Hooves of Hope AU

03/08/2025

Transformative healing awaits at your fingertips. Visit our website to explore how our unique programs can help you unlock your potential and embrace a fulfilling life.

28/07/2025

🌙✨ The universe brought you here for a reason... ✨🌙

You felt the shift after your first session — the energy moved, the insight landed, the soul stirred. Now it’s time to go deeper.

🌟 Book a Transpersonal Therapy Session with Ren —
Australia’s only ACA-registered counsellor who also walks between worlds as a nationally acclaimed Psychic Medium.

🕯️ Receive 3 sacred follow-up sessions for just $350
A saving of $100, with the ease of AfterPay to honour your path, not pressure it.

This is more than therapy. It’s soul work.
It’s remembrance.
It’s the return to self.

✨ Your next chapter awaits.
🌿 DM to begin the journey.

www.sirianstar.com.au

25/07/2025

An opportunity has become available for a 13-17yo to join our Saturday morning saddle club session.
A chance to make friends, build team work skills, learn all about horses (and some insight into yourselves in the process) and of course RIDE. 🙌
This is prime time and these spots never last long. If you have been thinking about it, now is the time to jump on board.
Only 1 spot available!
Other Saddle Club Sessions are available:
Friday after school - 13-17yo - 1 spot remaining
Monday after school - 13-17yo - 4 spots remaining
Friday Mornings 10-12:00pm (ages 18-25 yo) - 1 spot remaining
Costs are $150 for the 2 hours.

24/07/2025

It might be cold and a little bit damp - but that didn't stop the shinning new smiles to brighten the arena today at HOH.

Welcome to the Hooves of Hope family. ❤️

24/07/2025

🎉 Attention all horse lovers & paddock pros! 🎉
Ever tried riding in flip‑flops? No? That’s smart—your toes thank you. But even those "nice sneakers" aren't up for this gig. Let me introduce the unsung hero of safe riding: proper riding boots.
Here’s why they’re a must (and hilarious socks optional):

1. Grip like a goat on a cliff
Loose soles = slippery disasters. The Showcraft Masters Jodhpur Boots rock thick rubber Eco‑soles that hug the stirrups tighter than your granny at a family reunion.
You’ll stay firmly in place—no hoof‑launching antics here.

2. Sturdy support (no wobbly ankles!)
These boots have a steel‑shank inner sole that means business. No more rolling your ankle when you least expect it. Bonus: they look cooler than your dad’s 90s boots.

3. Leather combos: comfort meets classic style
Full‑grain leather uppers = comfy, breathable, and they age like fine wine. They vibe oh‑so‑horse‑y, whether you're schooling or just pretending you’re in a period drama.

4. Easy on, easy off
Elastic sides (aka "pre‑stretched Hogwarts portals") mean quick boot changes—perfect when your horse calls dibs on your finger or your feet just don’t feel like adulting.

⭐ Why it matters

👟 Fashion boots are cute and look safe—but offer zero protection during a sudden misstep and could result in serious injury.
🚫 Slippery soles + loose ankles = potential trips to the vet and the physio.
✅ A good pair of riding boots = confident ride + one less "what-were-you-thinking" moment.

Real talk: Showcraft Masters Jodhpur Boots
Price: Around $79.95–$89.95 AUD—wallet friendly 👛
Styles: Black or rich brown leather—choose your barn aesthetic.
Sizing: UK sizes, adults & youth (don’t worry, they’ve got the chart!)

Head down to NC Equine and mention your a client of Hooves of Hope for a wicked deal! Alternatively, you can order online via their website: https://ncequine.com.au/.../showcraft-masters-leather.../

So, next time you gear up for a ride, leave the flip‑flops and sneakers at home. Slide into your Showcraft Masters and step up your safety (with added swagger). Your horse—and your toes—will give you a standing ovation 🏇👏

19/07/2025

🌟 We’re honoured to be featured in Greater SA as we continue to put regional South Australia on the map for innovative, heart-led support services! 🐎💛

At Hooves of Hope, we harness the healing power of retired racehorses and combine it with trauma-informed, evidence-based counselling to create truly life-changing experiences.

Did you know that our Equine-Assisted Services – both Learning and Therapy – are fully aligned with the NDIS?

We proudly have a ACA Registered Counsellor and Qualified Youth Worker to support people of all ages and abilities in building skills, confidence, and connection, in addition to qualified and highly experienced equestrian coaches.

We also offer:
✅ Group Sessions
✅ Riding Lessons
✅ Confidence-Building Programs
✅ Psychosocial & Trauma

Whether you’re neurodivergent, overcoming trauma, learning how to ride, simply seeking to regain your confidence under saddle or seeking a fresh path forward – we’re here to walk (and ride) beside you.

