Jasper Equine Assisted Counselling

19/09/2026

New Therapy Horse Talk episode out now.

Therapy Horse Talk Podcast · Episode

18/09/2026

What I absolutely love about horses, they are present and respond to the here and now. They remind us how to just “be”.

Being present sounds simple, but in a world filled with notifications, responsibilities, worries and constant thinking about what comes next, it can be surprisingly difficult.

Being present means bringing our attention back to what is happening right now — noticing our surroundings, our emotions, our bodies and the people around us.

Animals can be wonderful partners in helping us do this.

A dog waiting for our attention, a horse responding to our body language, a cat settling quietly beside us or another animal engaging with us can gently draw our focus away from everything competing for our attention and back to the moment.

Within appropriately delivered animal-assisted services, this connection can create opportunities to practise:

• slowing down and observing
• focusing attention on the here and now
• recognising emotions and physical sensations
• communicating through body language
• developing self-awareness
• experiencing connection without the pressure of constant conversation

Animals live largely in the present. They respond to what we are communicating now, rather than worrying about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow.

Sometimes being present isn’t about clearing your mind.

It’s simply about finding something meaningful enough to bring you back to the moment.

For some people, that something may have four legs.

animaltherapies.org.au

18/09/2026

15/09/2026

I received a wonderful msg today, Jaspers first owners (and breeder) found our page and Jasper. They were so excited to now see him living his best life post racing. They were kind enough to send me a baby photo 🥹 feeling grateful ☺️

14/09/2026

Bullying can leave scars we cannot see.

Bullying is more than an unkind comment. When it is repeated or targeted, it can affect confidence, self-worth, relationships and a person’s sense of safety.

For children and young people, bullying can make school and social situations feel unsafe. For adults, it can happen in workplaces, families, community groups and online.

And sometimes, the impact continues long after the bullying stops.

People who have experienced bullying may withdraw, lose confidence, avoid situations they once enjoyed or find it difficult to trust others. Recovery isn’t simply about being told to “move on”. It can involve rebuilding safety, connection and a sense of belonging.

Animal-assisted services may provide one pathway to support this process.

Animals can offer a relationship without judgement about appearance, popularity, social status or past experiences. Through appropriately delivered animal-assisted therapy, learning and other services, interaction with animals may help people experience positive connection and gradually rebuild confidence.

A horse doesn’t care whether you were included in the group.

A dog doesn’t care whether someone made fun of you.

A cat doesn’t ask you to prove that you belong.

For someone whose confidence has been damaged by bullying, that acceptance can matter.

Preventing bullying is everyone’s responsibility. We can all help create environments where kindness, boundaries, respect and inclusion are expected — and where people feel safe to speak up and seek support.

No one should have to become smaller so that someone else can feel bigger.

animaltherapies.org.au

14/09/2026

This infographic was made by AI within about 10 seconds of asking for a horse themed image that reflects what is inside or outside of our locus of control.

I’m impressed but also concerned that we are now launching ahead into a future where graphic art is being created with AI bypassing human thought and creativity.

Have you noticed many of the AI graphics we see now on social media are looking similar?

We don’t want to lose the human side of creativity, using original and unique ideas.

What will happen to employment?

Is the use of AI, within our locus of control, or is it too late?

11/09/2026

09/09/2026

Very interesting article highlighting the following (from Psychology Today).

Equine-assisted therapy can support mental health by helping people develop trust, communication, emotional awareness and regulation. Horses respond sensitively to body language and emotion, providing immediate feedback in a calming outdoor environment. However, the article’s claims cover many conditions without examining the strength of evidence for each.

Research has shown the benefits of adding horses to therapy. Today, more than 45,000 people in the US are being treated by equine-assisted therapy.