The Equine & Eco Connection Centre

12/02/2025

THE EQUINE & ANIMAL
PSYCHOTHERAPY INSTITUTE
2024 Class ✅ GRADUATE 👩🏼‍🎓

Weeks away from my family interstate, hours of training, practice & supervision.
I am so thrilled to be an offical part of this wonderful, accredited community.

After moving to the beautiful Sunshine Coast, I made a few lifestyle changes, for better physical & mental health.
On my quest for self improvement, Equine Therapy, Equine Assisted/Facilitated Learning & Eco Assisted Learning intrigued me. I had to know more.

The Power of Horses! What I authentically already knew in my heart to be true was their intuition, awareness & wisdom.
The more I read & researched, the more I knew it was the perfect journey for me!
Helping people through the deep wisdom of horses.
I set a goal! A goal that would a huge task timewise, financially and logistically .
I took a dream, set the goal, made a plan and made it happen!

In a world that’s constantly changing, the pursuit of knowledge is our greatest ally.
I am one to embrace curiosity and keep my mind open to new ideas and experiences.
I love learning!

With a past history that mainly relied on western medicine, (apart from chiropractic) and teachings from the school of hard knocks, learning about holistic processes that view the individual as a totality of mind, body, emotions, and spirit has been very insightful, empowering & certainly changed the way I authentically see individuals.

When we know better, we do better!
One of my favourite sayings I heard from my friend Linda Goldspink-Lord years ago.

Growth is a journey, not a destination.
My journey with the EAAPI has been invaluable.
Every step we take brings us closer to our best selves!

08/02/2025

🌟 Discover Your Potential at The Equine & Eco Connection Centre! 🌟

Nestled in the stunning Chevallum on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, our Connection Centre offers a serene and supportive environment for personal growth through the wisdom of horses.

🐴 What We Offer:
Experience the transformative power of **Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)**!
Our unique approach harnesses the bond between humans and horses to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. Engage in guided learning experiences that promote personal, social, and professional development in a natural setting.

✨ Who Can Benefit?
Whether you're an NDIS client, child, adolescent, or adult, our programs are designed to foster curiosity and nurture emotional well-being. Join us to harmonize with nature and deepen your connection to yourself and others.

🤝 NDIS Support MAY be available:
We're proud supporters of the NDIS!
If eligible and approved by your Plan Manager. Let us help you achieve your goals through:
- **CORE**: Community Social & Recreational Activities
- **CAPACITY BUILDING**: Increased Social and Community Participation

We offer a range of services, including Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Facilitated Learning, and Horse Riding, tailored for plan-managed clients if approved by your NDIS Plan Manager.

📞 Ready to Start Your Journey?
Contact us today at 0410 45 44 45 or PM our page for more info!

We can’t wait to work with you!

❤️ **Meet Our Team:**
Donna 👱🏼‍♀️, Sion, Maybel, Elvis, Portia, Bert, Summer, Cora, Derrick & Baby Antoinette. 🐴

👉 **Like our page for updates and inspiration!**

08/02/2025

Curious About Equine Assisted Learning?

What do we do?
At The Equine & Eco Connection Centre, we offer a transformative experience that combines Gestalt therapy principles with the wisdom of horses to help you achieve meaningful personal growth. 🐴✨

In our Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions, you’ll engage with horses in a structured way that promotes awareness, freedom, and self-direction in the present moment.
Through these unique interactions, you’ll develop essential skills like trust, self-acceptance, and emotional regulation.

**What You Can Expect:**
✅ Uncover suppressed emotions
✅ Heightened self-awareness
✅ Insight into how past experiences shape your feelings and behaviors

This isn’t just a casual unqualified pony petting session.
Our sessions are focused, goal-oriented, and designed for real growth.

Donna is a qualified Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner with blue card and first aid, along with being an accredited EA Instructor & certified with The Australian Sports Commision. With the love of fostering growth, Donna works along her clients to achieve goals and obtain new skills .

