The Blue Mountains Leading Equine Therapy Centre for Children, Adults & Teens.
Equine Facilitated Programs that Heal
WHAT WE DO AT AMAROO
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Psychology & Counselling
Disability and Neurodivergent Adult & Youth Development Programs
Equine Assisted Learning
Horsemanship Clinics & Wellness Retreats
Corporate Training & Development
Horse Riding Lessons & Trail Rides
Holiday & School Term Programs
Home to the ‘Ranch Hand Program’
Amaroo Social Days
Saturday’s With Steve (Young Men’s Mentoring)
Skills for Life Program
Mindset Masterclass Retreat
Children, Youth and Parenting Programs
Holiday Agistment
Equine Courses (Certificate III Equine Care)
Hi, I’m Bel, Award winning wellbeing innovator ~ Welcome to Amaroo.
Amaroo was created from a career dedicated to creating support programs that foster connection, healing and growth for young people and adults within the neurodivergence, disability, trauma, and Indigenous communities. During my time with the Department of Communities and Justice, I recognised the need for a therapeutic space that harnesses the healing connection between humans and horses.
Set within the beautiful Megalong Valley and inspired by my own lived experience and personal healing journey through Equine Therapy, I feel deeply honoured to call myself the custodian and Principal Practitioner of Amaroo. Together with my team and our herd we have supported over 500 families in delivering over 4,500 sessions at our nurturing space, with consciously developed programs formed from over 25 years of experience working with individuals and vulnerable communities.
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING
Individual or group sessions provide a safe space for clients to grow and expand their potential. Equine Assisted Learning is a unique approach to experiential learning, where clients are offered safe experiences with horses for the purposes of learning social-emotional skills, personal development and professional development skills.
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY, PSYCHOLOGY & COUNSELLING
Individual Equine Assisted Psychotherapy programs have yielded promising results for trauma, substance use, mental-illness and youth at-risk as well as facilitating empowerment and growth. The structured, nonverbal, and experiential nature of EAP often bypasses the traditional "talk therapy" barriers that some clients may find challenging, opening new pathways for healing.
RANCH HAND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
The Amaroo ‘Ranch Hand Program’ is a transformative work experience, exposure and social engagement program that fosters independence, confidence, and essential life skills. Designed to empower participants to actively engage in community, social, and recreational activities, the program helps participants strengthen real-life skills, providing a well-rounded foundation for an enriched future, socially and professionally.
THE AMAROO MISSION
Through personal lived experience and working together with our Blue Mountains clients, we have witnessed first-hand the transition of growth and empowerment that people harness when invited into a safe and supportive space. Through professional guidance within this safe space, they can find the courage to explore their inner world and grow.
Amaroo is a space for people to have authentic connections with horses, nature, themselves, and others. We invite people an opportunity to be present and curious. We draw on evidence-based research to connect with the wisdom of horses, and the power of experience and exploration to create meaningful change. Everything we do is about developing relationships within the self and with others.
OUR PROGRAMS & SUPPORTS
AMAROO EXPLORERS PROGRAM
The Amaroo Explorers Program is a small group program for Under 12's. The Amaroo Explorers program runs during school terms on a Saturday (fortnightly) for 2 hours. The program incorporates social & emotional skill-building. This program is facilitated by a qualified Counsellor and a Specialist Social & Emotional Educator.
HORSE WISDOM PROGRAM
A structured 8 session program, utilising a psycho-educational approach in Equine Assisted Learning. Horses model and can remind or teach us about ourselves. The program is effective in providing a safe space to build socio-emotional skills for a variety of participants.
RANCH HAND™ PROGRAM
The Ranch Hand program is a work experience 'skills and experience' program for men and women aged 16+ who are NDIS participants. The Ranch Hand program runs on Wednesday’s during school terms and teaches a variety of skills and the importance of communication and teamwork.
SKILLS FOR LIFE PROGRAM
The Skills for Life 1:1 Support program is a tailored, individualised experience designed to support participants of any age, in developing essential life skills in a practical, hands-on environment. This program provides a safe and structured setting where participants can build confidence, enhance emotional regulation, strengthen social and communication skills, and work towards personal growth in line with the participants goals.
Key Focus Areas
✅ Emotional Regulation & Self-Awareness – Develop practical strategies to recognise, understand, and manage emotions in real-time, fostering resilience and self-confidence.
✅ Social & Communication Skills – Enhance interpersonal skills through guided interactions, focusing on active listening, clear expression, and positive relationship-building techniques.
✅ Confidence & Independence – Engage in structured activities that encourage problem-solving, adaptability, and decision-making to support greater independence in everyday life.
✅ Personal Growth & Wellbeing – Explore self-development techniques to cultivate a sense of purpose, self-belief, and motivation for future opportunities.
Expected Outcomes
🔹 Increased ability to manage emotions in daily life and social interactions
🔹 Strengthened communication skills for improved relationships and engagement in the community
🔹 Greater self-awareness and confidence in navigating challenges
🔹 Enhanced independence and adaptability in social and work settings
