In the peaceful Queensland countryside, seven women who had experienced domestic and family violence found something unexpected—a pathway to healing through gentle giants.
Thanks to one generous supporter, the Equine Assisted Learning program became reality.
Over seven weeks, beginning in February, these women embarked on a journey of self-discovery that would extend far beyond the program itself.
As prey animals, horses possess an extraordinary ability to read human emotions without judgement.
This makes them perfect partners in healing, offering something unique that traditional therapy alone cannot always provide.
The results were profound. Women learned to regulate emotions, establish healthy boundaries, and rebuild their sense of personal agency.
A participant beautifully captured the transformation:
“I was really hoping I would get something out of this and I truly did. The horses showed me that if I was anxious or annoyed, things didn’t go well.
“If I took a breather and calmed down, it went really well.”
Built on research-backed frameworks from North America, this innovative approach addresses trauma through multiple pathways—cognitive, emotional, and somatic.
The program achieved remarkable outcomes: renewed self-confidence, stronger communication skills, and enhanced capacity for healthy relationships.
