Who Are We?
The Equine-Assisted Learning & Therapy Facilitator Training Program is a collaborative initiative developed by two distinguished professionals in the field of mental health and equine-assisted therapy: Dr. Koren Ganas and Mrs. Renae Gunn (Lvl 2 M.A.C.A)
Dr Koren Ganas
Dr. Koren Ganas is a registered clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience. She holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology and recognition as a board-approved supervisor through AHPRA. She holds a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and additional advanced degrees in clinical psychology and psychopharmacology from the USA.a Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, all from institutions in the USA. Dr. Ganas is committed to providing culturally responsive, inclusive, and evidence-informed mental health care, offering services such as psychological therapy, counselling, and assessments. Her practice, Ganas Clinical Psychology, is based in Mallala, South Australia, and extends services across Australia through secure telepsychology platforms
Mrs Renae Gunn (Lvl 1 M.A.C.A)
Mrs. Renae Gunn is a fully registered and accredited counsellor, holding an additional Diploma in Animal-Assisted Therapy (UK). With extensive experience at an elite level in Equestrian and Horse Racing, she is the Program Coordinator & Counsellor for the "Hooves of Hope" initiative at Sirian Star Allied Health (Lewiston, SA). Renae is also currently pursuing a Bachelor of Psychological Science with a major in Criminology at the University of Adelaide. Her extensive certifications include trauma-informed care, clinical applications of neuroscience, and equine-assisted therapy. With a profound dedication to mental health advocacy and equine welfare, Mrs. Gunn has been instrumental in developing programs that integrate equine-assisted interventions to support neurodivergent individuals and those recovering from trauma.
Member of Australian Psychological Society & Australian Counsellors Association.
Who Is This Program For?
-
Individuals who want to start an equine-facilitated learning or therapy business.
-
Mental health professionals, teachers, and social workers interested in equine-assisted interventions.
-
Horse owners and trainers who want to diversify their business offerings.
-
Individuals in team-building and executive coaching looking for experiential learning tools.
-
Support workers play a vital role in assisting individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, and complex needs. Equine-facilitated learning (EAL) offers a unique, hands-on approach that aligns with person-centred care, providing opportunities for emotional regulation, social engagement, and skill-building in a supportive environment.
By incorporating equine-assisted sessions into their practice, NDIS support workers, disability carers, and mental health support professionals can enhance client engagement, promote therapeutic outcomes, and introduce alternative learning experiences. This course equips support workers with the knowledge, facilitation skills, and risk management strategies needed to integrate equine-assisted activities into their professional toolkit, ensuring safe, ethical, and impactful sessions.
-
The key difference between Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) lies in their goals, methods, and professional involvement:
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
Focus: Development of life skills, personal growth, and learning objectives.
Purpose: Helps participants improve communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, or confidence in an educational or developmental context.
Facilitators: Typically led by trained equine professionals or educators, sometimes with a background in personal development or coaching.
Activities: Groundwork tasks like grooming, leading, or obstacle courses to promote self-awareness and practical skills.
Target Audience: Suitable for individuals, schools, corporate teams, or community groups seeking growth and learning through horse interactions.
Professional Scope: Does not require a licensed mental health professional unless specific therapeutic elements are incorporated. However, to ensure professional ethics are met, subject to target cliental, it is recommended EAL facilitators have additional qualifications in various fields from Nursing, Disability (Individual Support) Aged Care (Individual Support), Youth Work, Teaching or Child Care in addition to extensive equine backgrounds or certifications.
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT)
Focus: Emotional, psychological, and behavioural healing.
Purpose: Addresses mental health issues like trauma, anxiety, PTSD, emotional regulation or depression through therapeutic techniques.
Facilitators: Led by licensed mental health professionals, often in collaboration with equine specialists.
Activities: Therapeutic interactions with horses, such as grooming, leading, or observing, combined with counseling or psychological frameworks.
Target Audience: Individuals needing psychological support or therapeutic interventions for mental health challenges.
Professional Scope: Requires a regulated and evidence-based approach by qualified therapists who hold registration with Australian Counsellors Association, Psychotherapy Association of Australia or APHRA.
While both involve interactions with horses to foster growth, EAL is educational and EAT is therapeutic, with professional licensing being a critical distinction in the latter.
-
CPD Accreditation & Professional Development
This program aligns with the requirements of professional bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and Australian Psychological Society (APS). Facilitators completing this training may claim CPD points to support their professional accreditation and career advancement.
The course covers key competencies in:
✔ Trauma-Informed Practice – understanding how trauma impacts brain function, behaviour, and emotional regulation.
✔ Equine Behaviour & Psychology – ensuring the ethical inclusion of horses as therapeutic partners.
✔ Neurodiversity & Learning Approaches – tailoring programs for individuals with Autism, ADHD, PDA, and other conditions.
✔ Ethical & Regulatory Compliance – safeguarding participants and equine welfare. -
To ensure facilitators feel confident and supported beyond the initial training, the program includes:
✅ Follow-Up Mentoring & Supervision
Facilitators have access to one-on-one or group mentoring sessions with experienced practitioners.
Supervision opportunities allow facilitators to discuss case studies, challenges, and best practices.
✅ Refresher Clinics & Advanced Workshops
Regular in-person or online refresher clinics help facilitators refine their skills and stay up to date with new research and evolving best practices.
Opportunities for advanced training and specialisation in areas such as complex trauma, neurodivergent support, and equine welfare.
✅ Access to Online Resources & Peer Support
A dedicated facilitator portal provides access to educational materials, templates, and activity guides.
Peer support groups & discussion forums allow facilitators to network, share experiences, and collaborate.
✅ Certification & Recognition
Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion that can be used to demonstrate CPD compliance.
Recognition by industry bodies ensures the training is relevant and applicable across counselling, allied health, education, and equine-assisted therapy sectors.