Located in Broadmarsh, Inspire Connections offers a unique equine-facilitated learning experience designed to support personal growth and emotional wellbeing. Through hands-on interactions with horses, we provide individuals of all ages a chance to learn, reflect, and grow in a peaceful, natural setting.
Inspire
Engage in unique, hands-on learning experiences designed to spark personal growth and self-awareness.
Connect
Build meaningful connections with horses while participating in multi-sensory, curriculum-aligned activities.
Thrive
Develop essential, transferrable life skills including resilience, communication, and teamwork in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
ABOUT US
About Inspire Connections
Inspire Connections was founded to help people build a deeper connection with themselves and others, through therapeutic interactions with horses. We offer structured, ground-based activities tailored to support emotional wellbeing, self-regulation, and personal growth. Our peaceful setting and specially designed programs provide a nurturing space where you can explore, learn, and thrive.
Set against the serene backdrop of Tasmanian bushland in Broadmarsh, just 40 minutes from Hobart, Inspire Connections offers participants a peaceful space away from daily pressures.
Ground-Based Horse Interactions
Safe, ground-based activities fostering growth and connection.
Experiential Learning
Hands-on activities to inspire growth.
Reflective Progress
Encouraging reflection to track achievements.
Tailored Support
Programs for individuals or group needs.
Life Skills Development
Building transferable skills for wellbeing.
ABOUT US
Meet the facilitator
Karina Harback is an experienced primary school teacher with over 20 years in the classroom. Observing the increased challenges faced by students, Karina embarked on a journey to explore innovative ways to support learning and personal growth.
Drawing from her lifelong passion for horses and an understanding of their powerful capacity to work with people in a therapeutic way, Karina trained in Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL). Through extensive research, accreditation, collaboration with like-minded practitioners, Inspire Connections’ unique EFL programs were developed.
Founded in the Invitation Approach, Adventures in Awareness, Accreditation as a Groundwork Therapy Practitioner, Inspire Connections offer support to all ages and a place to grow and thrive.
Inspire Connections offers programs designed for individual needs, whether personal or group-based. Each session is structured to help participants build connections, develop life skills, and achieve personal goals in a hands-on environment.
Individual Sessions
Ideal for individuals of all ages, these one-on-one sessions offer a tailored approach that targets personal goals such as confidence building, resilience, and emotional regulation. Participants work directly with support from the facilitator and horses to explore self-discovery and growth.
School Programs
Designed for students, these group sessions align with the Australian Curriculum and support social and emotional development. Activities include multi-sensory, curriculum-based experiences that build on transferable skills for self-awareness, communication and teamwork.
Group Workshops
Workshops for workplaces and organisations are offered to encourage skill building for teams, strengthening connection and communication through shared experiences with horses.
Therapeutic Support
For young people and adults who are seeking an alternative, supportive environment where they can build critical life skills while engaging in activities to support wellbeing.
School Holiday Programs
Adventure based activities are offered during school holidays. These events include activities with horses, damper making, bush crafts and more.
Tailored sessions for NDIS participants and neurodivergent individuals, focusing on emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills through safe, ground-based interactions with horses.
What to Expect in an Equine Facilitated Learning Session
Participants begin with a meet and greet orientation session. They are introduced to the horses and the space. Informed by the goals of the participant, a plan forward is then made. Ground-based, scaffolded, guided activities with horses follow, where participants are supported to develop effective skills and understandings for improved wellbeing and learning outcomes.
How Inspire Connections Supports Student Development
Inspire Connections integrates the Australian Curriculum Personal and Social Capability with hands-on, equine facilitated learning experiences for improved wellbeing and learning outcomes.
Emotional Regulation
Learn to recognise and manage emotions while engaging in equine facilitated learning activities. Build awareness of self and others in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
Teamwork
Develop effective strategies for cooperative teamwork. Enhance verbal and non-verbal communication. Build stronger connections for improved learning outcomes.
Resilience and Focus
Encourage adaptability and confidence. Strengthen problem-solving skills, improve focus, and grow in a nurturing, challenge-oriented environment.
Inclusive Learning
Provide an alternative learning environment. Engaging activities that promote acceptance and belonging. Aligned with inclusive education principles.
Building Emotional Intelligence
Strengthen self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. Develop critical social-emotional skills for personal growth.
Communication Skills
Improve interactions with others. Learn to express thoughts, ideas and feelings more effectively. Build skills for enhanced relationships.
…he was able to focus on his work for longer and wrote more than usual, retelling his activities as a participant in the horse program.
Primary Teacher
...wow! This is fun! Can I come back next week?
Grade 4 student with learning challenges
...What I like about the horses is that you need to trust them and they need to trust you...
Grade 6 Student
...when I'm having a tough day, it helps to look at the photos of me with the horses...
Adult Participant
…she returned to school more animated and excited, in a positive way, than I have seen her all year, talking all about her experiences with the horses...
Grade 3 Teacher
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Discover the Power of Connection
Experience hands-on learning and personal growth through equine-facilitated programs designed to inspire, connect, and help you thrive.
Barbie is the newest member of our herd and has quickly settled in. She loves interacting with people, thrives on being involved, and enjoys time with her new friends, bringing warm, engaging energy to every experience.
Velvet
Velvet is our herd leader. She looks after the other ponies and has a special gift for connecting with people. Velvet has a deep wisdom about her, a strong, determined personality and a big heart. She is an amazing teacher.
Paddington
Paddington, known as Paddy, is loving life at Inspire Connections. He used to be a pony club horse and is now enjoying semi-retirement being a part of our team. Paddy brings with him his gentle nature and beautiful, unusual eyes.
Beauty
Beauty is our elderly matriach. She is a calm presence in the herd, a special friend to Velvet and everyone that meets her. Beauty has been on a recent adventure to visit new friends at a retirement village. She has a can-do attitude and bravely accepts invitations to try new things.
Monty
Monty is a miniature horse and 5 years old. He is learning the ways of Equine Facilitated Learning and accepting small challenges with curiosity and a little cheekiness. Monty has a keen desire to be a part of everything and meet everyone. He is one super friendly little champ.
Frankie
Frankie is a thoroughbred who didn't race but excelled at polo cross instead.
He is has a gentle, kind nature and a sensitive soul. Frankie is very vocal about his dinner and likes it to arrive on time.
Start Your Journey with Inspire Connections
Book a call
Take the first step towards your Equine Facilitated Learning Experience of Connection.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or support provider, our Equine Facilitated Learning programs are tailored to meet diverse needs for wellbeing and learning. Book a free consultation to discover how we can support you, your organisation or participants.
Why Choose Inspire Connections?
Tailored Programs: Customised learning experiences for individuals, students and groups.
Proven Results: Support for emotional regulation, communication, and social-emotional growth.
Experienced Practitioner: Over 20 years of education expertise combined with extensive training and accreditation in recognised Equine Facilitated Learning Models and horsemanship.
To get started, select a time that works for you using the calendar. We look forward to connecting!
Contact Us
Have questions or need more information?
We’re here to help!
Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, we’d love to answer your questions or discuss how Inspire Connections can support your needs.
Feel free to reach out and we’ll get back to you promptly.
