Spirit of Wellness

15/08/2025

30/07/2025

This month the United Nations adopted a resolution to declare July 11, 2025, the first-ever World Horse Day.

The resolution calls on governments, schools, businesses and individuals to celebrate the role of horses - and to tackle the challenges they face in the modern world.

From ancient battlefields to modern therapeutic programs, horses have been by humanity’s side for millennia.

At EATA we honour horses and respect their role as highly intelligent, intuitive and social animals.

Formal recognition of the significant role horses have played throughout history, and in everyday life, is an important step forward in raising further awareness about these remarkable animals.

An excellent article about how horses have contributed to human progress can be found on the UN page here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/horse-day

10/07/2025

'SNIPPETS'

Brain food in bite-size!

Little drops of info designed to spark big thoughts.

Quick to read, tricky to forget—and perfect for busy lives.

Today's focus - 'Meltdowns and Tantrums - Emotional Brain vs Thinking Brain
FOLLOW for more.

09/07/2025

Equine Assisted Therapy Australia (EATA) would like to acknowledge NAIDOC Week, which is currently being celebrated across the country, with this year marking its 50th anniversary.

The theme for this year is ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’ which celebrates the achievements of the past and a bright future ahead.

At EATA we recognise the significance of this milestone and theme.

With an enduring strength of spirit, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have helped to pave a future where younger generations can build on a legacy of unity, respect and self-determination.

We too, hope many others can relate to this message of acknowledging where you have come from and what you have endured.

But also knowing, if you build resilience within yourself and are backed by a strong community, you can forge through challenges with renewed strength and hope.

The NAIDOC journey began as a movement for recognition and rights, sparked by Indigenous communities who saw a future built on justice and equality.

It began as a week-long celebration in 1975, but its origins trace back to the 1938 Day of Mourning.

IMAGE: The 2025 National NAIDOC Poster incorporating the Aboriginal Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag (licensed by the Torres Strait Island Council).

03/03/2025

13/02/2025

Gentle reminders , allowing hope, morning thoughts and new beginnings. 🩷🐴

19/01/2025

The Importance of being trauma informed is a hot topic for the 2025 ATL conference. Join Jane Falkner, Founder of to understand more about the standards required of equine-assisted practitioners.

This often involves noticing and responding to the animals behaviours and educating our clients to do the same. We heal through relationship so it is important that this comes into our work with the animals that support AAS. In this presentation Jane will discuss different behaviours and nervous system states that animals may present with and how to support clients to respond to and learn from these behaviours.

Attendance at the conference is free for ATL members. Not a member? You can join here: https://animaltherapies.org.au/membership-account/become-a-member/

19/01/2025

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to open up when you feel truly safe? 🐴💛

That’s the magic behind Polyvagal and equine-assisted therapy. Safety is at the core of healing, and horses create a calming, non-judgmental presence that makes it easier to share, process emotions, and grow.

When you’re with a horse, their gentle nature helps you feel supported and understood — it’s like they instinctively know what you need. Paired with the principles of Polyvagal Theory, this approach opens the door to deeper connection, emotional regulation, and real transformation.

What would it feel like to take a step toward healing in this way? 🤍

08/01/2025

🐴✨ Equine-Assisted Therapy | Children's Group Sessions

Join us for a fun and supportive equine-assisted therapy group designed for kids aged 11-14.

What it’s all about:
👉 Learn emotional regulation skills
👉 Build stronger relationships
👉 Connect with gentle horses and supportive peers

Facilitated by our EATA students who are qualified mental health professionals, these 90-minute sessions provide a safe and welcoming space for personal growth and connection.

🗓 Required Session Dates:
🐎 Friday, January 17th – 2 PM
🐎 Friday, March 7th – 2 PM
🐎 Friday, May 9th – 2 PM

Enjoy all 3 sessions for only $20 !

📍 Limited spots available, so secure your 3 session bundle today and join us for an unforgettable experience.
Book here >>> https://eataevents.as.me/schedule/61a086a2/?appointmentTypeIds[]=72794706

08/01/2025

🌟 Are You Playing Small? 🌟
Playing small means shrinking your worth, power, or value to stay unnoticed. It’s often something we learn in childhood to fly under the radar, avoid attention, bullying, or harm. But as adults, this habit can hold us back in big ways.
We may people-please, agree to keep the peace, and lose sight of our own needs—handing over our power without even realising it. It’s an automatic defence, rooted in survival, often called appeasing. While it might have kept us safe in the past, it can leave us frustrated today.