📖 Read the full Greater SA feature here:
👉 https://greatersa.com.au/hooves-of-hope-gunning-for-excellence/

🎉 COMPETITION TIME!
Want to experience the magic for yourself? We’re giving away one FREE Equine-Assisted Learning session every month!

🐴 Drop us a horse emoji in the comments 👇, jump over to our website and in 500 words or less, tell us how this experience could make a meaningful difference in your life – or the life of someone you care about. Check our www.sirianstar.com.au, Media and click on WIN EAL Session! Remember to subscribe for up to date details.

✨ Winner drawn at the end of each month!

Hooves Of Hope owner, Renae Gunn, is a finalist in the HESTA Excellence Awards, for her groundbreaking equine assisted therapy.

18/07/2025

Discover all that Sirian Star has to offer on our website!

Stay informed with the latest updates, explore our wide range of offerings, and connect with everything exciting happening here.

Visit us at https://sirianstar.com.au today to see what’s waiting for you!

Individually tailored, evidence-based interventions to promote health and wellbeing. Wellness Retreats - Bali

08/07/2025

🐴We’re Finalists!🐴

We’re incredibly proud to share that Renae Gunn, founder of Hooves of Hope, has been named one of 3 national finalists in the 2025 HESTA Awards – recognised for Individual Leadership in Disability Services.

This nomination celebrates the heart and hard work behind Hooves of Hope – a program empowering neurodivergent individuals and those facing mental health challenges through equine-assisted therapy, delivered with compassion, integrity, and the healing power of retired racehorses.

“To be selected alongside such inspiring leaders is an incredible honour. This recognition belongs to our team, our horses, our clients, and everyone who has walked this journey with us.” – Renae Gunn

Read the full media release here:
https://www.hesta.com.au/.../excellence-awards-disability...
https://sirianstar.com.au/media-release
Winners will be announced Thursday, 7 August 2025.

For more information on Hooves of Hope, visit our website www.sirianstar.com.au, phone 08 7547 4000 or email [email protected].

📍Located Lewiston, South Australia

06/07/2025

🌿 How Horses Help Humans: Insight Through Hooves 🌿

How do we get off the track horses to be the perfect therapist? The same way they healed the trainer to become the counsellor..

Our equine-assisted sessions go far beyond learning to ride — they create space for connection, healing, and emotional insight through the eyes (and hooves) of our most intuitive co-facilitators: the horses.

🐴 Predator vs Prey Dynamics
Horses, as prey animals, are naturally wired for safety and connection. Their heightened sensitivity to energy and body language allows them to reflect not only the emotions of those around them but also their own past experiences. Just like humans, horses have lived through trauma, uncertainty, and change — and in session, participants learn to recognise and honour these expressions, creating mutual trust and shared understanding.

🧠 Unpacking the Iceberg Effect
Behaviour is only the surface. What lies beneath — fear, grief, trauma — is often misunderstood. Horses teach us to look deeper. They respond authentically to what’s felt, not what’s said. By observing how a horse reacts to their environment, participants begin to recognise that behaviour is communication — for both humans and animals.

💬 Communication & Connection
Sessions explore how tone, intention, and body language impact trust. Participants learn that incongruence — saying one thing but feeling another — is immediately picked up by horses. Equally, a horse who flattens their ears, turns away, or seeks distance is showing something real. Their emotional responses become valuable tools in exploring non-verbal communication, boundaries, and empathy.

🌪️ Navigating Triggers & Change
Horses can also be triggered — sudden movements, unfamiliar people, or changes in routine may stir past memories or discomfort. Watching a horse navigate these emotions, and helping them return to regulation, mirrors what participants are learning for themselves: how to notice, adjust, and feel safe again.

👥 Understanding Personality & Resistance
Like people, horses have diverse personalities. Some are bold, others cautious; some avoid, others push. Participants are encouraged to notice these traits and reflect on what it’s like to meet someone (human or horse) where they are, without judgement. Resistance in both humans and horses is seen not as defiance but as a sign that safety or understanding is missing.

🎯 Grounding Strategies
Sessions incorporate sensory tools and predictable routines, which help settle not just the participants — but the horses too. This shared co-regulation strengthens the bond and offers profound insight into how emotional states affect others in shared spaces.

💛 Ending with Gratitude
We close every session with a moment of reflection and gratitude — for the experience, the progress, and the partnership with a horse who, in their own way, showed up fully and honestly too.

✨ At Hooves of Hope, horses are not passive participants — they are sentient beings with histories, emotions, and wisdom. When we learn to listen to them, we also learn to listen more deeply to ourselves and others.

