Kelly Zorn

Equine Assisted Mental Health Therapy - FAQ

Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAMH) is a form of therapy that incorporates interactions with horses to support emotional growth, healing, and mental well-being. It’s facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and often includes a trained equine specialist of which I am both.

Not at all! No previous horse experience is required. Sessions are tailored to meet you where you are, and all activities are conducted in a safe and supportive environment.

You can engage at whatever level feels right for you. Simply being outside in nature, near horses—even at a distance across the paddock—can be incredibly calming and therapeutic. There’s no pressure to touch or be close to the horses unless and until you feel ready. Over time, as you begin to feel more at ease, curious, or confident, you may find yourself naturally wanting to interact more directly.

 

 

Our sessions take place in beautiful, peaceful countryside, which itself supports relaxation, reflection, and emotional healing—whether you’re next to a horse or simply enjoying their presence from afar.

Horses are incredibly intuitive and responsive to human emotions. Their nonjudgmental presence and honest feedback can help people develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication skills, and confidence.

Horse assisted therapy can support a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, stress, grief, addiction recovery, relationship challenges, and personal development.

Not usually. Most equine-assisted sessions are ground-based, focusing on interaction, observation, and relationship-building with the horse. However, some programs may offer mounted work if appropriate and agreed upon as I am a qualified Equestrian Australia Coach and can safely incorporate riding in the sessions.  All of my horses have been audited and are safe to ride under instruction.

Yes. Your safety is my top priority. Horses used in therapy are carefully selected and trained, and sessions are supervised by professionals who ensure a secure and supportive environment for both clients and horses.

Sessions last 45 minutes and may occur weekly, bi-weekly, or according to your therapeutic goals and schedule. This can be discussed during your initial consultation.

Yes, Equine Assisted Therapy is eligible for funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), depending on your plan and goals. If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you can use your NDIS funding to access this therapeutic support under the category NDIS Line item: 15_056_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training – Other Professional in the counselling space.  We’re happy to provide invoices and any supporting documentation you may need and can also assist you in understanding how this therapy fits within your NDIS plan.

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking outdoors preferably boots. It’s a good idea to dress in layers depending on the weather. No special gear is needed—just bring yourself and an open mind.

There is no single defined program, however as a trained Equine Assisted Therapy Australia graduate, I have a specific wellbeing program that suits most individuals if this is appropriate to your needs. Each person’s needs, goals, and pace are different, so sessions are tailored specifically to support your unique journey. Rather than following a strict curriculum, we co-create your experience together—whether you’re seeking short-term support, long-term healing, or personal growth. If you’re looking for more structure, we can collaboratively outline a plan with clear intentions, session goals, and regular check-ins to guide the process.

Have another question?

If you have any other questions that I haven’t address please do not hesitate to reach out to me at kelly@kellyzorn.com.au

equine therapy for mental health
Scroll to Top