232 Hopkinson Road, Darling Downs 6122 WA
0409 993 097
coach@eqcetera.org

Adaptive Horse Riding - Equine Assisted Learning - Hippotherapy

Enable - Enrich - Empower

Empowering Lives Through Horses

At EqCetera Inc., we believe in the healing power of horses.

Through Adaptive Horse Riding, Equine Assisted Learning, and Hippotherapy, we help people of all ages and abilities build confidence, improve well-being, and rediscover joy. Whether you’re a young person seeking direction, a veteran reconnecting with purpose, or a family looking for meaningful recreation — our programs offer a safe, supportive environment to enable, enrich, and empower.

What we do

Our mission: To create opportunities for growth, healing and connection through the partnership between humans and horses.

🐴 Adaptive Horse Riding – developing balance, coordination, and independence for riders of all abilities. 🤝 Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) – building emotional intelligence, trust, and teamwork through ground-based horse activities. 💚 Hippotherapy – supporting physical and neurological rehabilitation with qualified therapists. 🌟 Horses Helping Humans™ – empowering young people to find their voice, manage emotions, and build life skills.

Why Choose EqCetera Inc.?

✅ Registered not-for-profit charity based in Darling Downs, Western Australia

✅ Qualified coaches, allied-health partners, and therapy horses ✅ Accessible facilities — wheelchair-friendly mounting ramp, sensory trail, equine playground and more ✅ Proudly supported by Telethon 7 WA, Racing WA, and the Off the Track WA Community Fund “Horses don’t judge who you are — they respond to how you show up.”

Who We Are

EqCetera Inc. is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation delivering equine-assisted learning and therapy programs from our centre in Darling Downs, WA. Our mission is simple:

To enable, enrich, and empower people through horses. We blend evidence-based practice, natural horsemanship, and compassion to create transformative experiences for: Children and youth – building self-confidence and communication. Veterans and first responders – supporting recovery, resilience, and reconnection. Families and individuals – promoting well-being, strength, and trust.

Our Values

Respect: for horses, people, and the environment.

Integrity: ethical practice in everything we do. Connection: between humans, animals, and community. Empowerment: helping participants recognise their own strengths.

Our Facility

Located on 232 Hopkinson Road, Darling Downs, our facility includes:

A Sensory Trail and Equine Playground for confidence-building activities. A Working Equitation Course and Jump Arena for adaptive riding. A wheelchair-accessible mounting ramp and shaded resting areas. On-site spaces for therapy sessions, education, and reflection.

Our Partners & Supporters

We proudly acknowledge the support of:

Telethon 7 WA, Off the Track WA Community Fund, Racing WA, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale, and other valued community partners.

Join our Community

Be part of something meaningful.

Support our mission by volunteering, donating, or sharing our story. Volunteering with EqCetera Inc.

Adaptive Horse Riding?

A life-changing experience for riders aged 3 to adult, across all ability levels.

Each 40-60 minute session includes safe mounting and dismounting, progressive flatwork and optional riding goals (such as dressage or eventing) when appropriate. Participants benefit physically (balance, core strength, coordination) and emotionally (confidence, responsibility, connection with the horse-team). Sessions are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (private sessions available on request).

Ground work – Grooming

Groundwork and grooming form the basis of a strong horse-human relationship.

Flatwork – Dressage

All riding begins with flatwork, which may progress over time into dressage training and competition.

Gymnastic Jumping

As riders’ confidence in the saddle grows, many of them progress towards jumping and eventing.

Hippotherapy, physiotherapy on horseback…

A therapeutic intervention delivered in partnership with qualified physiotherapists, (speech-pathologists or occupational-therapists), using the movement of the horse to enhance motor, sensory and language skills.

