Equine-assisted support for children and families

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Charlotte Nash is a qualified Occupational Therapist with over 15 years of experience. She offers something a little different – sessions that take place outdoors, where children connect with horses while working on their developmental goals.

Charlotte combines her love of horses with her clinical experience to create sessions that are hands-on, engaging, and tailored to your child’s needs. Many families find this approach helps their child grow in confidence, improve their communication, and become more independent in everyday life.

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What is Occupational Therapy?

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Occupational Therapy (OT) supports children to build everyday skills – things like getting dressed, following routines, using their hands to draw or eat, making friends, or regulating big emotions.

Charlotte uses movement, nature, and the special connection between children and horses to make learning these skills feel fun and purposeful.

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Why use horses in Occupational Therapy?

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Horses are incredibly sensitive and responsive animals – they pick up on body language, energy, and emotion in a way that makes them ideal partners in therapy.

Working alongside horses gives children opportunities to:

• Practice clear, confident communication

• Build trust and emotional awareness

• Develop motor skills through grooming, leading, and obstacle tasks

• Strengthen planning, focus, and self-regulation

• Experience calm, mindful connection in a natural setting

It’s a gentle, movement-based approach that often helps children feel more at ease than in a traditional therapy room.

All activities are done from the ground – there is no riding involved in these sessions. The focus is on relationship, body awareness, and meaningful interaction.

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What kinds of support are available?

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Charlotte offers:

• Equine-Facilitated Occupational Therapy (EFOT) – where horses support developmental progress in a fun, meaningful way

• NDIS assessments – including reports for motor skills, daily life, and communication

• 1:1 therapy sessions – in person

• Parent support and coaching

• Help with routines and transitions – like morning routines, toileting, or coping with change

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 Can I use my NDIS funding?

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Yes – if Occupational Therapy is included in your child’s NDIS plan, you can usually claim sessions with Charlotte. She can work under:

• Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life

• Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living

If your child is under 7, the support may also fall under Early Childhood Supports.

Some families may also be able to use:

• Medicare rebates (e.g. with a Mental Health Plan or Autism Plan)

• Team Care Arrangements from your GP

There may be a gap payment. Invoices are provided to help you make any claims.

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Getting started

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To begin, we ask you to fill out a short intake form. This helps us learn more about your child’s needs, goals, and current supports.

We’ll ask about:

• Any diagnoses or concerns

• Skills or challenges with movement, emotions, daily tasks or communication

• Other therapists or supports your child is linked in with

• Any previous experience with horses

You don’t need a referral – just get in touch and we’ll guide you from there.

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What to expect in your first session

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Charlotte takes a gentle, child-led approach to introducing your child to the setting and the horse.

The first session usually includes:

• Meeting the horse and learning basic safety rules

• Grooming and leading

• Getting a sense of how your child moves, communicates, and responds

• A short debrief with you at the end to chat through observations and next steps

• Initial sessions will be ground based. Sessions may progress to in the saddle dependent of goals

The goal is for your child to feel safe, supported, and comfortable from the beginning.

 

About Charlotte

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Charlotte Nash (Bachelor of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy – University of Sydney) is a warm, experienced OT who believes in the power of connection and movement-based learning.

She has worked across hospital, community, and family settings, and specialises in:

• Sensory processing

• Emotional regulation

• Fine and gross motor coordination

• Confidence and self-help skills

Charlotte doesn’t currently offer clinic-based OT or Functional Capacity Assessments, as her focus is on outdoor, horse-based sessions.

Sessions are 60 minutes and generally run weekly, with time to chat afterwards.

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Curious to learn more?

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If you’re not sure whether this is the right fit for your child, we’re happy to talk it through with you. There’s no pressure – just a friendly chat to see if it feels like a good match.

📧 Email us at hello@alkiraadinaequestrian.com.au to ask questions or express interest.