Some background and what we do…
Eq Cetera Inc., located in Darling Downs, Western Australia, offers Adaptive Horse Riding, Equine Assisted Learning, and Hippotherapy services. With a herd of 12 horses/ponies, we are proud members of AHAI International and affiliated with the Australian Pony Club as a Pony Club Member Centre. The bond between humans and horses enhances physical and emotional health, nurturing skills and overall well-being. Horses contribute to improved muscle tone, balance, posture, mobility, coordination, and motor function. They also promote living in the present moment and fostering teamwork despite individual differences. Learn more about the benefits of Adaptive Horse Riding and how it can positively impact physical and emotional wellness. In late 2024, EqCetera will introduce Horses Helping Humans to Western Australia. This multi-award-winning program combines “horse whispering” with “people whispering,” bringing transformative change that has positively impacted countless lives.
Horses inspire us, they may also inspire you…
Is designed for newcomers to the equine world. These programs offer unique opportunities to meet, learn about and safely engage with our people friendly therapy horses.
Horses and You…
Horses and You!! is designed for those who wish to meet with real therapy horses in a safe and supported environment. In this two hour program you’ll meet, groom, lead and learn all about these magnificent creatures (with no riding involved).
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First Rider program…
Ever wanted to ride a horse – but have concerns or do not know where to start? You can start at Eq Cetera Inc. on our safe and well trained therapy horses. Our experienced coaches will lead you through a step by step first ride and you will feel the joy of building a bond with these magnificent creatures. A safe first ride may lead you on a path to further equine adventures !
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Ride Darling Downs Equestrian Estate
When you are ready we can provide Escorted Trail Rides to extend and compliment your riding experience. You’ll enjoy the scenic trail rides of the Darling Downs Equestrian Estate, located just 35 minutes south of Perth CBD
learn moreWhat is Adaptive Horse Riding?
We offer horseback riding lessons for groups and individuals starting at age three. Sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays throughout the day and into the early evening. Each session lasts 40-60 minutes, including mounting and dismounting. Private sessions are also available and last up to 60 minutes.
Equine Assisted Learning?
We offer horse-centered learning sessions that help improve self-awareness, confidence, communication, teamwork, and literacy/numeracy skills. You can view the storyboards from our Darling Downs project below. We have also delivered EAL remotely from the Murray Equestrian Centre. These sessions are conducted on the ground but may also lead to riding sessions in some cases.
Congratulations to Rhegan on successfully completing your Year 11 Workplace Learning.
Rhegan our 2023 Workplace Learning StudentOpening soon…
Pony Play
Darling Downs
Over recent mounths we’ve been busy, hard at work writting funding submissions, planning obstacles and building our all new Equine Playground – PONY PLAY as recently featured in Hoofbeats will be available for public hire during non-Eqcetera Days for availability and further information drop us an email.
The playground currently has a mix of tradition horse playground obstacles and a range of Working Equtation obstacles. At Pony Play you can move seamlessly from teaching ground handling to enhancing your horse skills and confidence under saddle.
We would like to acknowledge the grants we received from the OTTWA Community Fund and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
Coming soon to EqCetera Inc. Darling Downs WA
With over 30 years experience, Rob Shaw has been a trailblazer in the Equine Assisted field. His approach has produced documented, award-winning outcomes; gaining recognised for Innovation in Education and by the Institute of Criminology’s, Heads of Government, National Violence Prevention Awards. Initiating projects which made significant impacts on clients’ lives.
EqCetera Inc. is excited to be bring the Horses Helping Humans program to Western Australia, with program delivery scheduled to commence late 2024.
This specialised horse whispering program for youth has grown out of the well-known and highly regarded work of Sue Spence that we she has been doing for many years in using horses to help humans learn effective communication and body language skills. Specifically, the HHH program teaches clients the basics of natural horsemanship ground skills (no riding involved) which are based on mutual respect and trust between horse and handler. Students learn how to gently back their horses away from them to create healthy safe boundaries, how to circle their horses around them on a 12ft lead, pop them over small jumps and lead them around an agility course. By working together with the horses, students learn vital skills such as self-confidence, communication, emotional control, respect and trust for others. These skills are vital elements that must be well developed in an individual in order for them to become a part of, and contribute meaningfully to their local community.
Additional workshops planned for 2025 include:
Effective Communication
Women’s Workshops
“horse whispering” meets “people whispering”
Horses Helping Humans
Sue Spence’s “Horses Helping Humans” is a pioneering Equine Assisted Learning Training Program, the ONLY Certified Trademark in Australia for Equine Assisted Learning which is setting the standard for safety and success, and a force for transformative change. With over 20 years of experience, Sue is a trailblazer in the Equine Assisted Learning field. Her approach has produced documented, award-winning outcomes and has made a significant impact on her clients’ lives.
The Horses Helping Humans Youth Program became licensed in 2016 due to high demand from across Australia. Known for its results-based, professional training, it offers a unique alternative to traditional methods for assisting disadvantaged youth. We collaborate with various Youth and Family Services in northern NSW and southeast QLD, including Act for Kids, Wesley Mission, and the Department for Child Safety, Youth and Correctional Services.
We also work with Gold Coast School Chaplains, introducing a workbook version of the program to help children struggling with anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. This initiative creates a supportive network, involving parents and embedding the program deeply into the community to keep students engaged in their studies.
Hippotherapy, is physiotherapy on horseback…
Hippotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that takes place on horseback. This specialized type of physiotherapy uses the specific movements of a horse to provide rehabilitation for a variety of neurological and complex conditions in both adults and children. It has been proven to enhance motor, sensory, and language skills. At Eq Cetera, Hippotherapy sessions are held every Monday and Saturday in collaboration with Embrace Therapy. We also offer sessions for children under the age of five, if appropriate. Embrace Therapy
Meet our amazing horses…
Our four-legged team is the magic behind EqCetera’s legacy. Their unique personalities, shapes, and sizes mean there is a partner and a favorite for everyone.
Toy
Australian Riding Pony
Wooller
Halflinger
Clayton Oliver
Foundation Waler
Lulu
Australian stock horse
Dave
Australian Riding Pony
Clayton Lily
Part Waler
Clayton Auric
Part Waler
Shasha
Miniture Horse
Jam
Anglo Arabian
Claytom Karisma
Waler
Paul
Thoroughbred
Teddy
Australian stock horse
How you can
support us…
We rely on supporters, volunteers, grants, and fundraising to meet our center’s financial needs. Every contribution is appreciated and helps us continue our work. More volunteers mean more opportunities for participants. Get involved with our charity in various ways.
VolunteerDonate
Join our team, Volunteer with Us!
If you are 12 years old and up?
Volunteering with Us
We provide training and mentoring. We also cover the cost of your Working With Children Card
and National Volunteer Police Clearance Check. PLUS uniform is provided after you qualify
(No prior experience needed).
Contact Us to find out about our
NEXT Volunteer Induction Day