Suitable for children and adults with neurological, physical or speech/communication conditions (NDIS funded). Sessions occur every Monday and Saturday, with options for younger clients under five. Embrace Therapy

Clayton Oliver

Oliver is a 15.3 hh Foundation Waler

 Our Hippotherapy Partner

Toy

Toy is a 12 hh Australian Riding Pony

Equine Assisted Learning

Learn how schools and training services across Perth and the Peel region partner with EqCetera Inc. Western Australia to re-engage students young and mature enabling them to build real life skills.

A ground-based program using horse-led activities to develop self-awareness, communication, and teamwork. Ideal for schools, corporate groups, youth services and individuals.

Through structured tasks with our herd, participants learn to: Identify and manage their emotional responses; Build clear, respectful communication; Improve problem-solving, focus and perseverance. No prior horseriding experience needed.

Finding your Treasures – ParentsNext & Skills for Education and Employment 2021-23

Enquiries welcome

Horses Helping Humans™

FOR MORE – Email UsVisit the National HHH website

An award-winning, internationally-recognised mentoring and personal-development programme, now delivered in WA.

For at-risk youth (7-17 yrs) and young adults (18-24 yrs) who may be disengaged, the program uses natural horsemanship techniques to foster: Emotional regulation (anger/anxiety management) Enhanced empathy, trust and communication Confidence, resilience and life-skills that support re-engagement with education, training or employment No riding experience required — all activities are conducted safely on the ground.

“Horse whispering, becomes people whispering.”

Referral QR Code

Make a Referral

Referrals are invited from schools, teachers, youth and support workers, health professionals and parents. 7-17 years and 18-24 years delivery is scheduled in age appropriate groups Visit the EqCetera – Horses Helping humans website

Our Horses Helping Humans Team

Rob S Chairperson and Coach With over 30 years of experience in Mental Health, Children’s Services, Education, and Youth Work, Rob has dedicated his career to creating safe spaces for individuals to grow and heal. Rob’s deep expertise in natural horsemanship, combined with his work in career development and personality profiling has driven the successful launch of the HHH programme in WA. Inspired by Sue Spence’s book Horses Who Heal, Rob believes in the transformative power of equine-assisted activities to foster personal growth and build healthy connections.

Rekha S Equine Assisted Learning Programme Leader Rekha has been the driving force behind EqCetera Inc. since 2017, shaping it into a hub for equine-assisted learning and personal development. As a qualified RDA Adaptive Riding Coach, Rekha’s expertise extends to supporting individuals in overcoming barriers through tailored mentoring and leadership training. Her programs empower participants with confidence, emotional intelligence, and practical skills to navigate life’s challenges. Marianne R HHH Approved Facilitator As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, an experienced adaptive riding and equine vaulting coach, Marianne brings a unique perspective to equine-assisted learning. With a strong passion for helping individuals of all abilities, she believes in using horses to promote physical and mental well-being. Marianne’s inclusive approach inspires participants to take control of their personal journeys toward better health and improved quality of life.
Supported by
Schools FlyerYouth FlyerInformation
Introduction to Equine Therapy for Veterans

Veteran’s healing with Equine Therapy…

Join our final session in 2025: register through Soldier On Perth for a three-hour introduce to the world of Equus.

Book Now with Soldier On Perth

Our Impact

• Children who ride for as little as 12 weeks show improved core strength, balance and posture (measured via physiotherapist-led assessment).

• Youth in the HHH programme report an increase in confidence while parents and teachers reoprt a significat reduction in behavioural incidents (via pre/post survey). • Veterans in introduce-to-equine therapy sessions experience improved sleep, reduced anxiety and greater connection with family and peers. • Over 11,000 volunteer hours delivered annually by our trained team – enhancing community capacity and participant outcomes. For full impact report or case-studies contact us for more information.

