Hoofbeats Sanctuary Sunshine Coast

17/06/2026

On Saturday, we held a Gratitude day.
For our donors, sponsors, volunteers and supporters to connect while meeting our healing herd, they clearly loved being in the limelight 🐎🐎🐎

Gratitude was definitely a big feeling for us. The turnout was a suprise and gave us such a boost to continue fighting for what we do. We simply couldn't of helped this many people without you.
Thanks for showing up for us, and them.
..Including the pocket of sunshine that arrived right on time too ☀️🙏🥰🐎🌻

12/06/2026

Thank you to Cooroy Rag Community Newspaper for supporting us yet again with sharing the importance of our work and our desperate need for financial support. We absolutely have to find a way out of the current crisis so that we can continue to support our community.

Hoofbeats Sanctuary fights to keep supporting vulnerable women and girls

A Noosa hinterland equine therapy charity called Hoofbeats Sanctuary Sunshine Coast, which supports vulnerable women and girls has been forced to stop taking new clients as it battles a worsening financial crisis.

Hoofbeats Sanctuary, now based in Yandina after relocating from Doonan last year, provides free twelve-week equine therapy programs for women and girls experiencing trauma, mental health challenges and crisis.

Founder and facilitators say the decision to pause enrolments has been distressing, particularly given the growing demand for support across the region. “At its heart, Hoofbeats Sanctuary is a place where women and girls who are really struggling finally find something that works for them,” Barb Blashki, CEO said.

The Sanctuary runs two programs, Go Remarkable for girls and young women aged 12 to 24, and Recovery and Discovery for women over 25. Participants work one-on-one with trained facilitators and rescued horses in a private paddock setting. “What makes our approach different from clinical therapy is that it meets people where they are emotionally and physically,” Barb said. “Horses are extraordinarily attuned to human emotion. They respond honestly and without judgement.”

The organisation says all programs are offered free to those who need them most, despite increasing financial pressure.

The crisis has been driven by a combination of declining donations, tougher grant competition and the loss of its previous Doonan home after Sunshine Coast Council reallocated the land. The move to Yandina brought additional costs and complications, including the loss of eligibility for some regional grant programs under Australian Statistical Geography Standard classifications. Just days after relocating, the property was heavily impacted by Cyclone Alfred, forcing programs to pause for almost five months. “We run an extraordinarily lean operation,” Barb said. “We have less than two full-time equivalent staff and more than 35 volunteers. We have no debt. What we do have is a funding model that was always precarious.”

Despite the challenges, a recent independent evaluation by University of the Sunshine Coast researchers found the programs delivered “exceptionally significant” improvements in mental health and wellbeing.

Across 22 measures, participants recorded results far exceeding outcomes typically reported in federally funded mental health programs. Participants reported reductions in suicidal thoughts, improved emotional regulation and renewed hope. “One woman told us the program had shown her ‘why and how to live’,” Barb said.

The organisation warned that closure would leave many women and girls without any comparable free support service. “There is no equivalent service available to them,” she said. “We are a community organisation in the most literal sense. We exist because of this community, and we survive because of it.”

The Sanctuary is now appealing for community support through donations, volunteers, fundraising assistance and business partnerships to help secure its future.

10/06/2026

Some of the most important conversations happen when we finally slow down long enough to listen - to ourselves.

This one-day gathering is a chance to come back to you. To sit with what you've been carrying, and learn to understand it in a way that feels gentle, safe, and real.

Alongside horses - some of the most honest and intuitive companions you'll ever meet - you'll explore:
• the emotions you've been pushing through
• what your body has been trying to tell you
• how to feel more like yourself, even in hard moments

Horses don't need you to have it together. They simply meet you where you are, and in that space, something quietly shifts.

This is a day for connection - with yourself, with others who get it, and with something a little bigger than the everyday.

Come as you are. Leave knowing yourself a little better. We'd love to see you there.

✨ Limited to 10 participants
📅 27 June 2026 9am-3pm
📍 Yandina
💛 $200 per person including lunch and refreshments
🎫 Book here: https://hoofbeats.org.au/events/

Learn to feel without losing yourself in the process. This retreat focuses on building a clearer, more grounded relationship with your emotional world.

09/06/2026

VALE CAPPY

Last Friday, at 4:10pm, our beloved Cappy crossed the rainbow bridge at Sunshine Coast Equine Hospital, surrounded by people who loved her, standing on soft grass in the sunshine. 🌿🌞🧡🌈

We are heartbroken.

