Client story: Thomas aged 12
Thomas was referred to The Paddock Practitioner by his psychologist after struggling to engage in traditional therapy sessions. He often became withdrawn, guarded, and unresponsive. With a history of depression, low motivation, and chronic school avoidance, Thomas was becoming increasingly isolated—prompting deep concern from his parents about his overall wellbeing.
At The Paddock Practitioner, Thomas participated in a series of Equine Assisted Therapy sessions designed to promote emotional awareness, confidence, and regulation. Each session incorporated mindfulness techniques, with the horses playing a central role in guiding this process.
In his initial session, Thomas met Noni and Banjo in the paddock—at liberty, without halters or ropes. Mel gently supported him as he gradually grew more comfortable in their presence. By the third session, Thomas eagerly anticipated each visit. He confidently approached and interacted with the horses, and began opening up about how he was feeling in the moment.
Through observing the horses and learning to interpret their body language and behaviours, Thomas developed greater self-awareness. He began to notice and name his own emotions—many of which had previously been suppressed. As his emotional insight deepened, so did his confidence and motivation.
Thomas took increasing initiative in sessions, guiding horses through obstacle courses he built from natural materials. He observed how his energy and confidence directly influenced the horses’ willingness to follow his lead—an empowering and tangible reflection of his inner state.
Over time, Thomas became more attuned to both himself and those around him. His enthusiasm grew, and he began re-engaging with school. The combination of Equine Assisted Therapy and continued support from his psychologist helped unlock underlying emotions and promote lasting change in Thomas’ motivation, self-confidence, and outlook.
Case Studies
Client Story: Annie, Age 6
Annie was referred to The Paddock Practitioner by a local therapist. A bright and sensitive young girl, Annie is on the autism spectrum and also lives with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and high levels of anxiety. At home, she lives with her parents and younger sibling.
Annie was facing increasing challenges at school—becoming socially withdrawn, easily frustrated, and frequently angry in her interactions with others, including her family. Her parents hoped that Equine Assisted Therapy could help her develop emotional regulation, self-awareness, and more positive relationships.
In designing her sessions, we focused on two primary goals: building relational awareness and supporting emotional regulation. We wanted Annie to better understand her own feelings while also beginning to recognise how others might feel when in relationship with her.
Annie arrived at her first session highly anxious and overstimulated—what she described as “running at full speed.” We began by introducing grounding and mindfulness techniques. I explained how horses regulate themselves through their breath and invited Annie to sit quietly in the paddock with the horses and observe them. This approach resonated with her, and as she began to slow her breathing and relax, she also became more engaged and curious.
When invited to pat a horse, Annie was initially hesitant. I demonstrated gentle interaction with the horses and encouraged her to simply observe. We discussed how the horses might be feeling based on their body language. Annie was quickly able to interpret and articulate her thoughts about the horses’ emotional states. Her interest and confidence grew, and soon she was standing beside me, patting Noni, one of our gentle mares.
Noni responded warmly to Annie, nudging her gently to show where she liked to be touched. Annie laughed and recognised this subtle communication. When I asked if she was comfortable for me to step away, Annie confidently agreed, continuing her connection with Noni independently. By the end of the session, Annie was calm and centred. She expressed a clear bond with Noni and a strong desire to return.
The next day, Annie’s parents shared that she had been enthusiastically talking about her session and sharing her experience with teachers and classmates at school.
Annie enrolled in our Horse Wisdom program and continued weekly sessions for six months. During this time, she participated in a variety of activities including grooming, leading, liberty work, and nature-based experiences. Through her growing relationship with the horses, Annie learned how to regulate her emotions, express her needs more clearly, and engage more positively with others.
Her parents and teachers observed a remarkable shift: she became less reactive, more communicative, and increasingly confident. Annie’s ability to form relationships improved noticeably, and she began to thrive both at home and at school.