Mindfulness with Horses

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning clients or groups learn skills or overcome problems from resources taught by the horses.

Imagine how lovely it feels to be completely accepted for who you are, loved unconditionally, and learn about yourself and others – all in peaceful picturesque rural surrounds only 15 minutes from Gin Gin.

Rivendell is a gorgeous 150 acre property where you can relax, learn, de-stress and reconnect thanks to Deb Lewis’s expert teaching and her beautiful herd of horses.

Horses bring a unique authentic relationship that helps humans become more aware and live in the moment. They don’t judge you or care about your past – they simply want to connect with you in the moment.

Many animals, but especially horses, offer an extraordinary amount of emotional support. There are many benefits of equine therapy – equine therapy helps build:

• Emotional awareness
• Social skills
• Impulse control
• Trust and empathy
• Problem-solving skills
• Confidence

Whether you are on a healing/recovery journey, want to improve your mental wellbeing, experience very special personal development or learn leadership skills, Deb and the horses of Rivendell are here for you.

We are an NDIS Care Provider and also cater to private guests whether individuals or groups.

The newly constructed undercover arena means we are now an all-weather venue! No need to miss out on your session due to rain or worry about being out in the hot sun. Stay safe and dry under our beautiful big roof and enjoy this wonderful experience.

Our guests feel so happy here they never want to leave!

You are welcome to stay after your session and relax. Spend time with the animals, visit the permaculture garden and orchards, and soak up the serenity of this magical place.

Rivendell

Rivendell is a 150-acre property with its own fascinating heritage. The homestead was formerly the Mount Pleasant Hotel back in 1888. It was the ninth homestead built in the whole of the Bundaberg district, so we are talking serious provenance here, especially as Deb has retained the character of the original homestead while improving many facilities.

The exotic fruit tree orchard, bush tucker and permaculture gardens are an oasis of calm. The orchard was planted twenty years ago but features many ancient and heritage varieties from both Australia and other parts of the world. As well as a variety of citrus and nut trees there are tropical delights such as Brazilian cherry, black sapote, ice cream bean and many more.

The native bush tucker sensory garden features apple berry, pig face, sea celery, noon plant, cinnamon myrtle, salt bush, river mint, chocolate lily, native thyme, lily pilly, rosella, riberry, midyim berry, bramble raspberry, native tamarind, and boobialla to name but a few. You are welcome to touch and smell these plants and learn of their uses.

As ongoing projects, you never know what botanic treasures you will find but one thing is for sure – it will be a delightful experience. Different fruits and flowers appear at different times depending on the season, climate conditions and life stage of the plant. Enjoy a walk through this living, evolving garden and stop to smell the flowers and marvel at the beauty and wonder of nature..

Deb Lewis’ heart and home are here now, but funnily enough, the property was owned by a Lewis family for many many years. Deb says it is pure coincidence - it was a different Lewis family to hers and no relation though it does make one wonder what a genealogy expert could discover..

There has certainly been a tradition of horses on this property - to have a hotel license Mt Pleasant Hotel had to have a black smith and stables for 4 horses.  No doubt horses have been an important part of life here for well over a century, with the current Rivendell herd charged with the most precious task of all – seeing to our guests’ health and happiness.

What you can do at Rivendell 

• meet more of our farm animals including Gypsy the Therapy Dog, peacocks, turkeys, chickens and more.
• Search for the farm cats – where are they hiding today?
• Pack a picnic lunch and sit in the shade of the ancient Moreton Bay figs
• Soak up the atmosphere of peace and harmony
• Wander through the permaculture garden of exotic and native fruits and herbs
• Explore the history and provenance of this very special place.

Many of our clients feel so relaxed, so at peace, and so happy after their Equine Assisted Therapy here at beautiful Rivendell near Gin Gin, that they don’t want to leave!

The good news is – you don’t have to! Well, not in a hurry – stay for a few more hours.

Deb Lewis, owner of Rivendell and highly qualified Equine Assisted therapist, opens her heart, gardens and home to her therapy guests and their families and carers.  

Time with the patient, intuitive horses and ponies will have you living right in the present moment – not hurting from the past or worrying about the future. Perpetuate this feeling of a weight lifted off your shoulders by spending some time in nature in a safe, non-judgemental and inclusive space.