Cappy came to us just over seven years ago, a thoroughbred who had spent years in neglect before finding her way to the Sanctuary. It was our absolute privilege to give this amazing girl seven of the best years a horse could ever hope for.

Nearly 23 years old, her body had simply reached the point where it could no longer sustain her in a pain-free way, and letting her rest peacefully was the last and most loving gift we could give her after everything she gave to us.

It was a gentle farewell. The team at Sunshine Coast Equine Hospital were, as always, extraordinary — experienced, professional and tender in equal measure. Cappy was calm and peaceful and spent her final day being thoroughly spoiled, enjoying all her favourite treats — and even trying a Tim Tam for the first time. 🍫

She was the most instantly loved horse at the Sanctuary. And it's easy to understand why. She was a kind soul and a gentle presence — a big horse who somehow always made space for others. Quietly, patiently, session after session, she supported so many women and girls through their most difficult moments. She never asked for anything in return. She simply showed up, and she was enough. Our gentle giant. One of a kind.

Cappy has now joined Mack, her beloved pair-bond, across the rainbow bridge — and Indy, who she'll probably have to tolerate all over again 😂. In many ways, that's everything we could have wished for her.

Our hearts are heavy today. But they are also full — full of gratitude for every session she helped with, every person she comforted, every volunteer she charmed, and every single moment we were lucky enough to share with her.

Run free, sweet girl. You were so deeply loved, and you will be so deeply missed. ❤️

if you would like to make a donation in Cappy's honour to help support the Sanctuary here's where to go: https://hoofbeats.org.au/donate/

26/05/2026

We are so grateful for the response to our appeal to raise $50,000 over the next three months to keep our service operating. It's a wonderful, amazing and heart-warming start and that target is starting to look a lot more achievable.

Your kind and supportive words have also been beautiful to receive. As one major donor commented : "I'm just really glad this money will help give everyone a little breathing space and ease some of the pressure for now. What you, your team and all the volunteers are doing is incredibly special and I have so much admiration for the love and commitment behind it all. If this helps even one more girl walk through your gates, then that means a great deal to me."

If you are in a position to help us reach that target and keep supporting the community - whether that is $20, $100, $500, or more - please know your contribution goes directly to keeping our mental health programs free for those who have nowhere else to turn. Every donation is tax-deductible. Every donation makes a difference.

15/05/2026

For 17 years our charity has been supporting the community. Now we are hoping that the community can support us.

Something is happening on the Sunshine Coast that most people don't see.

A 13yo girl who had been monitored around the clock after a su***de attempt has — after 12 weeks at Hoofbeats Sanctuary — gone back to simply being a kid. Her mother calls it "literally life-changing."

A woman who had been suicidal for 3 years, unable to drive, unable to work, needing a full-time carer, walked out of our program with friends, a social life, independence, a new businesses - and, in her own words, purpose.

A young woman who came to us as her "last resort" — who wanted reasons to stay alive — went on to study equine-assisted therapy and volunteer at the Sanctuary she credits with saving her life.

These are not exceptional stories. They are typical ones. This is the difference that we make.

In December 2024, researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast completed an independent evaluation of our programs. They found our results "exceptionally significant" — producing improvements in mental health more than ten times greater than federally funded mental health programs. Every single one of the 22 mental health indicators they measured improved substantially. Not one missed the threshold for clinical significance.

And yet, we are in crisis.

We receive no government funding. We rely entirely on donations and one-off grants. Right now, we do not have the funds to keep our doors open to new clients. And if we can't raise $50,000 over the next three months, we will not have the funds to keep operating at all.

You will likely have seen in recent weeks that our local community has been quietly losing some of its most valuable assets. Katie Rose Cottage, our beloved local hospice, has had to pause its operations due to a funding crisis. Other local charities and community services have closed their doors altogether — unable to sustain operations in an environment where donations are falling rapidly at the same time that the demand for services is rising rapidly.

The thought of Hoofbeats closing — like so many of the services our community has already lost — is something we think about every day. We have girls on our waiting list right now who need us. Losing this service would be a quiet tragedy for our region.

If you are in a position to support us — whether that is $20, $100, $500, or more — please know your contribution matters. Every donation is tax-deductible. Every donation makes a difference.

