Wild Heart Connection

About Us

Our program, nestled in the beautiful Hawkesbury Valley of New South Wales, was created by a qualified counsellor and child protection specialist with a lifelong passion for horses.

We believe in horses' ability to help people process thoughts, feelings, and ultimately heal.

We provide tailored equine therapy sessions for children and young people who have experienced trauma, or who are dealing with challenges. We offer a calm and supportive space where they can develop emotional awareness, and strengthen resilience.

Horses have an incredible way of connecting with people. They’re naturally attuned to human emotions and respond with genuine sensitivity, helping children and young people feel seen, understood, and grounded.

This powerful connection creates the foundation for healing, growth, and emotional regulation, one gentle interaction at a time.

Equine Therapy

Equine therapy offers a unique, hands-on way to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours through interaction with horses. Sessions take place on the ground (no riding required) and focus on building trust, communication, and self-awareness. Horses respond naturally to human emotion and body language, providing instant, honest feedback that helps participants notice patterns and practice new ways of relating to themselves and others.

Our equine therapy combines the reflective nature of working with horses with key principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. While we draw on CBT tools to help identify links between thoughts, feelings, and actions, sessions are always guided by the participant’s own pace and goals.

When children interact with horses, they enter a world where non-verbal communication is key. Horses respond to subtle cues, body language, tone of voice, and energy levels, encouraging participants to become more attuned to their own feelings and those of others

Our program

Safety First: We prioritise the safety and well-being of participants and horses at all times, ensuring all activities are conducted with care and respect.

Our facilitators have current WWCCs, Police Checks and work within best-practice Safeguarding standards.

Empowerment through choice: Participants are encouraged to set their own boundaries and engage at their comfort level, building autonomy and self-discovery.

Strengths based approach: each program is designed with and for individual participants to identify and develop their unique strengths.

At the heart of our sessions is the principle of 'Challenge by Choice'. This allows participants to set their own boundaries and move at their own pace. Whether that means observing the horses from a distance, gently leading one, or engaging in deeper reflection, every choice is valid and supported. This approach helps build confidence, self-awareness, and trust, while ensuring that every experience remains positive, meaningful, and truly participant-led

Meet the Team

I’m a qualified counsellor & safeguarding specialist. My career began in residential & outdoor education programs for children in out-of-home care, an experience that changed me forever. It opened my eyes to the power of connection, resilience, and the importance of safe spaces. Over time, that passion led me into safeguarding, creating safe environments in schools, community organisations, and family services where I lead teams, trained professionals, and helped organisations build strong child-safe cultures.

The other part of my heart has always belonged to horses, who have been a grounding force in my life. They are patient, intuitive, and honest in ways words often can’t explain. I began to see how powerful that connection could be for children and young people who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or simply need space to breathe and be themselves.

Through my work, I hope to offer children and young people a place where they can feel safe, build resilience, and grow through the unique connection between humans and horses.

Belinda-Jayne

Testimonials

“Belinda-Jayne guided me through one of the most challenging and defining times of my life. From our first conversation, she created a space that felt safe and grounded. Her calm presence, empathy, and insight helped me find clarity and confidence when I felt completely overwhelmed.

What makes Belinda-Jayne remarkable is her integrity and genuine care. She leads with honesty, kindness, and compassion that truly make a difference. Her support has been life-changing. I’m stronger, more grounded, and better equipped to move forward because of her.” Irene

“BJ is an incredible person who has supported me through some of the hardest times in my life. She has this calm, grounding presence that instantly puts you at ease. I don’t trust easily. It usually takes years for me to let my guard down, but with BJ, it happened naturally. She creates a sense of safety that’s rare and genuine.

BJ is one of the most caring and compassionate people I’ve ever met".

"My children have always been fascinated by horses, so we went to visit BJ. At first, they were nervous, hesitant to go near the horses. But with BJ by their side, gently explaining what to do and what to expect in a way they could understand, their fear slowly melted away. Within minutes, they were relaxed, smiling, and completely engaged." Kiri