Our mission is to provide effective horse programs to youth who have experienced trauma. Programs than can facilitate personal growth and self-efficacy so participants can navigate pathways towards sustained positive behavioural change.
Equus Bonding Incorporated is a Perth based not for profit charitable organisation that relies solely on funding and donations to operate.
Equine Assisted Therapy is an established therapeutic model already demonstrated to be effective in international and national contexts. There is substantial evidence that interaction with horses can be a catalyst for human behavioural change.
The development of every human-horse relationship requires mutual trust and respect.
This dynamic means EBI participants must learn to regulate their emotions by employing non-violent, non- threatening methodology . This is achieved by providing participants with supported opportunities to strengthen a range of interpersonal skills. Working with horses has been demonstrated to be an enjoyable and potentially life changing experience that enhances the social and emotional well-being of participants.
Equus Bonding Inc Leadership Programs (“EBI”) are a holistic way of working with young people at risk and in need of healing. Their circumstance may be the result of factors such as experiences of grief and trauma, disengagement or disenfranchisement from the broader community.
EBI’s mission is to provide effective horse programs to youth. Programs that can facilitate personal growth and self-efficacy so participants can navigate pathways towards sustained positive behavioural change. In other words change behavioural patterns associated with dynamic risk factors.
Why horses? Horses provide a hook of engagement and motivation to change. Participants interact with experienced trainers and horses to work towards personal development and growth which later transcends the Program and filters through to other aspects of their life.
Our Team
Dianne Huxtable
Dianne founded and manages all Equus Bonding Inc.Programs.
During her time at the Aboriginal Legal Service WA Dianne worked as a criminal defence lawyer defending clients who came into contact with the judiciary. Dianne has a Masters of Law from UWA where her main focus was the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system. She also has extensive experience working with members of the Stolen Generations assisting them with their Redress compensation claims.
Dianne embraces natural horse handler techniques and has travelled to the United States of America, New Zealand and England several times to study and learn from renowned master horse people. This depth of experience has enabled Dianne to harness a broad knowledge base to create effective and life changing programs for people.
Sophie – Consultant
Sophie Cox is a very experienced horse trainer and rider and runs a successful horse training operation at her farm Zekeula Park located in Harvey Western Australia. She trains horses for racing and Olympic disciplines. Sophie became a certified Monty Roberts instructor in 2009 and regularly runs Monty Roberts clinics in Harvey and around the State for those who want to further their horse handling skills. Sophie also oversees a successful horse breeding program where she is committed to producing top quality pedigrees for the horse industry. We are lucky to her on board.
Robyn – Office Administrator
Robyn has been with EBI since its inception and manages the day to day running of the operation. Robyn is also responsible for all filming and photography and works tirelessly editing photos for our website.
Kerrie – Stable Hand
Kerrie has been around horses all her life. She has worked in the racing industry and understands horse behaviour. Kerrie strongly believes in EBI’s ethos and works hard honing her natural horse handler skills. Kerrie is passionate about all the EBI horses and works with all of them. Kerrie is a real asset to the team.
Volunteers
EBI is very grateful for the help and support provided by volunteers as the EBI programs could not operate without their generous support.
MacKenzie
Ross