BSB: 633000 | Account: 137521696 | Account Name: Kanyini Connections Ltd

Or donate online: https://hoofbeats.org.au/donate/

There are other ways to support us that cost nothing — sharing our story with someone who might be able to help, sharing this post, or simply sending us a kind word. All of it matters.

To those who have already given — whether recently or over many years — thank you. You are the reason those women and girls got their lives back. You are the reason this sanctuary exists.

12/05/2026

After the success of our last women's wellbeing day retreat, we've received so many requests to run more events - and so we are!

With a full calendar of program and client appointments, we can only offer three more opportunities in 2026 so grab your tickets now.

June 27th - Feeling Without the Overwhelm
August 15th - From Inner Critic to Inner Ally
October 3rd - Reconnect With Yourself

Full details for each Retreat can be found on our website: https://hoofbeats.org.au/events/

Bookings are essential. Book via the website.

These days are full of shared wisdom, friendship, support and understanding. And of course, our beautiful herd of horses and ponies.

28/04/2026

It's always wonderful to see our work being celebrated in the local community - thank you for a terrific article Eumundi Voice 🙏🧡

A recent independent evaluation has brought new attention to Hoofbeats Sanctuary Sunshine Coast in Yandina, highlighting the significant impact of its trauma -informed, equine-assisted programs. Operated by Kanyini Connections Ltd, the sanctuary has been supporting girls and women since 2019, offering experiential, nature-based interventions that build emotional wellbeing, confidence and self-awareness. The evaluation underscores the effectiveness of these programs, demonstrating how the sanctuary’s unique approach is delivering meaningful mental health outcomes.
Across Australia mental illness has become the most common chronic health condition, affecting more than 1 in 4 people. Young women are particularly vulnerable, with nearly half of females aged 16-24 reporting a mental-health disorder in the past year. Qld faces even higher rates of self harm hospitalisations compared with the national average. Compounding these challenges, traditional mental health systems remain overstretched, and individuals with complex trauma often struggle to benefit from conventional therapeutic approaches.
Hoofbeats Sanctuary offers an alternative pathway to healing through two 12-week programs: Go Remarkable for girls and young women aged 12–24, and Recovery and Discovery for women aged 25 and above. Both programs are led by certified Equine Assisted Learning practitioners who bring professional expertise as well as lived experience. Rather than horse riding, the focus is on safe, ground-based interactions with horses and ponies. Participants learn to read equine body language, understand herd behaviour, and practise trust-building, boundaries, mindfulness and emotional regulation.
To continue reading, please click here: https://issuu.com/eumundivoice/docs/eumundi_voice_issue_139/25

01/04/2026

Congratulations to our Raffle Winners!

1st Prize - Jarrod Wendt artwork - won by S Marks
2nd Prize - Wire Horse Sculpture - won by L Lawson
3rd Prize - Morning Team with Mumma Pony - won by J Willis
4th Prize - Horse Themed Quilt - won by Denise
5th Prize - Horse Pyrography Artwork - won by J Willis

Thank you to everyone that supported the raffle - we are so grateful!

03/03/2026

Q1 RAFFLE REMINDER - 4 weeks left!
Your Chance To Win While Supporting Mental Health!

🐴To celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse we'll be bringing you a raffle each quarter and the first is now live!

🧡Every ticket sold helps fund free mental health programs for women and girls.

✨$2000 prize pool of incredible prizes, generously donated by local artists and supporters:

🥇 1st Prize – Acrylic & spray paint artwork by QArt artist Jarrod Wendt valued at $1200
🥈 2nd Prize – $250 handcrafted horse sculpture valued at $250
🥉 3rd Prize – Private “Morning Tea with Mumma” at Hoofbeats Sanctuary (1hr private visit experience) valued at $250
4️⃣ 4th Prize – Hand-crafted horse quilt by the wonderful ladies at Patches of Cooroy valued at $200
5️⃣ 5th Prize – Horse pyrography artwork by Myra Bowman valued at $100

📆Raffle ends at 5pm on March 30th. Draw takes place immediately after the close.

⚠Due to the size of the prizes and cost of postage, the raffle is open to Queensland residents only.

🤞GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Here's where to buy your tickets online: https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=9m9vg

Tickets can also be purchased in person at the International Women’s Day event in Eumundi on Friday 13 March, 9-11:30AM at the School of Arts.