What Does Equine Therapy Cost in Melbourne?
When money is already tight, not knowing the price of a service can make it difficult to take the next step.
You may be wondering whether equine-assisted therapy is affordable, whether the NDIS can pay for it or whether unexpected charges will appear later.
The honest answer is that there is no single standard equine therapy Melbourne cost. The amount can vary depending on who delivers the service, how long the session runs, whether it is individual or group-based and whether travel, reports or other charges apply.
Equine-assisted therapy may be paid from an NDIS plan when it is delivered by a qualified health professional, relates to the participant’s disability and goals, represents value for money and meets the applicable pricing requirements. Funding is never automatic.
For an overview of the service itself, explore our NDIS equine therapy in Melbourne.
How Much Does Equine Therapy Cost in Melbourne?
There is no single standard price for equine-assisted therapy in Melbourne. The total cost depends on the type of professional delivering the service, the session format and any additional fees.
Practitioner qualifications
Fees may vary depending on whether sessions are delivered by a developmental educator, psychologist, occupational therapist or another qualified professional.
Session length and format
Individual sessions may cost more than group sessions because they are tailored to one participant’s goals and support needs. Longer sessions may also include planning, reflection and progress notes.
Travel and extra charges
Ask whether the quoted fee includes:
- Provider travel
- Reports or assessments
- Non-face-to-face work
- Cancellation fees
- Progress reviews
Before booking, request a written quote that clearly shows the session price, practitioner type, NDIS support item and any extra charges. This makes it easier to compare providers and understand how the service may affect your plan budget.
How Equine Therapy Is Priced Under the NDIS
The NDIS does not set one universal “equine therapy rate”.
Instead, the price is generally connected to the professional support being provided. The current NDIS pricing schedule lists support-item names, units and recommended maximum prices based on the type of support and location. Providers and participants can discuss and agree on an appropriate price.
For equine-assisted therapy to be paid as a therapeutic support, it must be more than a positive experience with a horse. It needs to be goal-centred, evidence-based and delivered by a trained and qualified health professional. The support must also relate to the participant’s disability and be in line with their NDIS plan.
The provider should be able to tell you:
- Which recognised profession is delivering the session
- Which NDIS support item will be used
- The agreed hourly or session rate
- Whether travel or report costs apply
- How the sessions connect to your goals
- How progress will be measured
For a fuller explanation of eligibility, read Is Equine Therapy Covered by the NDIS?.
Will there be an out-of-pocket cost?
When an eligible therapy support is paid from sufficient funding in your NDIS plan, the agreed service fee is generally paid from that plan rather than your personal income.
This does not mean the service is free. Each session reduces the remaining funding available in the relevant budget.
You may need to pay personally when:
- Your plan does not contain suitable funding
- The requested support is not considered an NDIS support
- There is not enough funding remaining
- You continue sessions after the available budget has been used
- You agree to costs that cannot be claimed from your plan
Ask your plan manager or support coordinator to check your budget before committing to ongoing appointments.
Is There Free Equine Therapy in Melbourne?
It is understandable to search for free equine therapy in Melbourne, particularly when you are living on the Disability Support Pension or supporting a family member on a limited income.
Ongoing professional equine-assisted therapy is not commonly available as a completely free service. Qualified practitioners, insurance, planning, facilities, animal care and safety all contribute to the cost of delivery.
Some charities and community horse-assisted programs may offer free, subsidised or lower-cost places. RDA Victoria, for example, operates through a network of community centres, volunteers and donations. Its programs and fees vary by location, with some centres advertising free places and others charging participant fees. Availability and waiting periods may also differ.
However, a free or subsidised community activity is not necessarily the same as NDIS-funded equine-assisted therapy.
The NDIS distinguishes professional animal-assisted therapy from general animal activities. Fundable therapy must be goal-centred, part of an evidence-based treatment plan and delivered by a qualified health professional.
Before joining any program, ask:
- Is this professional therapy, structured learning or a community activity?
- Who delivers it, and what are their qualifications?
- Is there an individual treatment or developmental plan?
- Are places subsidised, free or fee-paying?
- Is there a waiting list?
- Does the service match the participant’s goals?
A community program can still be meaningful. It simply should not be described as professional therapy unless it meets the relevant requirements.
How to Find Affordable Equine Therapy in Melbourne
Affordable equine therapy is not always the option with the lowest session fee. It should also suit your goals, funding and support needs.
- Check your NDIS funding
Review whether you have suitable Capacity Building or therapy funding available. - Ask for a written quote
Confirm the session fee, practitioner type, NDIS support item, travel, reports and cancellation costs. - Choose a suitable session frequency
Ask why a particular frequency is recommended and when progress will be reviewed. - Compare qualifications, not just prices
Make sure the practitioner’s profession and experience match the support being offered. - Speak with your support coordinator
They can help you check your budget, compare providers and understand whether the service may fit your plan.
For practical funding steps, read How to Get Equine Therapy Funded in Your NDIS Plan.
Equine Therapy Melbourne Cost FAQs
1. Does the NDIS cover the full cost of equine therapy?
It may cover the agreed cost when the service meets NDIS criteria and you have enough suitable funding. Approval is not automatic, and each session will reduce your remaining plan budget.
2. Is there free or low-cost equine therapy?
Some community or charity programs may offer free or subsidised places, but availability varies. These programs may not provide the same service as professional equine-assisted therapy.
3. What is the hourly rate for equine therapy?
There is no single hourly rate. Pricing depends on the professional delivering the support, session format and applicable NDIS support item.
4. Can I use self-managed NDIS funds?
You may be able to use self-managed funding when the service is an NDIS support and is in line with your plan. Self-management provides flexibility, but funding must still be spent on eligible supports.
Understand the Cost Before You Commit
You deserve to know what a service will cost before you sign an agreement or use your NDIS funding.
Ask for a written quote. Confirm the practitioner’s qualifications, support item, session length and any additional charges. Then check that the therapy connects clearly to your disability-related needs and plan goals.
Selective Support provides personalised, ground-based equine-assisted therapy and learning at its Diggers Rest property, with sessions led by an experienced developmental educator and shaped around individual goals. Funding depends on each participant’s plan and circumstances.
Want to know if your plan can cover equine therapy? Book a free chat.