Who are our our clients and collaborators:

Over 300 people served in 2024-25: 74+ weekly Adaptive Riders and Hippotherapy Clients 100+ Horses Helping Humans participants (7-17 years & 18-24) 60+ Veterans and Family members (Soldier On Perth) 28 Community Volunteers + private coaching (on request) all ages/levels including: Flat Work, Dressage, Gymnastic Jumping and Ground Handling Skills  The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale annual “Have-a-Go day” 2024 & 2025 plus additional programs commencing soon (Nov 2025).

Partnering opportunities available on request. Connect Today

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.

Clayton Oliver

Foundation Waler

Clayton Auric

Part Waler

Clayton Lily

Part Waler

Claytom Karisma

Waler

Dave

Australian Riding Pony

Jam

Anglo Arabian

Lulu

Australian Stock Horse

Doppy

Australian Riding Pony

Paul

Thoroughbred

Blondie

Miniature Horse

Sparky

Welsh D

Eclipse

Welsh D X Thoroughbred

Equine Playground Hire

We’re excited to announce that our Equine Playground and Working Equitation Practice facilities—recently featured in *Hoofbeats*—are now open and available for hire on non-EqCetera days!

At EqCetera, you can effortlessly progress from foundational groundwork exercises to developing your horse’s skills and building confidence under saddle. We extend our sincere gratitude to the OTTWA Community Fund and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale for their generous support, making these fantastic facilities possible. Condition of Hire 1 All attendees must have current Equestrian Personal Accident Insurance or arrange suitable coverage prior to hiring or using the facilities at EqCetera Centre. Condition of Hire 2 All attendees are required to download and carefully review the EqCetera Inc. Risk Warning and Waiver of Liability Form (available via the link below). A signed and dated copy of this form must be submitted prior to facility use. If the attendee is under 18 years on the date of attendence the said Risk Warning and Waiver of Liability Form must be signed by a parent or gaurdian. Condition of Hire 3 EqCetera Inc. reserves the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel facility bookings if site conditions are deemed unsafe or unsuitable for activities. In such cases, we will endeavour to provide at least 24 hours’ notice whenever possible. If rescheduling is not feasible, a refund will be provided, less applicable service fees and charges. If a client cancels a booking with at least 48 hours’ notice, the booking may be rescheduled without penalty. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will result in the forfeiture of the booking fee. Download Forms here Risk Warning and Waiver of Liability form DOWNLOAD – PDF Risk Warning and Waiver of Liability form DOWNLOAD – WORD Facility Hire Request Form
Supported by Off the Track WA Community Fund

Developing Young and Off-the-Track Horses

Structured cavalletti pole work and progressive grid jumping exercises form the cornerstone of our equine re-education programs. These carefully designed sessions build rhythm, balance, and coordination while encouraging correct muscle development and confidence under saddle. For young horses and off-the-track retrainers alike, this approach provides a safe, engaging pathway to strengthen foundations, improve rideability, and prepare them for their future careers. With consistency and patience, horses learn to think, relax, and move with purpose—developing into versatile, athletic, and confident partners. We acknowledge and thank the Off The Track WA Community Fund for their on going support.

Start today and watch them grow. Enable – Enrich – Empower Download Flyer

How you can

help…

Get Involved – Make a Difference

Our programs succeed because of people like you — volunteers, donors, supporters and partners. • Volunteer with Us – from age 12+, you’ll receive full training, a uniform and the opportunity to make a real impact. • Donate – every dollar supports horse care, specialised equipment and program delivery to vulnerable participants. • Hirer our Equine Facilities – your weekday hire supports our mission and offers access to top-quality playground, working equitation and gymnastic jumping arenas. Join our community and help us enable, enrich and empower lives through horses. VolunteerDonate

Join our team!

If you are 12 years or over? Volunteer with Us We provide training and mentoring. We cover the cost of your Working With Children Card and National Volunteer Police Clearance check. PLUS uniforms (pictured abobe) are provided after a qualifying period. (No prior experience needed). Contact Us to find out about our NEXT Volunteer Induction Day

Contact Us

E: coach@eqcetera.org   –   M: 0409 993 097

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