Frequently Asked Questions about Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a unique approach to experiential learning, where clients are offered safe experiences with horses for the purpose of learning social-emotional skills, personal development, and professional development skills (e.g. leadership and team building). 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an innovative approach to clinical practice and psychotherapy where clients are invited into safe relational experiences with horses to address therapeutic goals. 

Yes, we work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants in both Equine Assisted Therapy and Equine Assisted Learning individual and small group sessions. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

No, no horse experience is necessary.  All you need is an open mind and a willingness to experience all that these wonderful beings offer us. 

Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes for a 'farm' - clothes that you don't mind getting dirty!!  You will need to wear closed toe, flat shoes. Please bring a coat if it is cold or rainy and bring a hat if it is sunny. 

Sessions are held in Little River, Victoria. 

Our sessions will be held outside and are subject to what the weather is doing! If it is too windy/rainy/hot, The Horse's Heartbeat staff will contact you prior to your session to schedule an alternate time. 

Please take this very special (and often rare in our busy lives) opportunity to enjoy the animals and surrounds without interruption. For this reason, sessions are a ‘phone free zone’. 

Due to the confidential nature of much of the work we do, we ask that you please do not take photos of the animals or the property. If you would like any photos, please speak to Andrea to discuss options.

The Horse's Heartbeat Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Therapy sessions DO NOT involve riding any of the horses.  We will be working together with the horses on the ground only.  This may involve observing the horses from outside their paddock, interacting with them inside their paddock, brushing them and, at times, leading them. You don't need to have had any experience with horses and there are no expectations that you'll do anything that you're not completely comfortable with.  

We will email you an 'Agreement to Participate' prior to your session. Please read the Agreement carefully before coming to your session and please let us know if you have any questions. Once you are comfortable to sign it, please do so and return it.  You can email a signed copy back or bring a signed copy on the day of your session.  

Please note that once you’ve booked an appointment, we’ve reserved a time exclusively for you. If you need to cancel your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before it is scheduled to take place, you’ll be subject to a $50.00 cancellation fee. To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact Andrea on 0413 335 614 or email us at info@thehorsesheartbeat.com