Field of Dreams-Early Intervention and Support

01/02/2026

Equine assisted learning- a great tool to support children!

For young people who feel disconnected from traditional learning environments, education can feel overwhelming or unsafe. Animals help shift that experience.

Animal-assisted learning creates a calm, non-judgemental space where trust can develop naturally.

Animals don’t criticise, rush, or label — they respond to consistency, kindness, and presence. This helps learners build emotional regulation, confidence, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.

Through structured, supported interactions with animals, disengaged learners can reconnect with learning, strengthen social skills, and experience achievement in meaningful ways.

30/01/2026

Beautiful friends of F.O.D- can you please collect these for me? They’re so useful in my group work!

28/01/2026

Love Equine Assisted Learning and the benefits for our kids!

When humans spend time with horses - especially in a calm and non-pressured way - a range of physiological changes can occur 🧠🐴
Here’s what research and clinical observation show:

🧠 Nervous system regulation
Many people experience a shift out of fight/flight and into a calmer, more regulated state
Breathing often slows and deepens
Heart Rate Variability (a marker of nervous-system flexibility) can improve

💙 Hormonal & neurochemical responses
Beneficial neuroendocrine effects have been associated with reduced anxiety and improved mood
Reduced cortisol (the primary stress hormone) has been observed in some studies
Oxytocin may increase during positive, relational interactions, supporting feelings of safety, trust and connection

🫀 Cardiovascular effects
Lower heart rate and blood pressure has been reported
These effects are associated with relaxation and parasympathetic (rest-and-restore) activation

🧘 Body awareness & regulation
Horses often encourage slower movement, grounded posture and present-moment awareness
This can enhance interoception - the ability to notice internal bodily signals

🌿 Emotional and psychological flow-on effects
Reduced anxiety and tension
Increased sense of safety and connection
Improved mood and awareness

✨ Importantly, these effects are context-dependent.
Safety, consent, relationship and attunement matter. When interactions are rushed, pressured or stressful, the nervous system can respond very differently - for both the horse and human.

This is why Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) should always place a strong emphasis on safety, relationship, nervous-system awareness and ethical, horse-centred practice

26/01/2026

Fantastic! Thanks Australian Open

We decided to go to the Australian Open today. What is awesome, are the sensory bags available at the accessibility check point!

Not only was it offered to us upon arrival, another staff member recommended them to us when they realised we had sensory needs waiting in line for something.

I did bring ear defenders and sun glasses for my kids, but to have these bags available is so helpful! It's so hard leaving the house and trying to remember everything, so these as a backup is very helpful!

Well done Australian Open !

23/01/2026

And that’s it. Field of Dreams Cashmere is closed. My primary girls group was a lovely way to finish- boosting our inner super girl so we’re stronger than the negative voices in our head.
Watch out Yeppoon- we’re coming your way!

21/01/2026

Today has been a day of farewells and celebrations. So proud of the achievements of the amazing children in both groups.
Our Primary boys group showed growth in self understanding, gross motor control and creativity.
My high school EAL girls- so proud of these girls. My joy in seeing their personal successes is beyond measurement! Note to self- don’t leave phone unattended- result cute selfies!
I’m going to miss these kids so much!
Thanks to Jo- I’ll miss your support at our sessions!

14/01/2026

As we approach the end of our Cashmere sessions, I’m loving seeing how far “my girls” have come!
Self confidence, teamwork, pride in their work and achievements- what more could I hope for?
So proud of these girls!

14/01/2026

Thanks Chloé Hayden my thoughts exactly- a voice, a start, being heard & seen.

13/01/2026

New year new babies!

12/01/2026

Yay! Autistic Barbie! 🥰

11/01/2026

Equine ASSISTED Learning- horses help, dogs help but my professional learning guides the journey. Thanks Animal Therapies Ltd

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we often hear animal-assisted therapy described as an alternative therapy. It’s time to correct that misconception.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a clinical modality, not an alternative treatment.

When delivered appropriately, AAT is provided by registered health professionals — such as psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, counsellors and other health practitioners — who integrate an animal into their therapeutic practice within their professional scope, regulatory standards, and ethical frameworks.

The animal is not the therapist.
The animal is not the treatment.

The animal is a therapeutic support, intentionally and carefully incorporated by a qualified clinician to support evidence-informed goals such as:
• emotional regulation
• trauma recovery
• engagement and motivation
• functional skill development
• therapeutic rapport and safety

Like other recognised modalities, animal-assisted therapy:
✔ is goal-directed
✔ is professionally accountable
✔ requires clinical reasoning and risk management
✔ must meet both human and animal welfare standards

When we understand animal-assisted therapy as a modality, we protect clients, practitioners, animals — and the integrity of the work itself.

07/01/2026

Angela Nicole today we combined and equine assisted learning to practice being able to control our amygdala and turn our worries into Warriors!
So proud of the girls who:-
*coached each other
*accepted change and non preferred decisions
*rose to the challenge
*practiced resilience