Hooves Of Hope’s Renae Gunn – Finalist in National Health Awards
Lewiston’s Renae Gunn has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2025 HESTA Excellence Awards, recognised for her life-changing work using horses to help people with disability and mental health challenges build resilience, confidence and connection.
Renae wears a lot of hats — she’s a former professional horse trainer, a registered counsellor, psychology student and the founder of the Hooves of Hope program, which pairs retired racehorses with people in need of therapeutic support.
At the heart of her work is Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) — powerful, science-backed approaches that are gaining popularity across the country. But as demand grows, so does Renae’s mission to make sure the field is taken seriously and led by qualified, registered professionals.
“It’s not just about patting a horse,” Renae says. “It’s about relationships, boundaries, communication, and consent. We’re using therapy and learning models that are trauma-informed and grounded in evidence.”
Renae works with clients who are neurodivergent or living with complex conditions like autism, PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety, often supported through NDIS funding. She blends neuroscience with traditional therapeutic models like CBT(Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), all in a relaxed outdoor setting alongside trained equine specialists and allied health professionals.
“We flip the narrative,” she says. “Instead of focusing on what’s hard, we focus on strengths. Horses help clients read non-verbal cues, build trust, and develop emotional regulation. They get immediate feedback from the horse — no judgment, just presence.”
It’s an approach that’s proving incredibly effective. Families report improved communication, better friendships and greater self-awareness.
One of Renae’s proudest achievements is helping develop a professional standard for equine-assisted learning in Australia, creating a collaborative and affordable model that is safe, credible and inclusive — especially for those on the NDIS.
As the popularity of equine assisted therapies continues to grow, Renae’s message is clear – find a provider who’s registered, experienced, and trauma-informed. “When it’s done well, it can change lives.”
Winners of the HESTA Excellence Awards will be announced in August. If successful Renae plans to establish the Hooves of Hope program as an online professional development tool for therapists, allied health professionals, and support staff to develop their skills and broaden the service on an international level.