Ready to dive deeper into your journey? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below or send us a message to learn more! 💬👇

08/02/2025

BACK TO SCHOOL SCARY TUMMIES?

ANXIOUS, UNREGULATED, MELTDOWNS, BIG FEELINGS?

PEER PRESSURED, BULLIED, LACKING CONFIDENCE, UNABLE TO SAY NO?

Let me introduce to you to …

THE HORSE WISDOM EQUINE ASSISTED
6 WEEK LEARNING PROGRAM
PREP - YR12

What is the HorseWisdom Program?

The HorseWisdom Program focuses on enhancing social and emotional learning. Participants will explore how horses thrive and adapt in their environments, learning to apply these insights to their own lives for improved health and well-being.

This program does not involve riding or training horses but offers valuable knowledge about equine behaviour and social dynamics.

Participants will engage in experiential learning, gaining hands-on experience through activities with horses. The program highlights observation and interaction, including grooming and leading horses, all set in a natural outdoor environment that encourages creativity and skill development.

SESSION 1 - MINDFULNESS
Building emotional intelligence starts with body awareness, an essential aspect of mindfulness. Horses exemplify mindfulness, remaining attuned to their surroundings and their own feelings. They live in the moment, fully aware and responsive.
*How can we learn from horses?*
- Cultivate awareness.
- Stay safe and respond to immediate sensations and needs.
- Recognise the choices we have in our lives.

SESSION 2 - BOUNDARIES
Boundaries are crucial for safety. They represent your personal ‘Yes’ and ‘No’—what feels acceptable and what doesn’t. You are in control of your own boundaries. Horses maintain clear boundaries within their herds.
*What can we learn from horses?*
- Clearly define our own boundaries.
- Communicate effectively.
By understanding our boundaries, we can enhance our safety and remain attuned to our feelings.

SESSION 3 - THINKING
Becoming aware of our thoughts is vital. The way we think and the narratives we create about ourselves and others influence our feelings, behaviours, and relationships.
*How can we act like horses?*
Horses respond to our thoughts and intentions, communicated through body language and energy. By fostering positive and compassionate self-talk, we can nurture well-being and healthy relationships.

SESSION 4 - RELATIONSHIPS
Building healthy and lasting relationships relies on trust, safety, listening, mutual respect, and clear boundaries.
*What can we learn from horses?*
Horses demonstrate healthy relationship dynamics through clear boundaries and authentic interactions. Engaging with horses can teach us about cultivating respectful and safe relationships with others.

SESSION 5 - FEELINGS
Feelings provide important insights into our experiences and needs. Recognising and expressing emotions—joy, anger, fear, and sadness—is essential for ongoing wellness.
*How can we reflect the behaviour of horses?*
Horses experience emotions similarly to us. They feel, process, express, and then move on. They remind us to:
- Embrace all of our feelings.
- Safely express our emotions.
- Allow our feelings to guide us in understanding our needs.
- Let go of emotions rather than becoming stuck in them.

SESSION 6 - FACING LIFE CHALLENGES
What skills do we need to tackle life’s challenges? We can draw on everything we’ve learned throughout the program:
- Stay present and aware of current situations.
- Use breath to relax, much like horses do.
- Ground ourselves, feeling the stability of our connection to the earth.
- Be clear about our boundaries.
- Manage our thoughts and feelings for a healthy mind and body.
- Foster supportive relationships.
- Seek assistance when necessary.

We can embrace challenges and stressful situations, support ourselves, be creative, and ask for help when needed.
If life is a series of experiences and experiments, then there's no right or wrong— only opportunities to learn and grow.

Please PM or Call for Details.

07/02/2025

Welcome to The Equine & Eco Connection Centre.

Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Facilitated Learning & Horse Riding.

We are located in Chevallum on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Our Connection Centre provides a serene and secure therapeutic space for personal development, incorporating the profound wisdom of horses in guided learning experiences designed for growth and transformation.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a holistic and transformative experiential learning method that harnesses the power of interactions with horses to facilitate personal, social-emotional, and professional development.

