Nature-based Day Programs

For social, emotional and relational skills

Equine Assisted Learning

These day programs draw on the wisdom of the horse for psycho-educational, psychosocial skill, and behavioral development. Tailored for each age group and individual child attending, it ensures an experience suited to their developmental needs. It's designed to be not only educational but also memorable and fun.

By immersing children in this environment, we aim to create an enriching experience that fosters growth and learning through interaction with our equine companions.

Our sessions cover a range of essential topics such as: emotional self awareness, regulation, communication skills, boundary setting, self-worth, and confidence-building.

Learn more about Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and a compilation of studies exploring the benefits of equine-assisted therapy can be found here.

4 hour group program:

  • 10:00am - Farm discovery and herd observation

  • 11:00am - Equine Experiences: grooming, touching and leading, obstacle course

  • 12:15pm - Lunch (BYO lunch, snacks and water provided)

  • 1:00pm - Eco treasure hunt, nature art, age appropriate paddock play, caring for sheep, alpacas and horses

2 hour “make memories with your bestie/buddy” session: customised to the needs and interests of the participants including equine experiences and farm discovery. Two persons per group.

Psycho-educational and psychosocial skill development

  • Effective communication

  • Noticing and awareness of others

  • The calm state/Regulation

  • Belonging

  • Safe boundaries

  • Confidence and self worth

  • Nature exploration

  • Thoughts and feelings

  • Safe relationships

  • Energy and play

“The program helped my daughter develop empathy towards others as the therapist explained how the animals might be feeling and related it back to the children’s experiences... she was so happy and excited to tell me all about it... It really was a confidence builder for her and I’m so glad we did it.”
— Jacqui
“My lovely daughter experienced a deep connection with horses while with Michelle in a beautiful, safe environment… such a calming, self learning journey…”
— Katrina

2024 Dates and age groups

4 hour program - $195/pp

Wednesday 3rd April: 5-8 year olds
Tuesday 9th April: 9-12 year olds

No more than 6 per group, with a 3:1 ratio of participants to staff.
Miniumum of 3 participants for group to run.

2 hour bestie/buddy session - $140/pp

Day time bookings available for Friday 4/4, Monday 8/4, Wednesday 10/4 and Friday 12/4.

Two persons per session.

Enquiries and bookings
info@edenhopepsychotherapy.au or 0412 326 431

Payment is by EFT or credit card upon invoice following the session.
NDIS client invoices will be emailed to plan managers.

This is not a horse-riding program.
No prior horse experience necessary.

  • Our day programs have 1 facilitator to a maximum of 3 participants.

  • Parents and carers can stay with their child until the child is ready to engage on their own, however parents/carers are to offer support rather than facilitating or directing the child’s experience within the session.

  • Yes, however please remain or have a contact available within 30 mins from our centre in case of any emergency. Parents/carers also have an area where they can sit whilst waiting - please note however this is not in a location where you would be able to observe the program.

  • The temperature in Gembrook is on average 3 degrees cooler than Melbourne. Please dress appropriately for the conditions ie sun hat, rain coat, warm jacket. Closed toe shoes (hard toe preferred) or even gumboots for winter conditions. Long pants are preferred, even in summer due to the long grass in areas.

  • If it is due to rain heavily, over 30 degrees, or rated extreme fire danger, the session will be postponed and deposits refunded.

  • Absolutely. We provide an invoice for self-managed and plan-managed clients. We are not currently registered with NDIS.

  • A $50 deposit is required to secure your place. The remaining fee will be invoiced to you following the session and can be paid via EFT or credit/debit card. The deposit will be forfeited if cancelled within 72 hours of the event.

  • There is good access for emergency vehicles to enter the property. A First-aid certificate holder will always be on-site. Participants will be evacuated to Gembrook township or other location in case of a bush-fire.

  • Our dogs are typically secured prior to sessions. We observe interactions and aim to managed risks and emotional safety as they engage with them.