Grounded Steps began with a love
of horses, people, nature,
and the quiet support of the outdoors.


Based in Silverdale, NSW, Grounded Steps helps those who are dealing with anxiety, stress, low confidence, emotional challenges, life changes, social difficulties, neurodiversity, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or anyone wanting to better understand themselves.

Each session is shaped around your needs and goals. Activities might include observing the horses as a herd, grooming, leading, mindfulness, reflection, creative projects, or just spending time outdoors.

No horse experience is needed.

Connection is at the heart of Grounded Steps—connection with yourself, others, animals, and nature. Horses give honest, non-judgmental feedback, helping you notice patterns, set boundaries, build confidence, explore emotions, and develop skills for everyday life.

A Safe and Inclusive Space

Grounded Steps welcomes and respects people of all ages, abilities, cultures, neurotypes, identities, family structures and lived experiences. We offer a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels accepted, supported, and free to move at their own pace.

How Equine Assisted Therapy Works?

Equine Assisted Therapy is hands-on. You learn through experience, reflection, and gentle guidance, not just by talking.

Horses are keenly attuned to changes in body language, movement, emotion, energy, and intention. In sessions, this sharp awareness helps you become more aware of your own communication, emotions, boundaries, and reactions.

For many people, being with animals outside feels less intimidating than traditional counselling. Horses encourage curiosity, engagement, and practising real-life skills in a safe space.

Equine-assisted therapy can help with:

  • Improving overall mental health and wellbeing
  • Self awareness
  • Confidence and self-trust
  • Communication skills
  • Social skills
  • Boundaries and consent
  • Problem solving
  • Resilience
  • Mindfulness and grounding
  • Relationship building
  • Everyday coping skills

At Grounded Steps, we see horses as sentient beings, active participants, not as tools. We always respect their well-being, consent, body language, and comfort.

Why Horses?

Horses respond honestly, without judgment and in the present moment.

They do not judge your appearance, history, diagnosis, or words. Horses respond to what is happening right now—your body language, energy, intention, movement, and connection.

This can gently help clients notice things such as:

  • Am I holding tension?
  • Am I rushing?
  • Am I clear in what I am asking?
  • Do I feel safe?
  • Am I respecting my own boundaries?
  • Am I noticing the needs of the horse also?

These moments can be powerful chances for reflection and growth.

Respect for the horse is central to every session. We always consider their physical, emotional and social well- being, and horses are never expected to “perform” for people.

Their comfort, choices and behaviour are carefully observed and respected, helping to ensure each session is safe, ethical and supportive for both the client and the horse.

Why Horses?

Horses respond honestly, without judgment and in the present moment.
They do not judge your appearance, history, diagnosis, or words. Horses respond to what is happening right
now—your body language, energy, intention, movement, and connection.