Horses that heal in Eagleby

At Eagleby’s Discovery Skills clinic, clients share their stories and challenges in serene countryside with director Hailey Otto and her team.

One of her team members is Kuli, a grey Arabian-Andalusian horse that has stood by her side for 21 years.

During an equine therapy session, a practitioner will guide clients through interactions and activities such as grooming, feeding or just being with the horses.

Hailey, an equestrian since she was young, became a psychologist with the goal of combining her 2 passions in life: horses and helping others.

‘Equine therapy is very empowering and has helped a lot of clients who struggle in other therapeutic settings,’ Hailey says.

Clients can choose to sit indoors for traditional room-based therapy or under a tree on the acreage. Some of the younger clients enjoy being able to kick a ball or play cricket before settling into their sessions.

‘Clients can go inside or outside as they choose, so it feels more natural,’ Hailey says.

Hailey chose to provide equine therapy because horses are highly attuned to human emotions.

‘Horses offer so much because they understand emotion and seek connection, just like we do,’ she says.

‘They react immediately to subtle changes in body language.’

Kuli, whose nickname is Mister Sociable, is known to nuzzle clients when they’re feeling sad and neighs at the arrival of visitors.

This acknowledgement is particularly powerful for clients dealing with challenges like autism, ADHD and grief.

‘Horses know exactly what you’re feeling, and they let you feel those emotions without judgement,’ Hailey says.

‘I’ve been riding horses for most of my life, and I have seen how much they impact people.

‘Horses have brought so much joy, connection and peace into my life – it’s very healing to spend time with them.’

Clients can also choose other members of the practice’s animal team to accompany their sessions for support.

These helpers include the resident Ragdoll cats, guinea pigs and budgies.

‘Animals add another dimension to the therapy space and creates conversation,’ Hailey says.

‘They help calm our clients down, especially if it’s their first time here.’

She has also noticed that the animals enjoy participating and will often join in of their own volition.

If you would like to have a conversation about animal-assisted therapy, visit the Discovery Skills Psychology website or call 04 3247 4449.