Question 1

What is Equine Assisted Learning?

Accepted Answer

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential process that focuses on skills development and education, resulting in personal and/or organisational growth. Rather than addressing clinical mental health concerns, EAL is designed to enhance life skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in an interactive and impactful way. Activities with the horses reflect real-life challenges, allowing clients to explore and develop strategies that translate directly into their personal and professional lives.

Question 2

What is Equine Assisted Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is an experiential approach that integrates horses into the therapeutic process to support emotional growth and mental wellbeing. It is a collaborative model involving a qualified counsellor and an equine professional, working alongside clients and horses to address individual treatment goals.

Clients gain meaningful insight into their personal challenges as they observe how horses respond to their behaviours, emotions, and interactions. Because horses are highly intuitive, they react to the patterns they sense and require genuine, consistent change before shifting their own responses. This immediate, honest feedback empowers clients to recognise unhelpful behaviours and confidently develop healthier, more effective ways of thinking and relating.

Question 3

Do You Require A Therapist To Be Present?

Accepted Answer

Equine Assisted Learning is not therapy, therefore we do not require a clinical professional with us to do these exercises, workshops and programmes.  EAL uses a facilitator to guide the participants, keep them engaged and ensure safety of all parties.

Equine Assisted Therapy requires both a clinical professional and a facilitator who is a specialist in horses.  Susan Ricketts is our counsellor who takes on the role of clinical professional and Leanne takes on the role of equine facilitator.

Question 4

Are you certified and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Leanne has been trained by and is certified through Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning,(http://equineconnection.ca/) and backed by The EAL Network (https://www.ealnetwork.com/)a leading organisation in this specific skills development programme with horses.  Leanne must prove her competency every 12 months to remain a qualified facilitator.

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Susan, our counsellor is a full member of and meets the ongoing requirements for membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.  Click the link below for more information about Susan, and her qualifications.

Find a counsellor - NZAC(https://nzac.in1touch.org/client/roster/clientRosterDetails.html?clientId=186916&clientRosterId=677)

Additionally, we carry extensive liability insurance.

Question 5

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

There are no special requirements to take part in any of our programmes. The only thing that we ask is that you wear sturdy shoes or preferably boots while you are working with the horses to keep your toes safe.

Dress for the weather, remember a hat, sunscreen and water bottle in the summer and in winter dress warmly.  Leave your favourite clothes at home!

Question 6

What if I'm scared or don't like horses?

Accepted Answer

We hear you, and we will ensure you stay safe!

If you aren't being pushed out of your comfort zone, you aren't learning. This is an opportunity to overcome fears and gain confidence. Some of the people who have attended our sessions have started out intimidated and fearful of such a big animal. By the end of their first session, they have learned more about themselves, they have overcome their fears and by the end of their programme they have left with life-altering results!

Question 7

What if I have allergies?

Accepted Answer

Knowing is half the battle!

Just be sure to bring your medication with you or take it beforehand, so you feel comfortable.

Question 8

Is this a horse riding programme?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not a horse riding programme.

Our programmes are all ground based, alongside the horse.  The reason for this is simple, the horse is unable to be a teacher or therapist when they are being controlled by a rider.  With the participant on the ground the horse has full freedom to be an effective and impactful teacher and therapist.

There are a lot of horse riding and horsemanship programmes available in the community but at Equine Dynamics we provide a niche service, where growth, development and healing are our priorities.

Question 9

What if I cant afford the cost of sessions?

Accepted Answer

We know that cost can sometimes be a barrier to accessing equine‑assisted learning or therapy, and we never want finances to be the reason someone misses out on the healing, connection, and confidence‑building our horses offer.

Equine Dynamics is proud to be a registered supplier with Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ). This means eligible clients can apply for financial support to participate in our Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning programmes.  If you're receiving support from WINZ and would like to explore funded sessions, we’re happy to help guide the process. Just let us know during your enquiry, and we’ll provide the details you need.

Alternatively, if you are being supported by a government organisation such as Oranga Tamariki, Community Mental Health (or CAMH's), Victim Support etc, or you are eligible for Disability Funding through your provider, please explore these pathways to help fund your programme.

If none of these options are accessible for you, please reach out to discuss our Acorn Foundation fund. This fund enables us to offer subsidised rates that sit below the actual cost of running our sessions.  We also offer a limited number of supported sessions each week for clients experiencing financial hardship. These guidelines help us ensure the fund is used fairly, thoughtfully, and in support of those who genuinely need financial assistance to participate in our programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Some Commmon Questions