Gentle connection, meaningful moments
PAWS'n'Hooves brings the calming presence and companionship of carefully selected horses and ponies to people who may benefit from meaningful animal interaction. Ground-based, no riding. It sits alongside our therapy dog programs.
Wherever a quiet moment with an animal helps
Children, young people and older people. People living with disability, mental health challenges, grief, trauma or social isolation. Visits happen through schools, aged care, disability and community programs, mental health services and wellbeing events.
Observing, patting, grooming, quiet company
Participants meet the horse or pony, learn its name and personality, and spend time nearby: patting, gently grooming, reading aloud or just sitting close. Nothing is compulsory, anyone can choose to simply observe.
Pet therapy, not clinical treatment
PAWS'n'Hooves supports general comfort, connection and wellbeing. It doesn't diagnose, assess or treat a health or psychological condition, and it's delivered by trained, assessed PAWS volunteers rather than clinical practitioners. That's a different, complementary thing to equine-assisted therapy, which works toward identified clinical goals under a qualified practitioner.
The horse or pony's comfort always wins
Handlers watch continually for stress, fatigue or discomfort, and every animal gets regular breaks and room to move away. A visit doesn't go ahead if the animal is unwell, unsettled, or conditions aren't safe.
Careful planning, every time
Every visit starts with an application, a risk assessment and an agreed scope of work, covering the visiting area, staffing, insurance and emergency arrangements. Get in touch to start that conversation.
Facility form and info sheet
