Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Ponies
About The Therapy Ponies & The Program
What is a therapy pony visit?
A therapy pony visit involves specially trained ponies brought to your organisation to provide comfort, joy, and engagement through safe and gentle interaction.
Are the ponies safe to be around?
Yes. Our ponies are carefully selected for their calm temperaments and are trained to interact safely with people of all ages and abilities.
What activities are included during a visit?
Depending on your setting, visits may include brushing, patting, walking with the ponies, photo opportunities, or simply enjoying their presence.
Who can benefit from a therapy pony visit?
Therapy ponies bring joy and comfort to residents in aged care, people with disabilities, children in schools, and community groups of all kinds.
What are the benefits of pony therapy?
Interactions can reduce stress, lift mood, encourage movement, stimulate memory, and create a stronger sense of connection and belonging.
Can families participate during the visit?
Absolutely. We encourage families, carers, and staff to join in, making the experience even more meaningful and shared.
How do you manage hygiene and safety?
Our ponies are groomed before visits, often wear specially designed hoof covers indoors, and are accompanied by trained handlers to ensure safety at all times.
What happens if a pony poos?
We bring a 'poo bucket' and most of the time we're able to tell when our pony is ready for his next 'movement' and will catch it in the bucket. We also have a little dust pan & brush and a wet wipe cleans off the rest.
How long does a visit last?
Our visits are typically 60 minutes, we'll meet most of the residents in a lounge room. There's often time left over to see residents in their rooms who weren't able to come out to see the pony.
Can we book extra time?
Yes, of course. If you have a particularly large group and need another half hour or even a 2nd therapy pony, please don't hesitate to let us know, we'll be happy to create the perfect visit for your needs.
Do you need outdoor space for the ponies?
Not necessarily. Our ponies are comfortable indoors (including aged care facilities and hospitals) as well as outdoors, as long as there is safe access.
What do we need to provide for a visit?
Just a safe space for the ponies and participants to interact — we take care of everything else.
