Bunyarra Farm
OUR STORY
Our humble equine assisted therapy business was created during a time of deep sadness, grief and loss. In the weeks leading up to the opening of the business, owner and therapist Steph lost her long time best friend and soul mate, Bailey.
Steph and Bailey had a magical 14 years together travelling the country and overcoming many difficult times and life transitions. Bailey's support was unwavering and she was a special part of Steph's self care. They spent many days at the beach, out in nature for walks, camping or spending time with friends.
Bailey was an unofficial therapy dog, she was a very special dog to Steph and some of our lovely clients. The loss of Bailey was a driving force behind establishing our services at the farm. We wanted to create something special in her honour to help people, as she had done for so many years. We know Bailey would be proud of the therapy space we have created. She would have loved to lay around the therapy room, even on the couch.
We know Bailey's legacy will live on through the support and services we provide at the farm.
We know she will always be with us in spirit.
Rest easy our sweet girl.
Meet the Team
The Human Therapist Our human therapist is Steph, owner of the business and care taker of the animals and land. Steph has over 15 years experience working in the community services sector including in remote communities with First Nations people, with survivors of family and domestic violence, foster children and people with disabilities. Steph is a gentle, kind and calm person who offers a person centred, strengths based, trauma informed approach to her work. Steph works in a trauma informed way and has many years experience supporting people with trauma and mental health. Steph welcomes all people to the farm and works in a neuro-affirming, non-judgmental and accepting way with all people. Steph moved from the West Coast of Australia several years ago to study and train with Equine Assisted Therapy Australia and experienced first hand the therapeutic benefits of equine therapy. Steph is fully insured, registered and qualified as a counsellor, with a Diploma in Counselling, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Certificate in Equine Assisted Mental Health. Steph undergoes regular supervision and training as part of her registration with the Australian Counselling Association. As a counsellor Steph is able to provide services through the NDIS for adults and children (under the associated line items for counselling). Steph has experienced her own personal journey with different types of therapy and understands the importance for people to feel supported and held in their stories and experiences. She is an authentic, genuine, down to earth person with a caring nature. Steph is supported by a wonderful team of co-therapists, each with their own unique personalities and gifts. Our therapy team has grown recently and we have some very cute additions to the farm.
The Horses We have two gentle giants, Dude and Harley, who are Quarter Horses. Dude is 3 years old and Harley is 5 years old. Dude and Harley love exploring the farm and their cheeky personalities sometimes get them into some mischief. They are very curious and love being around people. The horses have a special bond. They are very attached and love spending every minute of the day together. Sometimes they like to play or you may see them laying down for a snooze in the sun. The Donkey Next we have Sunny our sweet old miniature donkey. Sunny is 25 years old and is living her best life at the farm. Sunny was living next door and was gifted to the farm to fulfil her dream of helping people. Sunny is very affectionate and will often seek people out. Don't be surprised if she follows you around the paddock. The Goats Our latest additions are our little herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats. We have mum Bronte aged 3 years, her twin babies Pippin and Piper aged 4 months and cousin Star aged 5 months. Bronte and Star are affectionate with people while Pippin and Piper are still a little shy around humans. The best way to their heart is to give them some tasty banana leaves.
The Working Dog Our most energetic and hard working team member is Pip. Pip is a 4 year old Border Collie who is bred for herding sheep. Pip likes to chase anything that moves on the farm and keeps everyone on their toes. Pip is very sweet in nature and very intelligent. If Pip can stay still for long enough she will show you some of her tricks! Pip is very relatable for those with ADHD as she often struggles with impulsivity and concentration. You may see Pip relaxing on the back deck on her bed or she may join you for your session if you're up for adventure. Pip loves to run and explore the farm, especially a swim in the creek nearby. The Flock And lets not forget the chickens! Our smallest farm creatures. We have a beautiful flock of Silkies and Pekin Bantams. We have two protective flock leaders, Kenny who is a black Silkie rooster, and our red rooster Frank. Kenny and Frank each take care of a few lovely hens. We also have a growing flock of 7 chicks, aged 3 months, who are getting bigger every day. The chickens are very friendly, they love a snack and are often foraging around the paddock. The chickens are fascinating to observe, they have their own unique communication and flock hierarchy. If you sit a while you will hear the different calls and sounds, and how they tune in with nature to assess danger and safety. If you look to the skies and listen to their calls you may see our resident Wedge Tailed Eagles or Tawny Frogmouths.
The Journey
For Steph, the love of horses started at a very young age, from running around the back yard on a hobby horse to weekends spent at pony club. Steph dreamed of owning her own horse one day but the reality was out of reach living in suburbia.
That all changed about 8 years ago. It is serendipitous to think about it now, but on a whim Steph bought her own horse. The scratch had been itched after a friend introduced Steph to riding again. Steph took the plunge and bought the first horse offered to her, sight unseen.
Steph travelled halfway across the Kimberley's in Western Australia to pick up the horse, Chester. He was a gentle giant, standing at 16 hands tall with a beautiful, big face. Steph didn't know it yet but Chester was going to be one of her greatest teachers.
Chester and Steph had an amazing life together galloping across the beaches of Broome and later riding through the hinterlands of the Gold Coast. Steph and Chester had a unique bond, an unspoken understanding and a shared mistrust of people at times.
It was the connection with Chester, another unofficial therapy animal, that sparked the interest in Equine Assisted Therapy and prompted Steph's move across the country to embark on the course. Heartbreakingly, Steph had to make the tough decision to leave Chester behind in Broome while she started her study. After a long 8 months apart, Chester joined Steph on the Gold Coast and the adventures continued.
Sadly, last year Chester became very unwell and was laid to rest. It was a devastating decision and time for Steph. There isn't a day that goes by that Steph doesn't think about Chester and the amazing time they shared together. He was a very special horse who is dearly missed.
Thank you for all of your love and support Chester.
You were one of a kind.
A therapy like no other
Step outside the traditional therapy room and immerse yourself in nature. We are surrounded by nature's beauty and the peacefulness of the farm away from it all.
Step outside the mould of traditional therapy and explore a new kind of therapy. Experience the healing that comes with connection to nature and animals in a safe space.
We are proudly affiliated with Animal Assisted Therapies Ltd and Equine Assisted Therapy Australia.
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