Does any of this sound familiar?
"Why do I let people walk all over me?"
"Why does nobody take me seriously?"
"Why can’t I just say NO?"

If you’re ready to stop playing small, here are 9 steps to step into your power:
1. Get curious about the beliefs driving this behaviour. Are you afraid of failure, hurting others, or being seen as arrogant?�
2. Notice when you shrink. Who are you around? What happens just before you notice yourself shrink or get small? How does your body respond?�
3. Reflect on your childhood. How did playing small help you feel safe, seen, or heard?�
4. Name your feelings. This helps you regain control and stay present instead of reacting on autopilot.�
5. Practice mindfulness. Deep breaths can ground you when you feel yourself shrinking.�
6. Challenge your beliefs. Remind yourself of your worth and capability—are you truly “less than” or not equal to the other person?�
7. Celebrate your wins. Back yourself and notice what you are doing well.�
8. Reconnect with your feelings. Learn to identify and validate what you’re experiencing.�
9. Seek support. A therapist can help uncover and heal the roots of these patterns.

✨ The world needs you to show up fully. Playing small doesn’t serve you or anyone else. Take up space. Own your power. You are worthy. ✨

What’s one small step you can take today to start standing tall? 💪💖

08/01/2025

💫 The Importance of Connection in Community 🌿
This past month has reminded me just how vital connection and community are to our well-being. As humans, the need to connect with others is deeply ingrained in us, however, when we have been hurt before it can feel difficult to reach out for connection.

When we’ve been let down, it’s tempting to shut the door on connection, deciding to go it alone and protect ourselves. Often, this decision is made at a young age, and it follows us into adulthood, making relationships feel challenging. We fear letting people in, scared of being hurt or disappointed again.

But in doing so, we deny ourselves something essential. We miss out on love, connection, and the richness of community. We deny others the chance to know and love us for who we truly are.

✨ How Do We Open Ourselves to Connection Again?�
Start with Self-Acceptance: Embrace all parts of yourself—even the bits you’re not proud of. They’ve likely served you at some point in your life.�

Be Curious, Not Judgmental: Explore who you are—your strengths, challenges, and quirks. Approach this with curiosity rather than criticism.�

Allow Yourself to BE: Practice noticing your breath and what’s present in your body right now. Trust that you are enough just as you are.�

Relax Into Connection: Little by little, allow yourself to feel at ease in the presence of others.

🐴 What Horses Can Teach Us About Connection
�Horses are incredible teachers when it comes to relationships. They give us honest, non-judgmental feedback and invite us to be present and authentic. Through working with them, we learn to come home to ourselves and reconnect with others.

💡 The key is to approach this journey with gentleness and curiosity. Connection—whether with others, with nature, or with ourselves—is a process, and every step forward matters.

08/01/2025

🌟 How Can Equine-Assisted Therapy Help with Depression? 🌟
Feeling low from time to time is part of being human. But depression is different — it’s a prolonged, heavy weight that can impact your whole life. It might make you feel stuck, hopeless, unmotivated, and distant from the people and activities you used to love. It can leave you feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders.

When depression takes hold, it’s vital to reach out for support. You don’t have to face it alone. Humans are wired for connection, and that’s where working with horses in equine-assisted therapy can be a game-changer.
Horses, like us, thrive on relationships. They offer non-judgemental support, an empathetic presence, and honest feedback.

In equine-assisted therapy, it’s not all about talking. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, your emotions, and your sense of purpose in a safe, healing environment.

Here’s how it helps:�
🐴 You’ll have a mental health professional by your side: They’ll listen, support, and guide you with tools to manage your depression. Sometimes, just being able to share your story without judgment is a huge relief.
🐴 Healing happens in nature: Sessions take place outdoors, surrounded by fresh air and peaceful landscapes. Nature has a powerful way of calming our minds and bringing clarity.
🐴 Presence and connection: Horses live in the moment and invite you to do the same. Being with them encourages mindfulness and helps you escape the spiral of overwhelming thoughts.
🐴 Horses respond to your emotions: They sense how you feel and respond, encouraging you to connect with and express your true self. Their warmth, empathy, and presence can be incredibly grounding.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, reach out. Support is available. Organisations like Beyond Blue offer excellent resources and guidance: www.beyondblue.org.au

💙 You don’t have to go through this alone — take the first step toward healing.