About us

A small team, a herd of horses and a lot of heart.

Sydney Equine Assisted Learning offers therapeutic and educational activities with horses, for people of every age and ability. We’re based on a quiet property in Blaxlands Ridge, in the Hawkesbury, surrounded by bushland, paddocks and a dam full of ducks.

Liz smiling at the rail with Sunny
Boots and hooves side by side on red earth

Our approach

On the ground, at your pace.

On the ground
Our therapy and learning work never involves riding. Horses are free to move and respond, and so are you.
Led by you
We follow the Eagala model: solution-focused and client-led. You set the goals, and you find your own answers.
Professional and safe
Sessions are delivered by qualified, insured and checked professionals, in a calm, private setting.

Our team

The people beside you in the paddock.

Elizabeth Milinkovic

Elizabeth Milinkovic

Founder, Equine Specialist and Welfare Case Worker

Eagala certified · Dip. Community Services Work · Cert IV Training and Assessment · Youth Mental Health First Aider

About Elizabeth

Liz founded Sydney Equine Assisted Learning and is trained and accredited through Eagala, the leading international association for professionals working with horses in mental health and personal development. She has more than 17 years of hands-on experience with horses and over 12 years in community services, with further training in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, vicarious trauma and Aboriginal-specific practice. Liz owns and cares for the six horses at the heart of every session.

Cherie Clapin

Cherie Clapin

Registered Counsellor

MCouns&PsychTh (ACAP) · MACA

About Cherie

Cherie brings a warm, grounded and compassionate presence to her work. She practises from a trauma-informed, person-centred approach, with a Master’s degree in counselling and a strong foundation in attachment theory and nervous system awareness. Cherie works with all ages, has a particular passion for neurodiversity-affirming practice, and is registered with the Australian Counselling Association. She can support clients funded through the NDIS.

Sarah Elfoul

Sarah Elfoul

Social Worker, Support Coordinator and Psychosocial Support Worker

Bachelor of Social Work

About Sarah

Sarah is an experienced social worker who also runs her own practice, Happy Branches. Her career spans child protection, out-of-home care, crisis care, early intervention and case management for young people at risk of homelessness. She specialises in high-needs mental health support and NDIS support coordination, capacity building and mentoring.

Tassie Mortys

Tassie Mortys

Equine Specialist

Bachelor of Natural Science (Animal Science), Western Sydney University

About Tassie

Tassie is an accomplished equine specialist, coach and trainer who has competed in dressage and hacking for more than nine years. She brings deep knowledge of horsemanship, horse care, nutrition and first aid, and shares her home with horses, alpacas, dogs and chickens.

Dimi Mortys

Dimi Mortys

Social Worker

Master of Social Work · AASW

About Dimi

Dimi is a registered social worker with experience in homelessness, youth and family support, drug and alcohol services and mental health. She is a strong advocate for her clients and is especially passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.

Monique

Monique

Therapy Assistant

Psychology (Honours) student

About Monique

Monique is a psychology honours student with hands-on experience as a therapy assistant and in behaviour support. Her bubbly personality creates a warm, welcoming space where clients feel at ease.

Where we are

Blaxlands Ridge, in the Hawkesbury.

All sessions take place on our private property in Blaxlands Ridge, close to Kurrajong and Richmond. Come for an hour or spend the day. We send the full address and directions once your booking is confirmed.

The arena and paddocks under tall gum trees