Equine Therapy Program - Emmaus College

Emmaus College, North Rockhampton has recently commenced an Equine Therapy Program. The five-week program entails students working in small groups with a miniature or small horse to increase self-awareness, promote self-esteem and enhance social skills. Students develop these skills by making connections between horse behaviour and human behaviour.

Student feedback to the experience of the program has been very positive.

“I learnt about respecting their personal spaces and not to let them get away with their attitude,” Bella said.

“They are a lot stronger than I thought. I learnt how to manage the behaviour and how to respect their personal space,” Shonte said in reflection of last week’s session. “I found it relaxing and enjoyable just being near them.”

Handling these horses provides opportunities for challenge and problem solving and can assist students to increase their resilience and build confidence.  This program was developed by Seneya Thomas and run by Leticia Hart from El-Jay Horse Stud Rides & Drives.