A NEW WAY FORWARD
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals, youth, families, and communities facing unique challenges. Through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning, we harness the transformative power of horses to support emotional wellbeing, mental health, personal growth, and the development of essential life skills. We are committed to fostering resilience, strengthening connections, unlocking potential, and creating opportunities for lasting positive change.
Our Vision
A future where individuals, families and communties are empowered to heal, grow, connect and thrive through the transformative partnership between horses and people.
EQUINE DYNAMICS
Meet the Team
CERTIFIED EAGALA EQUINE SPECIALIST
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING FACILITATOR
Meet Leanne Benjamin
Leanne brings nearly two decades of experience across education, mental health, and social services, supporting children, youth, adults, and whānau with complex needs including trauma, disability, neurodiversity, and mental illness. She is trained as an Equine Connection Facilitator, delivering equine‑assisted learning in safe, compassionate, and effective ways, and has a strong foundation in social work, community support, and mental health practice.
In 2022, Leanne established Equine Dynamics to integrate her professional expertise with her lifelong love of horses. The programme offers Equine Assisted Learning and, in collaboration with counsellor Susan Ricketts, Equine Assisted Therapy. Leanne’s commitment to ethical, strengths‑based practice and animal welfare ensures a safe, respectful environment where therapy horses and other animals contribute to holistic, trauma‑informed support for individuals and groups navigating sensitive life challenges. In 2026 Leanne successfully qualified as an Eagala Certified Equine Specialist.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFIED COUNSELLOR
CERTIFIED EAGALA MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL
Meet Susan Ricketts
Susan is an ACC lead service provider with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people and adults with complex trauma, family violence, mental health and neurodivergent presentations. She has extensive experience within ACC Sensitive Claims, including risk assessment, safety planning and trauma-informed practice.
As a qualified teacher and assessor, Susan brings strong facilitation skills and the ability to translate therapeutic concepts into accessible, embodied learning experiences within the equine environment. Susan supports programme design and group delivery, ensuring clinical safety, trauma-responsive practice and alignment with ACC requirements. She brings strong group facilitation and reflective practice skills, supporting safe engagement, therapeutic processing and outcome reporting for kiritaki.
In 2026 Susan successfully qualified as an Eagala Certified Mental Health Professional.
Meet Twilight
Twilight is a 9hh Shetland pony mare who has been in the family since 2014, making her the longest-standing member of the herd and she is a spritely 22 years old. Twilight is known for her sassy personality and getting exactly what she wants! A bay and white pinto, Twilight is fluffy, round, and has a love for food. She enjoys being part of the crew, often getting into mischief. Twilight has a way of challenging people to step into their leadership and maintain firm boundaries, making her a firm teacher for learning and growth.
Meet Tommy
Tommy is a 7-year-old Clydesdale cross Thoroughbred, currently 16.3hh but he is still growing! A bay with four white socks and fluffy feathers, Tommy has been with Equine Dynamics since January 2022 and is also Leanne’s riding horse. Tommy loves learning new things and going on adventures. Tommy adores cuddles and carrots. He is a sensitive soul who thrives on reassurance and he loves to please.His calm, quiet, and patient nature makes him an excellent therapist and teacher. Tommy is profoundly intuitive and he often starts working as soon as clients enter the arena.
Meet Dazzle
Dazzle is a 16.2hh, 13-year-old Thoroughbred mare who first joined the herd when she was 4 years old. After time away to have two foals, Dazzle returned to be a therapy horse. Despite her soft, cuddly nature, Dazzle takes time to trust, having faced challenges in previous homes. She excels in Equine Therapy, using her intuition and empathy to connect with individuals who have experienced trauma. Dazzle is a beautiful bay with two white socks and a striking blaze, embodying grace and gentleness.
OUR SUPPORTERS
Equine Dynamics is proudly supported by...
