Horse Tales Hunter Valley

25/02/2026

New research highlights the healing potential of equine-assisted services for children’s mental health

A recent peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Social Work Practice explores how equine-assisted services can support children experiencing trauma, anxiety and emotional challenges.

Key insights from the research:

Children often feel safer and more connected in natural, horse-inclusive environments than in traditional clinical settings.

Horses’ sensitivity to human emotion can support trust-building and emotional regulation.

Practitioners observed increased openness, communication and readiness for therapeutic engagement.

Children demonstrated improvements in confidence, resilience, and sense of self.

Importantly, the research also highlights the need for:

Strong ethical frameworks and professional standards such as the ATL Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

Sustainable funding pathways are important which is why ATL works hard at raising funds for our Mental Health Outreach and Pathways Program

Continued high-quality research to strengthen the evidence base

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we advocate for evidence-informed, ethical, and accessible animal-assisted services across Australia.

When delivered by appropriately qualified and insured practitioners, equine-assisted services can form a meaningful part of holistic mental health support. You can read more here:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02650533.2025.2495741?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQBoixleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeF9-wVnfVJor_w4tMiukYndHf0MnrRZoNoPXdIp3jxBhgeiCRNA_iUhWMutA_aem_YRA63jIFyhNt7DRBB79elw

01/02/2026

For young people who feel disconnected from traditional learning environments, education can feel overwhelming or unsafe. Animals help shift that experience.

Animal-assisted learning creates a calm, non-judgemental space where trust can develop naturally.

Animals don’t criticise, rush, or label — they respond to consistency, kindness, and presence. This helps learners build emotional regulation, confidence, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.

Through structured, supported interactions with animals, disengaged learners can reconnect with learning, strengthen social skills, and experience achievement in meaningful ways.

24/12/2025

13/12/2025

Yesterday’s magic in the paddocks 🌈🌈❤️

10/12/2025

A beautiful evening last Wednesday spent with the Modalities in Maitland Mental Health Practitioners network group - eating all things Mexican and hanging out in the paddocks with the horses for our end of year celebrations - so much fun ! Thanks to all who came- I look forward to another year of learning with you all - Sorry we missed the group pic this year !

19/09/2025

⚖️ Help protect fair NDIS assessments
Recent changes to NDIS legislation mean the NDIA no longer has to consider the evidence you provide - like your own written account, and reports from your OT, psychologist, or GP.
Instead, decisions will be based on internal assessments that might not reflect your real-world needs.
This petition asks Parliament to change Section 32L so that participant medical reports are taken into consideration during NDIS needs assessments.
🖊️ Sign the petition:
EN7545 – Allow NDIS participants to submit their own professional reports
https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN7545
📩 Don’t forget to confirm your signature by email.

[Image description: A clipboard with a sheet of paper and a pen resting on the side. The text on the paper reads: "Sign the Petition: Allow NDIS participants to submit their medical reports." Below that, a red circle highlights the text: "Closing date for signatures is 24 September." The Every Australian Counts logo appears at the bottom.]

09/09/2025

Today was a sad day as we said goodbye to our beautiful Klassiqua - what an amazing gift she was to our family and all the wonderful people she met as my co-therapist here at horsetales - she will be greatly missed ❤️🌈

03/09/2025

Research Alert: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) has gained increasing attention as a potential therapeutic intervention for individuals suffering with trauma-related disorders. However, empirical data supporting its efficacy, particularly in children and adolescents, remains limited. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of EAP in addressing the multifaceted nature of trauma. A literature review of research studies from 2008-2024 was conducted to qualitatively analyze the psychological, emotional, and physiological benefits of EAP for trauma survivors. Our findings indicate that EAP has significant potential in improving emotional regulation and decreasing trauma-related symptoms.

You can read more here:

https://yumedtext.com/article/the-effectiveness-of-equine-assisted-psychotherapy-for-children-with-trauma-related-disorders

14/08/2025

It’s so important that the Therapy you are having or interested in having is with the Parts of You that need it! Not just the reporter part, the content part, the stronger parts of you!

05/08/2025

Beautiful ❤️

16/06/2025

My favourite time of the year- warm sunny days and cool nights 💕-