This innovative approach involves engaging with horses to nurture self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation skills in a natural setting.
Horses, being highly attuned to body language and emotions, offer immediate and authentic feedback, creating a unique learning environment that promotes personal growth and self-discovery.

EAL, a flourishing practice in Australia and globally, benefits diverse groups such as NDIS clients, children, adolescents, and adults by fostering a sense of being aware, encouraging curiosity, and nurturing emotional and social well-being.
This enriching experience harmonises individuals with nature, facilitating holistic well-being and a deeper connection to oneself and others.

We can help you towards your goals.
Accrue those life skills, set those boundaries & push through those limitations.

Forge your own way, build for your future.

We look forward to working you.

Donna 👱🏼‍♀️
Sion, Bert, Elvis, Portia, Maybel, Derrick , Cora, Summer & Baby Antoinette. 🐴

26/04/2024

Discover the world of Equine & Eco Assisted Learning

Immerse yourself in Nature's Healing Sanctuary, a place where we unplug from screens, escape overstimulation, and embrace the often-overlooked wonders of everyday life.

At our Connection Centre, experience a tranquil haven for personal growth, where the profound insights of horses guide transformative learning experiences.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a holistic, experiential learning approach that leverages interactions with horses to catalyse personal, social-emotional, and professional development.

Through engaging with horses in a natural environment, individuals cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation skills, empowered by the immediate and authentic feedback these intuitive animals provide.

Embraced globally and in Australia, EAL serves diverse groups, including NDIS clients, children, adolescents, and adults, fostering mindfulness, curiosity, and emotional well-being.

This immersive journey harmonises individuals with nature, fostering holistic well-being and deeper connections with self and others.

We proudly support NDIS participants on their path to achieving personal goals!

Horses & ponies, all ages & sizes, right down to baby Anne who is 4months old.

Contact us for more information…

Join us for transformative experiences with horses.
Equine facilitated learning fosters personal growth, self-awareness, and life skills, such as communication, social skills, and leadership.
Empowering growth through awareness & connection.

26/04/2024

Curious about the transformative power of Equine Assisted Learning?
Let's take a closer look!

This innovative approach integrates the innate wisdom of horses with experiential learning, providing immersive activities that catalyse personal and professional development.

Through hands-on engagement, participants learn to decipher non-verbal cues, cultivate emotional intelligence, and hone essential life skills such as leadership, effective communication, empathy, and trust-building.

Each interaction with these majestic beings serves as a mirror, reflecting profound insights and offering unique growth opportunities.

Embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment as you uncover the connections between human and horse with Equine Assisted Learning at The Equine & Eco Connection Centre.

Join us for transformative experiences with horses.
Equine facilitated learning fosters personal growth, self-awareness, and life skills, such as communication, social skills, and leadership.
Empowering growth through awareness & connection.

25/04/2024

Get Curious….

Who are we & what is Equine & Eco Assisted Learning?
Its like Nature’s Therapy Room. Where we disconnect from screens, over stimulation , instant gratification & connect with what we over look each and everyday.

Our Connection Centre provides a serene and secure therapeutic space for personal development, incorporating the profound wisdom of horses in guided learning experiences designed for growth and transformation.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a holistic and transformative experiential learning method that harnesses the power of interactions with horses to facilitate personal, social-emotional, and professional development.

This innovative approach involves engaging with horses to nurture self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation skills in a natural setting.
Horses, being highly attuned to body language and emotions, offer immediate and authentic feedback, creating a unique learning environment that promotes personal growth and self-discovery.

EAL, a flourishing practice in Australia and globally, benefits diverse groups such as NDIS clients, children, adolescents, and adults by fostering a sense of being aware, encouraging curiosity, and nurturing emotional and social well-being.

This enriching experience harmonises individuals with nature, facilitating holistic well-being and a deeper connection to oneself and others.

We are fond supporters of the NDIS.

