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Equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning

Counselling therapy for people, with the help of horses An intriguing, nature-based, experiential path to self-discovery
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INTRODUCING EQUINE INSIGHT

Equine Insight was established in 2010 to provide equine-assisted therapies to a broad range of clients. We work with individuals, couples, small and large groups and organisations.

We use the international EAGALA* Model to ensure professional support for all of our clients. This modality requires sessions to be facilitated by both a certified Equine Specialist and a registered Mental Health Specialist.

Why horses?
The horses are not tools or teaching props—they are active, responsive partners. Their natural reactions to a client’s presence, energy, and body language reveal insights that may remain hidden in traditional therapy modalities.
Horses offer honest, non-judgmental immediate feedback. They mirror emotional states, respond to body language, and often bring to the surface relational dynamics that clients are working through. The horses are free to interact authentically, and clients are able to engage from a grounded, mindful place.
This dynamic creates rich therapeutic opportunities—where change is not instructed, but, rather, discovered.
Why EAGALA?
Eagala Model is an internationally recognized standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy. Rooted in ethics, structure, and collaboration, the model brings together a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist, and horses—working as a co-facilitating team in a ground-based setting. Unlike other approaches, the Eagala Model does not involve riding or mounted work. Instead, horses are allowed to express themselves freely, offering real-time, honest feedback to clients in emotionally safe environments such as arenas or pastures. Clients engage with the horse, the setting, and the co-facilitating team to explore patterns, build awareness, and move toward healing—without interpretation or judgment.
Environmental therapy
Environmental therapy harnesses time in nature to improve mental and physical health. People engaging in nature-based activities often report improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, and greater emotional resilience. Equine-assisted therapy uses guided interaction with horses to improve emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills. Working with such sensitive, responsive animals helps people recognise and adjust their own feelings and behaviour in the moment. Many participants experience increased self-esteem and trust in others. Environmental therapy offers an accessible, evidence based treatment that enhances well-being and connection to the natural world, evoking feelings of belonging and gratitude.
Focus on the horses
Clients may be invited into the area to consider a task or goal, or simply asked to engage with the horse however they choose. There is no riding, no expectation, and no pressure. Anything that occurs—and whether clients approach, avoid, struggle, or succeed—is part of the therapeutic process. The mental health professional focuses on the client’s emotional process, watching for therapeutic opportunities and ensuring psychological safety. The equine specialist observes the horse’s behavior and manages physical safety, ensuring that the horse remains free to respond naturally. The horse acts as a responsive partner—mirroring client energy, setting boundaries, or initiating interaction based on what’s happening in the moment.
Our services

We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your specific needs. Sessions are typically one hour.

BOOKINGS
Personal Therapy
Simply being with such a powerful, yet gentle animal is profoundly good for the soul. Horses find the balance between calmness and responsiveness to their environment that is truly remarkable. We learn so much from their way of being in the world.
Couples and Relationships
The sensitivity of horses to the needs of those they live with is quite extraordinary. Whether working through relational dynamics or seeking to connect with others, horses provide us with honest and non-judgmental feedback on what is going on for them and what is going on for us.
Leadership and communication
From school groups, to youth and people at risk, we have a number of programs to support the building of leadership and communication skills. Horses live in a social dynamic of inter-relational roles and have highly developed communication.
Corporate training
For corporate clients, we can tailor solutions to meet your specific organisational development needs through team based equine-assisted learning. We would love to work with you to identify key learnings and design a suitable learning package.
Reviews from our clients

Discover what our clients have to say about Equine Insight. We take pride in meeting our client's needs and exceeding their expectations with a memorable natural experience. Here's what they say about us

March, 2024
Program client
"I've always been so aware of my own faults and failings, but these sessions focused on what I was good at and how I could use those things to create a relationship with the horses. I was very afraid at the beginning, but the horses are so wonderful and gentle. Truly inspiring!"
April, 2022
Private client
"I had no idea how to work through the grief I've been struggling with for years now. Spending time with your horses and having the big one be so interested in me, and what was happening for me, was wonderful. It's like it truly understood. I think I can start to move on now."
OCTOBER, 2025
Family group
"We had been struggling as a family, with so much going on and the kids just not connecting. This is such a peaceful place and the horses are simply gorgeous. But more than that, they have a way of communicating with each other that is so special. We learned so much. Thank you"
DECEMBER, 2024
DV survivor
"The first session I identified one of the horses as being like my ex-partner and decided to sort him out. I was amazed at how the horse picked up on that and responded to me. I didn't realise the vibe I was giving off and it taught me a lot. The horses were amazing!"
Bookings
Our Gallery

Explore our gallery to see more of the work we do to support our clients, as well as the most important members of the team.

All gallery
Does my nose look big to you?
Morning constitutional
Can I help?
Hanging out with horses