Horses have been partners in human healing for centuries — and modern equine-assisted therapy programmes bring rigorous therapeutic frameworks to these ancient relationships. From children with cerebral palsy improving their balance through hippotherapy, to veterans with PTSD processing trauma through equine-assisted psychotherapy, horses offer something unique: embodied interaction with a living being that responds authentically to human emotional states. Grant funding supports the centres, practitioners, and programmes making equine therapy accessible across Australia.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational, or speech therapy strategy — using the movement of the horse as a treatment tool:
- The three-dimensional movement of a horse's walk mirrors human gait
- Improves postural control, balance, sensory integration, and motor function
- Particularly effective for cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and neurological conditions
- Delivered by registered therapists (physiotherapists, OTs) using horses as clinical tools
- Evidence base is growing and practice is regulated
Therapeutic Horsemanship (TH)
Therapeutic horsemanship (sometimes called adaptive riding) focuses on equestrian skills and relationship:
- Learning to ride and care for horses as therapeutic goal
- Delivered by credentialed instructors (PATH International or NAGS equivalent)
- Benefits: confidence, social skills, physical conditioning, sensory processing, self-regulation
- Accessible to people with a wide range of disabilities and mental health challenges
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) / Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
Horses as partners in psychological and emotional learning:
- Horses mirror human emotional states — providing biofeedback
- No riding required — ground-based activities with horses
- Facilitator plus mental health professional co-deliver (EAP model)
- Used for trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, addiction recovery
- Growing evidence base — particularly for veterans with PTSD
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
RDA Australia is the peak body for therapeutic horse riding — with centres across Australia:
- Therapeutic riding for people with disability and mental health challenges
- Volunteers are central to RDA programmes (horse care, side-walkers, leaders)
- Primarily funded through philanthropy and participant fees
People with physical disabilities
People with autism spectrum disorder
Children with learning and developmental needs
Mental health and trauma
At-risk youth
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) state bodies
RDA state bodies distribute funding to affiliated centres — gaming trusts, government, and philanthropy.
Gaming trusts
Major funders of equine therapy in Australia:
- Equipment (adaptive saddles, helmets, mounting ramps)
- Horse care costs
- Programme delivery
- Volunteer coordination
Lotteries (in relevant states)
Some state lotteries funds accessible recreation including equine therapy.
Philanthropic foundations
Health funders
Therapeutic riding sessions
Hippotherapy clinics
Veterans equine programmes
Youth programmes
Horse care and volunteering
Safety standards
Equine therapy requires rigorous safety management — horses are large animals with unpredictable behaviours. Show your safety protocols: instructor qualifications, horse selection and training, emergency procedures, site management, and insurance.
Professional qualifications
Distinguish between professional therapeutic models (hippotherapy with registered therapists, EAP with qualified mental health practitioners) and recreational/community models (therapeutic riding, EAL). Funders in health contexts expect clinical qualifications.
Evidence alignment
Reference the evidence for your specific programme type. Hippotherapy evidence is strongest for neurological conditions. EAP evidence for veterans is compelling. Generic "horses help people" isn't evidence-based enough for sophisticated funders.
NDIS navigation
For participants with disability, NDIS is a funding source — show that you help participants access their NDIS plans for equine therapy where eligible. This reduces philanthropic dependence and demonstrates sector awareness.
Volunteer workforce
RDA programmes particularly depend on volunteers. Show volunteer recruitment, training, supervision, and retention — the volunteer story is compelling to community funders.
Tahua's grants management platform supports equine therapy funders and therapeutic riding centres — with participant outcome tracking, clinical session data, volunteer management, and the reporting tools that help equine therapy funders demonstrate the unique therapeutic value of horses in human healing and wellbeing programmes.