Photocredit: EB's photography

28/06/2025

*** CURRENT AFTER-SCHOOL VACANCIES***
🐴🌟 Saddle Up for Fun & Growth at Hooves of Hope! 🌟🐴

📅 Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays | ⏰ 3:30–5:30pm | 👧👦 Ages 4–16
Get ready to:
Build balance, coordination & confidence on horseback 🤸‍♀️
Learn horsemanship skills & safety in a supportive crew 🐎
Unwind with mindful riding & sensory connection 🌿
Make new mates through team challenges & games 🤝

Saddle Club
📅 Friday Afternoons | ⏰ 4:00–6:00pm | 👥 Ages 13–18
Giddy up and get ready to:
Boost your independence, skills and social connection.. Here’s how we do it—served with a side of laughter and high-fives!

✊ Building Daily Living Skills ✊
Grooming & Stable Routines: Learning to brush, feed and tack up teaches responsibility, fine motor control and following step-by-step tasks.
ack Management: Hands-on practice with girths, reins and saddles helps develop problem-solving and practical self-care abilities.

🤝Fostering Social & Community Participation 🤝
Team Challenges & Mini-Competitions: Whether it’s a fun obstacle relay or a friendly dressage face-off, riders practise turn-taking, communication and leadership.
Paddock Campfire Chats: Post-ride catch-ups around the fire pit create a warm, supportive community where teens share experiences and build friendships.

🌱 Encouraging Economic & Social Independence 🌱
Goal-Setting Sessions: Each rider works with their coach to set personal riding and caring goals.
Peer-Led Activities: Older teens mentor newcomers, boosting confidence and fostering leadership skills that translate into everyday independence.

😊 Supporting Health & Wellbeing 😊
Mindfulness on Horseback: Slow-paced groundwork and breathing exercises help riders regulate emotions and reduce stress—addressing recognised therapeutic and psychosocial support needs.
Physical Conditioning: Riding builds core strength, balance and coordination, promoting overall health in a fun, engaging environment.
Delivered by Registered Professionals ✅
Qualified Coaches & Therapists ✅
Individualised Plans: We tailor each session to riders’ goals and abilities, documenting progress in line with legislative reporting requirements (where required).

Spots are limited—don’t miss out on the ultimate teen equestrian experience!

Limited spots available—don’t let your rider miss out!
👉 Register today https://sirianstar.com.au/make-a-referral
📞 Or give us a buzz on 08 7547 4000
Hooves of Hope: where every ride sparks confidence, connection & fun! 🚀🦄

27/06/2025

Here at Hooves of Hope, we believe in absolute transparency and the highest standards of care—so you can feel confident that what you are paying for is value for money. Evidence of our certifications and registrations can be supplied upon request. 🐴💚

Meet Renae (right), our Program Coordinator & Counsellor:
• Counsellor (M.A.C.A 3309)
• Australian Psychology Society Registration 300126
• BcPsySc (Criminology) – University of Adelaide (current)
• Diploma of Counselling
• Diploma of Animal-Assisted Therapy
• Horses Helping Humans Licensed Theory Practitioner
• AMHOCN (Adult, Child & Adolescent)
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment
• Abuse Counselling (Major)
• Relationship Counselling & Conflict Resolution
• Clinical Applications of Neuroscience
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• HERD & Polyvagal Theory
• Responding to Risk of Harm, Abuse & Neglect
• First Aid & CPR
• NDIS Orientation & Induction Modules
• Cert III in Horse Racing
• Cert III in Individual Support (Disability)
• Federal Police Clearance
• Working with Children Clearance
• NDIS Worker Screening

Meet Sindy (left), our Equine-Assisted Learning Specialist:
• Cert IV in Youth Work
• Horse Riding Coach (PCASA-certified)
• Working with Children Check
• Police Clearance
• NDIS Worker Screening
• First Aid & CPR
• Cert IV in Racing

When you choose Hooves of Hope, you’re choosing a team whose qualifications and registrations guarantee your peace of mind—and the best possible outcomes in every session. Ready to learn more? Send us a message or visit our website today! ✨🐎

[photo of 2 horses and riders]

06/06/2025

We've been a little quiet on socials this week — but for good reason, team... 👀

🎉🐴 Something BIG is galloping your way! 🐴🎉

What happens when you bring together Hooves of Hope, Action Community Services, and The Saddle Club Crew?

👉 You get a 2-day horse show spectacular — dreamed up, designed, and delivered BY our riders, FOR our riders! 🌟

Rain, clouds, or chilly weather hasn’t stopped our Saddle Club legends — they’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, planning a full-blown gymkhana-style event from start to finish. Think:
🏆 Judges
🎀 Ribbons
🎪 Competitions
🛌 An epic overnight stay (because what’s a horse show without a bit of camp fun?)
🎉 Games for riders and non-riders
💫 And SO much more!

📅 Aiming for the October school holidays – keep your eyes peeled for official dates and entry details.

🎠 Exclusive to Hooves of Hope participants
🐎 Packed with fun, creativity, and feel-good vibes
✨ Designed to empower, connect, and celebrate every rider!

🦄 Interested in supporting something special? We're on the lookout for sponsors keen to back this incredible event and help us make it unforgettable.