A NEW WAY FORWARD
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals, youth, families, and communities facing unique challenges. We harness the transformative power of horses through our Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy programmes, which focus on enhancing essential life skills, personal development, and mental well-being. We aim to foster resilience, unlock potential, and support lasting, positive change.
Our Vision
In collaboration with communities, organisations, and schools, Equine Dynamics envisions a future where families, youth, and individuals are empowered to develop a sustainable toolkit of skills through our Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy programmes. By fostering personal growth, education, and mental well-being, we assist participants to overcome personal challenges. Our goal is to create pathways to brighter futures, long-term growth, and meaningful opportunities.
EQUINE DYNAMICS
Meet the Team
FOUNDER, OWNER & LEAD 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 now 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.
COUNSELLOR & EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPIST
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 will support 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.
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 is a spritely 21 years old. Known for her sassy personality, Twilight’s middle name is a nod to her confident, independent nature—she always knows what she wants! A bay and white pinto, Twilight is fluffy, round, and has a big 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—indecisiveness and second-guessing wont work for this girl, making her a firm teacher for learning and growth.
Meet Tommy
Tommy is a 6-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 Leanne’s riding horse. Tommy loves learning new things and going on adventures. Tommy adores cuddles and carrots. His calm, quiet, and patient nature makes him an excellent teacher, though he is also a sensitive soul who thrives on reassurance. Tommy loves to please, making him a wonderful partner for learning and growth.
Meet Dazzle
Dazzle is a 16.2hh, 12-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...
