animal-assisted interactions have also been linked to reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood and stronger social engagement — all critical foundations for growth and positive life pathways.

At Animal Instincts Australia, we see this play out every day.
Young people who struggle to connect with people will connect with a dog first.
From there, confidence grows. Communication follows. Trust builds.

Dogs don’t judge. They respond to presence, energy and consistency — and that creates a safe starting point for change.

🐶 It’s not just “playing with dogs.”
It’s structured, purposeful work that helps young people regulate, connect and find their place again.

06/02/2026

🐴 Why horses and animals work with disengaged young people 🐕🐾

People often ask why we use horses and animals in our programs.

Because the research is clear — it works.

A UK study exploring equine-facilitated learning with young offenders found that working with horses helped participants develop:

😊 improved emotional control
🙌 better communication skills
🫶 increased confidence and self-belief
👏stronger problem-solving and reflection skills
👌 reduced aggression and more positive behaviour

Participants reported feeling calmer, more positive and more open to education and future opportunities after taking part in equine programs. Researchers also noted that hands-on learning with horses helped address impulsivity, poor decision-making and social isolation — common challenges for disengaged youth.

Programs involving horses and practical responsibility create powerful learning environments where young people must:

🧠 regulate their emotions
🗣 communicate clearly
🤝 build trust
🎯 take responsibility
👀 stay present and focused

In some international programs developed from this research, behavioural incidents dropped significantly and participants showed improved engagement and reduced re-offending.

This is why at Animal Instincts Australia we don’t just run “activities”.
We run evidence-informed, real-world programs where young people work with horses, livestock, land and each other to build confidence, accountability and direction.

Real work. Real animals. Real growth.

Research reference:
Hemingway, A., Meek, R. & Ellis-Hill, C. (2015). An exploration of an equine-facilitated learning intervention with young offenders. Society & Animals Journal.

03/02/2026

Farm animals can play a meaningful role in animal-assisted services across learning, therapy, and wellbeing — offering experiences that are grounding, relational, and deeply human.

Depending on the qualifications of the practitioner, interacting with animals such as sheep, goats, cows, chickens, and alpacas can support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and build confidence.

Their slower pace, predictability, and responsiveness invite presence, patience, and connection.

In animal-assisted learning, farm animals can help participants develop responsibility, communication skills, and practical learning through care routines and observation.

In therapeutic settings, they may support emotional expression, sensory regulation, and feelings of safety — particularly for people who find traditional talk-based approaches challenging.

In wellbeing programs, time spent with farm animals can foster calm, connection to nature, and a sense of belonging.

When incorporated ethically, safely, and with the right professional oversight, farm animals can enrich animal-assisted services in powerful and unexpected ways. Sometimes wellbeing grows quietly — in paddocks, barns, and shared moments of care.

01/02/2026

For people experiencing deep distress, isolation, or suicidal thoughts, feeling seen and safe can be life-saving. Animal-assisted therapy can play a powerful supporting role.

Animals offer a calm, non-judgemental presence. They don’t ask for explanations or demand words when none are available. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness, ease anxiety, and create moments of emotional grounding during overwhelming times.

Through structured, evidence-informed animal-assisted therapy delivered by registered health professionals, individuals may experience:
• Increased emotional regulation
• Reduced stress and physiological arousal
• A sense of connection and purpose
• Greater engagement with therapeutic support

Animals can act as a bridge — helping people stay present, feel connected, and take the next step toward help.

While animal-assisted therapy is not a standalone solution, it can be a meaningful part of a broader, person-centred suicide-prevention approach.

Sometimes, hope begins with a quiet presence and a shared moment of calm.