Equine-Assisted Therapy Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine Alliance provides equine-assisted therapy services across the Sunshine Coast, offering structured, horse-assisted sessions guided by trained facilitators. Equine Alliance operates from a peaceful 22-acre farm and works under the Eagala model, ensuring a recognised approach to equine-assisted practices. Therapy sessions are ground-based and non-riding, creating opportunities for emotional exploration and skill development through direct interaction with horses. Every session is delivered with a focus on safety, clear facilitation, and structured activities that encourage self-awareness and communication.
Our team ensures each program is delivered with consistency, transparency, and strong support, helping to meet the unique needs of each participant. Clients across the Sunshine Coast can engage in horse-assisted activities without requiring prior horse experience. Clear communication and a structured process support participants at every stage, from initial enquiries to session facilitation. Call 0408 067 664 today to learn more or arrange a booking.
A Structured Approach
Equine therapist sessions across the Sunshine Coast are designed to offer a practical and structured approach to emotional development. Each session follows a ground-based, non-riding format, allowing participants to interact with therapy horses in a safe and supportive environment. Trained facilitators observe and guide the process, encouraging reflection, emotional regulation, and behavioural adaptation through experiential activities. Horses provide immediate, natural feedback based on human behaviour, offering valuable learning opportunities without judgement.
Our programs are structured under the Eagala model, ensuring a consistent and evidence-based delivery approach. Safety and accessibility are prioritised throughout every stage of the service, with sessions tailored to accommodate varying needs and comfort levels. Clear guidance is provided before, during, and after each session to maintain a supportive environment.
Equine Alliance remains committed to offering horse-assisted programs that support practical emotional learning across the Sunshine Coast.
Frequently Asks Questions
What is an equine therapist?
An equine therapist is a trained professional who uses structured, ground-based activities involving horses to support emotional learning and personal development. Rather than focusing on riding, sessions are designed to encourage self-awareness, communication, and problem-solving through interaction with therapy horses. Equine therapists observe participant-horse interactions and facilitate activities that promote emotional exploration and behavioural growth.
What happens during an equine therapy session?
During an equine therapy session, participants engage in activities with horses under the guidance of trained facilitators. Exercises are non-riding and focus on developing emotional skills, building communication, and encouraging reflection. Horses respond naturally to human behaviour, offering immediate, non-verbal feedback. Facilitators help participants interpret these interactions and support their personal development goals.
How can equine therapy support emotional development?
Equine therapy supports emotional development by using horse-human interactions to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and communication skills. Horses naturally respond to body language and emotions, offering real-time feedback. Through structured activities, participants can reflect on their behaviours, recognise patterns, and develop practical strategies for handling emotional challenges in everyday life.
What skills can be developed through equine therapy?
Equine therapy can support the development of several important skills, including emotional regulation, problem-solving, adaptability, and non-verbal communication. Participants work alongside horses in structured activities that highlight how behaviour, intention, and body language influence outcomes. Through observation and guided reflection, individuals can identify patterns in their actions and responses, creating opportunities to strengthen emotional awareness, build resilience, and develop new approaches to interpersonal challenges.
Why are horses used in therapeutic programs?
Horses are highly sensitive to human behaviour, body language, and emotional states, making them valuable partners in therapeutic programs. Unlike humans, horses respond without judgement or bias, providing participants with honest, real-time feedback. Their natural instincts allow them to mirror the emotions and behaviours of those around them, helping participants gain deeper insight into themselves. Horses also create a calming environment, encouraging emotional regulation and thoughtful communication during structured activities.
