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 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.

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is an experiential approach that integrates horses into the therapeutic process to support emotional growth and healing. It is a collaborative effort between a qualified counsellor and an equine professional, working with clients and horses to address treatment goals. Through carefully designed activities, clients gain insight into personal challenges as they observe how horses respond to their behaviours, emotions, and interactions. Horses, being highly intuitive, reflect clients’ patterns and require genuine, consistent change before they alter their responses. This immediate and honest feedback helps clients recognise unhealthy behaviours and develop new, effective ways of thinking and acting.​​​​​​

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. Carol Drew is our counsellor who takes on the role of clinical professional and Leanne takes on the role of equine facilitator.

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

Carol, our counsellor is a full member of and meets the ongoing requirements for membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. Member - NZAC.

Carol is also trained in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Model (EAGALA), and both Carol and Leanne look forward to upskilling their training when EAGALA returns to New Zealand.

Additionally, we carry extensive liability insurance.

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!

We hear you, 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 the programme, they have learned more about themselves, they have overcome their fears and walked out with life-altering results!

Knowing is half the battle! Just be sure to bring your medication with you or take it beforehand, so you feel comfortable.

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.

We understand that financial circumstances vary, and cost should never be a barrier to accessing our programmes.

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

Please reach out to us about our Acorn Foundation subsidy fund—we have guidelines in place to ensure fair and thoughtful use. If additional support is needed, we’re happy to assess this on a case-by-case basis.