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EQUINE | ANIMAL | NATURE
ASSISTED LEARNING & THERAPEUTIC PRACTICE

Chunky | Dwarf Goat | Montrose Hills

EMBARK ON A UNIQUE JOURNEY AT MONTROSE HILLS

Our Developmental Educator integrates animals into our practice where animal assisted learning (AAL) provides experiential learning opportunities.​

 

The presence of animals is used to enhance the overall well-being of individuals in a positive and safe manner, promoting emotional, mental, and physical health.

 

During AAL sessions, interactions with animals are carefully structured to address the individual's unique needs. These interactions may include sensory mindfulness through sharing the space with our animals through observation, connecting through grooming, washing, walking with our animals, or perhaps through supportive engagement in curious, safe play with the animals.

 

Experiential learning facilitates communication, builds trust, provides emotional support and regulation and may also form a sense of presence and awareness.

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AAL offers a distinctive and individualised creative, supportive, and secure avenue for exploring the self, which is unique for each person.

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The benefits of AAL can be diverse, ranging from reducing stress and anxiety to improving social skills and enhancing overall mood, an elevation in oxytocin levels, a decrease in cortisol levels, and a comforting diversion from stressful situations. Animals' non-judgmental and unconditional nature often creates a supportive and comforting environment for participants in a safe space.

 

AAL typically involve targeted programs with specific objectives to support people with intellectual, physical, sensory and cognitive disability. Working with your specially trained animal-handler team is an integral component. Therapists operate within the boundaries of their respective practices, collaborating with animals to enhance participants' individual learning and developmental experiences.

HORSES

On the farm in Conway, our therapists specialise in groundwork using horses as co-therapists focusing on natural horsemanship skills, which doesn't involve riding.

Here is what our horses can offer:

  • Building trust and relationships

  • Communication skills

  • Emotional regulation

  • Boundary setting

  • Problem-solving

  • Body awareness

  • Stress reduction

  • Team building

  • Self-efficacy and confidence

  • Mindfulness practices

NIGERIAN DWARF GOATS

On the farm in Conway, our Nigerian Dwarf goats can be used as co-therapists in various ways, providing unique benefits for participants in therapeutic settings.

Here is what our Nigerian Dwarf goats can offer:

  • Emotional support

  • Physical activity

  • Sensory stimulation

  • Social interaction

  • Responsibility and routine

  • Distraction and relaxation

  • Therapeutic bonding

  • Educational opportunities

At Montrose Hills Therapy | Developmental Education, animals are our co-therapists. Every animal undergoes safety and suitability assessments for their role. Participants should be aware that they will similarly undergo safety and suitability evaluations with their therapist before engaging with the animals. This process ensures the safety and well-being of both the participants and the animals involved in the sessions.

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NATURE

Embark on a nature program to enhance capacity within the unique natural farm setting. Adopting a person-centred approach, our initiatives seamlessly extend into individuals' everyday lives, whether in homes or community settings. Focusing on natural activities and processes, nature based learning aims to foster physical, mental, and emotional well-being by immersing participants in various nature related tasks and natural interactions to achieve therapeutic goals.

 

Beyond the farm, our offerings include cooking skills, collecting fresh farm eggs, cultivating fruit and vegetables, and building employment-related capabilities.

 

We provide avenues to nurture essential daily living skills through active engagement in gardening, caring for animals and the land, and gaining diverse knowledge on utilising fresh produce, which are transferrable skills at home and in the community.

 

Join us in embracing this holistic approach that combines therapeutic benefits with practical skills, all set amidst the serene heart of nature.​

Key components and activities of nature programs include:

  • Animal interaction

  • Gardening skills

  • Nature connection

  • Physical exercise

  • Routine and structure

  • Responsibility and meaningful work

  • Social interaction

  • Mindfulness practices

  • Vocational training opportunities

Wheelchair Access

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Montrose Hills is located on a gradual slope with uneven ground, which can become muddy and slippery during the rainy season. The bathroom facilities are not wheelchair accessible, and there are two steps to navigate if you use a wheelie walker.

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Presently Montrose Hills does not accommodate wheelchair access for the AAL programs. We sincerely wish to ensure everyone can enjoy close encounters with our animals and farm. If you are keen on experiencing the magic, we would be delighted to arrange a customised experience, potentially including adaptations for wheelchair access. Please note that it will require some time to address and resolve the bathroom accessibility.

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Call 

0438 885 011

Email 

admin@montrosehills.com.au

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