Embrace Therapy

Thank you Cheeky for being a sweet, intelligent and gentle soul.

I am so glad I got to see you one last time and you will be forever missed 🤎 [brown heart emoji]

In Loving Memory of Cheeky

Cheeky, the cherished matriarch of the EqCetera herd, has left us on Monday evening, but her legacy will endure in the hearts and lives of all who knew her.

At 33 years of age, Cheeky’s life was one of quiet strength, purpose, and extraordinary impact. In her earlier years, she partnered with Rekha as a dressage horse, demonstrating grace, intelligence, and an unwavering willingness to connect. Together, they would go on to discover a deeper calling—one that would shape the lives of many.

Cheeky became a cornerstone of equine-assisted therapy, contributing her gentle spirit and intuitive nature to programs at RDA Oakford and RDA Orange Grove, before becoming a founding equine partner of EqCetera Inc. Alongside Rekha and Emma, she helped pioneer Hippotherapy services that changed the lives of countless individuals and families.

Over nine years as a therapy horse, Cheeky offered far more than movement—she offered connection, trust, and healing. Children found abilities they had never known they possessed. Parents rediscovered joy in the smiles of their children. With each steady, patient stride, Cheeky helped restore confidence, build resilience, and bring hope to families navigating complex challenges.

In her later years, Cheeky also provided quiet companionship to Mimi, another much-loved member of the extended EqCetera herd through our late friend and volunteer Annette. In a poignant and deeply felt moment, both Mimi and Cheeky passed on the same day—Mimi in the morning, peacefully released from cancer, and Cheeky later, following a sudden and severe colic shortly after returning home to EqCetera.

Cheeky passed gently, held in Rekha’s arms—surrounded by the love that had defined her life.

She leaves behind a profound legacy: not only in the programs she helped build, but in the countless lives she touched. EqCetera itself stands as part of her enduring story—a living testament to her contribution.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, they are strengthened by gratitude. Cheeky showed us what partnership, patience, and purpose truly mean.

Run free, dear Cheeky.
You will forever remain part of us.

Who knew a little boy named Jake was going to make such a huge impact in my world when I met him 13 years ago when he was only 5 years old.

Jake and his family believed in the power and magic of horses and was my first “hippotherapy” client. We saw Jake’s hesitant 1-2 steps with a walker become confident walks unassisted. We saw him take bigger and stronger breaths in and out and his oxygen saturation levels improve. We saw him cheer on as we trotted on and we laughed alongside his giggles.

Over the years, we rode horses, sped on ‘bikes’, splashed in the pool and got (more then one) strike at ten pin bowling… (amongst all the therapy things too!).

It has been an absolute honour and privilege to watch you grow up and become an adult.

A big toast to Jake, may your wifi connection never be broken, the music be rocking, Lewis Hamilton always be racing and the weather temperature always be sunny with a slight overcast, wherever you go.

Happy 18th Birthday Jake 🎉🎊 [confetti celebration emoji]

ID: photo collage of a young boy at different ages doing different activities. 3 are of him on a horse. One is in a line green x-rover stroller. 2 is of him and Emma his Physio in front of a Christmas tree at different ages.