Did you know we are fond supporters of NDIS!
We can help you towards your goals in:

CORE:
Community Social & Recreational Activities
04 210 0125 61

CAPACITY BUILDING
Increased Social and Community Participation:

Innovative Community Participation
09 008 0116 63

Community Participation Activities
09 011 0125 63

Personal or Plan Managed.

Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Facilitated Learning & Horse Riding.

We look forward to working you.

Donna 👱🏼‍♀️
Sion, Kristy-Lea, Elvis, Portia, Annie, Summer & Baby Antoinette. 🐴

Join us for transformative experiences with horses.
Equine facilitated learning fosters personal growth, self-awareness, and life skills, such as communication, social skills, and leadership.
Empowering growth through awareness & connection.

27/03/2024

Is it time you considered
The Equine & Eco Connection Centre?

20/03/2024

Did you know we are fond supporters of NDIS!

We can help you towards your goals in:

CORE:
Community Social & Recreational Activities
04 210 0125 61

CAPACITY BUILDING
Increased Social and Community Participation:

Innovative Community Participation
09 008 0116 63

Community Participation Activities
09 011 0125 63

Personal or Plan Managed.

Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Facilitated Learning & Horse Riding.

Join us for transformative experiences with horses.
Equine facilitated learning fosters personal growth, self-awareness, and life skills, such as communication, social skills, and leadership.
Empowering growth through awareness & connection.

18/03/2024

For all the little bunnies 7yrs and under!!

I have turned on my bunny ears and listened to your requests about wanting your own fun day! So here it is! 🐣🐴🌴🥕🐰

We support NDIS

11/03/2024

What is it that you do exactly?

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) seamlessly combines Gestalt therapy principles with horse wisdom experiences to achieve specific learning goals centered on increasing awareness, freedom, and self-direction in the present moment.
Through interactions with horses, individuals work towards developing trust, self-acceptance, and emotional regulation skills, fostering personal growth and balance.
By engaging in EAL sessions, participants aim to uncover suppressed emotions, leading to heightened self-awareness and a deeper understanding of the present context.
The structured learning goals of EAL sessions enable individuals to explore how past experiences influence their current feelings and behaviors, aligning with the core principles of Gestalt therapy.

It most certainly is not a supervised, unstructured, feel good pony petting experience. Although those are nice too.

We are also fond supporters of the NDIS.

Curious? Fabulous! Reach out, we are happy to hear from you.

10/03/2024

Limited Spots Available…

10/03/2024

Welcome to The Equine & Eco Connection Centre.

We are located in Chevallum on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Our Connection Centre provides a serene and secure therapeutic space for personal development, incorporating the profound wisdom of horses in guided learning experiences designed for growth and transformation.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a holistic and transformative experiential learning method that harnesses the power of interactions with horses to facilitate personal, social-emotional, and professional development.

This innovative approach involves engaging with horses to nurture self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation skills in a natural setting.
Horses, being highly attuned to body language and emotions, offer immediate and authentic feedback, creating a unique learning environment that promotes personal growth and self-discovery.

EAL, a flourishing practice in Australia and globally, benefits diverse groups such as NDIS clients, children, adolescents, and adults by fostering a sense of being aware, encouraging curiosity, and nurturing emotional and social well-being.
This enriching experience harmonises individuals with nature, facilitating holistic well-being and a deeper connection to oneself and others.

We are fond supporters of the NDIS.

Did you know we are fond supporters of NDIS!

We can help you towards your goals in:

CORE:
Community Social & Recreational Activities
04 210 0125 61

CAPACITY BUILDING
Increased Social and Community Participation:

Innovative Community Participation
09 008 0116 63

Community Participation Activities
09 011 0125 63

Personal or Plan Managed.

Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Facilitated Learning & Horse Riding.

We look forward to working you.

Donna 👱🏼‍♀️
Sion, Kristy-Lea, Elvis, Portia, Annie, Summer & Baby Antoinette. 🐴