An initiative of Queensland charity Kanyini Connections Ltd
We improve mental health through evidence-based, trauma-focused, animal-assisted and nature-guided programs
A Place of Hope, Healing, and Harmony
We are Hoofbeats Sanctuary, a not-for-profit equine therapy and trauma healing centre on the Sunshine Coast.
Life is rarely simple.
Sometimes it feels like there are obstacles and competing demands everywhere we look. It feels like we are just going through the motions every day – barely surviving. Stress and anxiety start taking over.
For some, those feelings are the result of big life stressors like trauma or abuse, for others it’s more of a constant underlying anxiety or feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness.
Regardless of the cause, those feelings are signals that it’s time to make a change, time to prioritise personal growth, time to reach out to find the knowledge, tools and support you need to get back on the road to a balanced life full of hope, heart and healing. It’s time to thrive, not just survive.
Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a safe and restorative space to undertake that journey.
Help us empower women and girls impacted by trauma
Financial disadvantage should never be a barrier to accessing mental health support.
What happens at the Sanctuary?
Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a trauma-healing centre that brings people, animals and nature together to improve the emotional well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our community – women and girls living with mental health challenges resulting from complex trauma.
We ensure equitable access to programs by providing full and part-scholarships for every program.
We offer a variety of individually tailored evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches including:
- equine therapy programs (both private sessions and groups)
- art therapy programs
- trauma-informed somatic movement programs
- mindfulness and mediation programs
Our definition of women includes transgender and cisgender, including non-binary and gender non-conforming people, and all those who identify as women.
Our Herd
Most of the horses and ponies at Hoofbeats Sanctuary have also experienced big life stressors in their lives, and they are the perfect teachers.
They don’t care about your appearance, background, vulnerability, or past experiences. They simply hold space for you, without judgement, and offer much-needed emotional security and comfort.
Our People
Our programs are supervised and run by qualified facilitators – most of whom have also experienced, and healed from, big life experiences.
They have built an amazing culture of kindness and positivity – a space where we support each other, lift each other, trust each other, learn new skills, share our knowledge and get inspired to live a life in service to others.
Volunteer with us
Our volunteers are the lifeblood of Hoofbeats Sanctuary, caring for our horses and managing day-to-day operations.
How can you support the Sanctuary?
Community is key to all that we are and all that we do. We are a unique non-profit organisation that operates with the support of local volunteers, sponsors and donors.
By having almost no overhead expenses, close to 100% of donations support Hoofbeats Sanctuary services, programs and activities that assist our amazing clients and herd of horses.
Volunteer
How do you make your valuable time even more valuable? By volunteering with us to help transform lives.
Sponsor a Horse
The gift that gives twice! A beautiful gift pack for a loved one and much needed funds to support Hoofbeats Sanctuary.
Donate
Your support will help humans and horses that are recovering from big life stressors – and it’s tax deductible too.
Order FEC Tests
Every horse should have a FEC test performed prior to deworming to give an indication of the worm burden. Tests start at just $25.
Shop Online
More gifts that give twice! Lots of horse-themed gifts for a loved one and much needed funds to support the Sanctuary.
Donate Containers
Just pop your eligible containers in our collection bin on the nature strip – those 10c donations really do add up.
Our major grant providers, partners, and sponsors
Our in-kind partners
Registered charity
Kanyini Connections Ltd is a mental health charity fully endorsed as a Public Benevolent Institution, Deductible Gift Recipient and Tax Concession Charity. Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), we undergo an independent financial audit each year. All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Hoofbeats Sanctuary pays our deepest respect to the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.