Shine Bright Equine-Assisted Therapy

Anne-Katrin Liebe explains how being around horses can have a powerful healing effect.

Anne-Katrin is a true horse whisperer; the German-born sports scientist, international equestrian coach, and counsellor has a long history with these large yet gentle animals. She grew up in the picturesque, historically rich town of Potsdam, surrounded by lakes and forests. 

At age 8, she had her first riding lesson at the renowned stud and riding school Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. 

“I felt so much joy being with horses in a natural environment,” says Anne-Katrin. After having regular weekly lessons, she learned to care for and train her own young horse. 

During these years, Anne-Katrin acquired riding and coaching expertise through the German Equestrian Sport system entering many competitions with great success. 

However, it was the special connection she felt between herself and the horses which really informed her future path. 

“I noticed that horses perceive the most subtle information, and I was intrigued by their emotional intelligence. I was eager to learn how I can create a bond and partnership with horses on the ground and in the saddle […] I dreamt of creating and operating my own business that involved German Riding Ponies, supporting people and being in nature.”

Anne-Katrin moved to Australia in her mid-twenties, having fallen in love with the country during an earlier camper-vanning and work experience. On a property in the leafy suburb of Arcadia, she manifested her dream, setting up the International Boutique Riding School and Shine Bright Equine Human Services. 

Shine Bright offers equine assisted therapy (EAT) for individuals and groups across a wide range of needs. 

“I work with children with autism, trauma, ADHD, teens struggling with anxiety or depression, adults dealing with grief or major life transitions, recovering from trauma or PTSD,” explains Anne-Katrin. “Some people find it difficult to engage in traditional talk therapy. Equine assisted therapy allows for a unique holistic approach.”

Sessions are tailored to an individual’s needs and Anne-Katrin tries to match clients with a horse that has a suitable temperament. The horses are generally smaller breeds with a calm, curious, sensitive disposition. Some have been bred at the Arcadia farm; others were bought at a young age. All have been trained to be riding and therapy horses by Anne-Katrin. 

So, what is it about horses that makes them suitable for EAT? 

“Horses are incredibly perceptive, respond authentically and don’t judge a person. They mirror people’s emotions and respond to people’s energy, subtle body language and facial expressions, enabling the person to become aware and present,” explains Anne-Katrin. “The calming presence of horses in a therapeutic, supportive and private setting offers a safe space for people of all ages to work through fear, trauma or limiting beliefs. Because equine assisted therapy offers a holistic approach, people can physically release tension and stress, aiding emotional processing.”

Over the years, Anne-Katrin has worked with many, many clients and had wonderful success stories.  

“One that always stands out is ‘Sam’, a 5-year-old boy with autism. He struggled to speak and rarely made eye contact. Towards the end of the second session, he was curious and keen to climb up onto the therapy horse, Sterntaler, and while he felt the horse’s body warmth, rhythmical breathing and realised he’s sitting up high, he loudly called out ‘mum’ and looked at her.  A few days later, his mother called and informed me that his speech therapist and OT were perplexed by her son’s sudden positive change in speech and behaviour.”

Anne-Katrin also shares the story of Stacey, a woman in her mid-twenties processing grief after the sudden loss of her partner. Her therapy horse, Salukah, helped her explore emotions she couldn’t articulate in talk therapy. Stacey said the horse allowed her space to truly be herself. 

Lucy was a 9-year-old girl with Down Syndrome who built up her sensory skills and core strength and developed co-ordination. Josh, a 17-year-old boy with ADHD and depression, struggled with isolation, but with horse assisted therapy, he built confidence, became self-aware and developed skills to regulate emotions.

“I am passionate about horses and enjoy supporting people of all ages, with and without various needs. In sessions, I feel encouraged and fulfilled seeing people connect with the horse and themselves, overcome their fears and challenges, flourish into the truest version they can be and live more fulfilling lives.”

shinebrightequine.com.au

Address: 162 Arcadia Rd, Arcadia NSW 2159

Phone: 0422 279 657