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.
Our impact is exceptionally significant, but our future is not assured.
In December 2024 our amazing results were confirmed through an Independent Service Evaluation conducted by Dr Anita Hamilton, Dr Suzi Jordan and Dr Prue Millear from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The full report is available here. Here’s a snapshot of the findings:
The quantitative analysis of data found “a substantial improvement in the participants’ wellbeing post intervention, with a magnitude of difference that is exceptionally significant.” The qualitative analysis provided further evidence of the benefits for clients – “reduced thoughts of suicide, increased emotional resilience, improved self-regulation, greater confidence, enhanced coping skills, and better interpersonal relationships.”
Just when we should have been celebrating that report, in February 2025, the Sanctuary was forced to move after Sunshine Coast Council, the managing body with responsibility over the 8-acre site from which we previously operated decided that the site would better serve the community if it were given to Yandina & District Pony Club that already had over 30 acres next door.
Our new site is too small and flood-prone – and rather than allowing for future growth, it has restricted the number of clients that we can support. We are currently seeking funding partners and community donations to enable us to purchase a forever home for the Sanctuary. Please contact us if you can help.
In the meantime, we continue to support the community as best we can.
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.
Donate
Your support will help humans and horses that are recovering from big life stressors – and it’s tax deductible too.
Sponsor a Horse
The gift that gives twice! A beautiful gift pack for a loved one and much needed funds to support Hoofbeats Sanctuary.
Volunteer
How do you make your valuable time even more valuable? By volunteering with us to help transform lives.
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.
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.