What are Equine-Assisted Services?

Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) are a range of programmes and activities that intentionally incorporate horses to support people’s physical, cognitive, emotional, social and behavioural development and wellbeing.

At EquiPotential, we work with children, young people and adults from age 3 through to older adults. Our programmes may be ridden, unmounted or a combination of both, depending on the individual’s needs, goals and interests.

Our approach recognises the unique qualities of horses and the opportunities they provide for connection, communication, learning, confidence, independence and personal growth.

Every person is different, and our programmes can be adapted to support a wide range of needs and goals. An initial meeting and/or assessment helps us determine which programme and approach is most appropriate.

How is EquiPotential different from Riding for the Disabled (RDA)?

EquiPotential has strong roots in providing therapeutic riding for people experiencing disability, and this remains an important part of what we do.

However, Equine-Assisted Services have grown beyond traditional therapeutic riding, and EquiPotential now offers a broader range of programmes to meet the changing needs of our community.

Alongside our disability services, we support people experiencing mental health challenges, learning disabilities, anxiety, trauma, behavioural and emotional challenges, and those simply wanting to develop confidence, wellbeing and personal skills.

Our programmes may involve riding, working with horses from the ground, horse care, learning activities or a combination of these approaches.

What services and programmes do you provide?

We offer a range of Equine-Assisted Services and programmes. These may be ridden, unmounted or a combination of both, and can be tailored to suit individual or group needs.

Our current services include:

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding uses horse riding as an educational and therapeutic tool to support people experiencing disability, mental health challenges and other barriers to participation.

Sessions are designed around the individual’s goals and may support the development of physical, cognitive, emotional, social and life skills, while also providing opportunities for confidence, independence and achievement.

Equine-Assisted Learning

Equine-Assisted Learning uses interactions with horses, horse care and structured activities to support learning, personal development and wellbeing.

Sessions can be designed around individual or group goals such as confidence, communication, emotional regulation, relationships, problem-solving, responsibility, resilience and personal growth.

Fundraising & Community Events

We offer pony rides and other equine-based activities for fundraising and community events.

Please contact us to discuss your event and how we may be able to help.

New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 2)

We offer the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 2) – 50 credits.

The qualification can be completed over 12 months or undertaken unit by unit, providing students with practical equine skills and knowledge that can support further education and employment opportunities within the equine industry.

All our services and programmes can be customised to meet the needs of an individual, organisation or group.

Who benefits from Equine-Assisted Services?

EquiPotential supports people with a wide range of needs, abilities and goals.

We currently support more than 190 people across our programmes and services, with participants attending for more than 50 different diagnoses, challenges or reasons for participation.

People we support may experience:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• ADHD

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Cerebral Palsy

• Developmental or intellectual disabilities

• Learning disabilities

• Mobility challenges

• Behavioural or emotional challenges

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Dementia

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Mental health challenges

• Challenges with confidence, communication or social connection

• A desire to improve general wellbeing and personal growth

You don't necessarily need a diagnosis to benefit from Equine-Assisted Services. Our programmes can also support people who are looking to develop confidence, life skills, wellbeing, resilience or a stronger sense of connection.

How do sessions operate?

We run programmes across both morning and afternoon sessions, with the structure and length of each session depending on the programme and the needs of the participant.

Our therapeutic riding programmes primarily operate in the mornings. Participants are allocated a regular timeslot and are generally grouped with others of a similar age, ability or with similar goals.

Ridden sessions are generally 45–60 minutes, depending on the programme and individual needs.

Our afternoon programmes focus primarily on our other Equine-Assisted Services and may be 60–90 minutes in duration.

Each session is carefully planned with the participant’s safety, needs and goals in mind. Where appropriate, goals are developed in collaboration with the participant, parents, caregivers, therapists and support workers.

We also encourage physiotherapists, occupational therapists and other professionals involved in a participant’s care to contribute to goal setting and programme planning.

How many horses do you have?

Our herd currently includes 12 horses, ranging in age, height, build and experience.

Each horse has their own strengths, personality and abilities, allowing us to carefully match our equine partners to the needs of our programmes and participants.

You can meet our team of horses on our website.

When are you open?

We operate Monday to Friday during the four school terms, with programme hours generally running from 9am to 3pm.

During school holidays, we may offer pony rides, community activities, volunteer training and other special events.

What are your fees?

Participants are generally enrolled for 12 months and are invoiced each term.

Fees depend on the programme and currently range from $30–$60 per session.

Please contact us for current fees and programme availability.

Are your coaches qualified?

Yes. EquiPotential is committed to providing safe, professional and appropriately supported Equine-Assisted Services.

Our Centre Manager holds a Level 5 Certificate in Therapeutic Riding, as well as a Certificate in Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy for Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Our team also includes an Equine Coordinator, Assistant Coaches and Administration support, with ongoing training and professional development across our programmes.

What is the enrolment process?

Before enrolling, we arrange a meeting and/or assessment to discuss the participant’s needs, interests and goals, assess suitability and determine which programme is likely to provide the greatest benefit.

An application form will need to be completed, and some participants may also require medical consent or additional information from their health or support professionals.

If a suitable programme and space are available, a regular session time will then be allocated.

Once a participant has completed their first session, an invoice will be issued.

Are you government funded?

No. EquiPotential does not receive ongoing government funding.

We rely on participant fees, grants, sponsorships, donations, fundraising and the generosity of our community to keep our programmes running.

Our horses are at the heart of everything we do, and caring for them is a significant ongoing cost. If you would like to support EquiPotential through horse sponsorship, becoming a sponsor or making a donation, we would love to hear from you.

Are there volunteer opportunities?

Absolutely!

Our morning programmes rely heavily on our wonderful team of dedicated volunteers. No previous horse experience is required — we provide full training and support.

Volunteers can assist with horses, participants and programme activities, as well as helping with a range of roles outside the arena.

If you would like to become part of the EquiPotential volunteer team, please contact us to find out about current opportunities.

Are there qualification opportunities?

Yes!

We offer the New Zealand Certificate in Equine Skills (Level 2) – 50 credits.

The qualification is open to anyone interested in developing their practical equine knowledge and skills. It can be completed over 12 months or undertaken unit by unit.

The qualification can provide a pathway into further education and a range of employment opportunities within the equine industry.

Please contact us if you would like to find out more.

How do I contact EquiPotential?

How do we contact you?

• • For enquiries, please contact Devon: Email: devon@equipotential.nz Phone: 027 542 6732 or you can send us an online query.