Introduction: Why This Matters
Many families, referrers and NDIS participants hear the terms equine therapy and equine-assisted therapy and assume they’re the same thing. While they both involve the healing presence of horses, the approach, goals, and qualification requirements are different and these differences matter, especially for funding under the NDIS.
At Stable & Grounded, we believe in clarity, transparency and quality care. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Equine Therapy?
Equine Therapy is a broad, non-clinical category that includes any activity with horses designed to support wellbeing, confidence or enjoyment.
This might include:
- Horse-handling sessions
- Riding programs
- Recreational activities
- Ground-based connection activities
- General personal development sessions
These programs do not need to be run by clinicians. Many are facilitated by riding instructors, coaches or experienced horse handlers, and they can be incredibly valuable but they’re not considered “therapy” in a clinical sense.
Summary
Equine therapy = recreational, wellbeing or personal-development activities with horses.
Great for fun, confidence and connection.
What Is Equine-Assisted Therapy?
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a clinical therapeutic intervention delivered by a qualified practitioner, such as:
- Counsellors
- Occupational therapists
- Social workers
- Psychologists
Sessions are intentional, evidence-informed and goal-driven, using the horse’s natural responses and attunement to support:
- Emotional regulation
- Social and communication skills
- Sensory integration
- Trauma recovery
- Behaviour support
- Executive functioning
- Attachment and relational patterns
Under this model, the horse is not a tool they are an active co-regulator and therapeutic partner.
Summary
Equine-assisted therapy = clinical therapy using horses within a professional therapeutic framework.
Quick Comparison
| Equine Therapy | Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) |
|---|---|
| Recreational / wellbeing | Clinical therapy |
| No formal clinical qualifications required | Must be delivered by a qualified clinician |
| No therapeutic documentation | Includes assessments, progress notes, reports |
| Focused on enjoyment or confidence | Targeted therapeutic change |
| NDIS-funded | NDIS-funded under specific therapeutic line items |
NDIS: Why the Difference Matters Now
Recent NDIS changes and tighter auditing requirements mean clarity is essential.
The NDIS now looks closely at:
- Qualifications of the provider
- Clinical justification for therapy
- Goals linked directly to funded supports
- Evidence of progress and reporting
- Whether the service meets the definition of therapeutic support
What the NDIS does fund
Equine-Assisted Therapy is eligible for funding under:
- Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living
- Capacity Building – Increased Social & Community Participation (when focused on psychosocial capacity building)
This applies when sessions are delivered by a qualified therapeutic practitioner with:
- Progress notes
- Safety considerations
- A clear therapeutic plan
- Outcome tracking
- Alignment with NDIS goals
Why this matters for families
Families can feel confident that equine-assisted therapy delivers:
- Real therapeutic benefit
- Measurable outcomes
- Trauma-informed practice
- A safe environment for complex needs
- Services aligned with NDIS expectations
Where Stable & Grounded Fits In
At Stable & Grounded, we provide equine-assisted therapy, not recreational equine experiences.
All sessions are:
- Clinically designed
- Trauma-informed
- Evidence-based
- Goal-driven
- Aligned with NDIS therapeutic supports
We specialise in working with:
- Neurodivergent children
- Youth and families
- Individuals with psychosocial support needs
- Emotional regulation and behavioural challenges
- Trauma recovery
- Parenting and family systems work
Every session includes therapeutic intention, reflective processing, and integration into daily life.
Book a Session or Ask a Question
If you’re unsure which option suits your needs — or whether your NDIS plan can support equine-assisted therapy we’re here to help.
0418 641 012
contact@stableandgrounded.com
