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Our Horses
Our horses are central to the work we do at EquiPotential NZ. Each member of our equine team is carefully selected for the specialised role of a therapeutic riding and learning partner. They are chosen for their calm temperament, sound conformation, and genuine enjoyment of working alongside a diverse range of people.
All of our horses receive ongoing training and are thoughtfully matched to programmes and clients based on their temperament, personality, physical suitability, and experience. This intentional matching process supports both safety and optimal outcomes for clients.
Horses offer powerful, non-judgmental feedback. Their ability to remain present and attuned allows them to respond authentically to human emotion, often mirroring what we bring into the space. Through this unique connection, they help foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence, and trust.
To learn more about sponsoring one of our horses and supporting their ongoing care and training, please click here.
Brumby
Brumby is currently looking for a 2026 sponsor
He’s a 13.2hh palomino Stationbred gelding who joined the team in 2018. In his previous life, he was an enthusiastic pony club mount, making him the perfect partner for our smaller riders who are developing their independent riding skills. Brumby is also a great confidence-builder for our new volunteers.
Dart
Dart is currently looking for a 2026 Sponsor.
He’s one of the best—a long-serving member of our team who has helped countless clients reach their full potential. Dart is a 16.1hh chestnut gelding who had a successful racing career before joining us in 2010. He’s been involved across all areas of our programmes, including our sports class and ridden wellbeing sessions. However as he enters his older stage of life he is used more for our disability programmes, but is still very enthusiastic about his job!
Dice
Dice is sponsored by Jon and Sue Tanner.
Dice joined our team in 2019. He’s a solid 16.1hh bay crossbred gelding who works well with both children and adult riders. Dice is mostly involved in our morning therapy classes, where his cheeky personality shines. However in 2025 he recently began working alongside clients in our PTSD, and mental health programmes and has developed a unique ability to connect with clients helping them feel relaxed and connected. He’s also known for having a few favourite volunteers and staff members!
Gracie
Gracie is a 13.1hh grey Welsh cross mare who joined us in early 2023. Born in 2013, she came to us from a pony club background. Gracie is enthusiastic about her work and is a lovely, forward-moving pony. She’s ideal for our independent riders and helps improve their concentration thanks to her responsive and engaging nature.
Gracie was sold in 2025.
Hogan
Hogan is sponsored by Stan Conder.
Hogan is the gentle giant of EquiPotential. Before joining the team in 2012, he had a successful career as a dressage competition horse. Hogan loves his job and plays a role across all areas of our equine-assisted services. He’s deeply loved by riders, clients, and volunteers alike for his calm and quiet nature.
Hogan sadly passed away in January 2026 following a sudden illness. He was a deeply valued member of the EquiPotential whānau and dedicated many years of faithful service to our programmes and clients.
Hogan touched the lives of countless clients, staff, and volunteers through his steady presence and gentle spirit. His contribution to our community leaves a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.
Maddox
Maddox is sponsored by Leonie Matthews.
Maddox is a 14.2hh bay Gisborne-bred gelding who joined our team in 2019 from Te Aroha RDA. Born in 2014, he’s one of the younger members of our herd. Maddox takes part in our morning classes, as well as our sports and wellbeing programmes. He has also begun training to support riders with higher needs in our therapy sessions.
Mia
Proudly sponsored by Debra Sturkenboom.
Mia is a much-loved member of our team. This 15.1hh bay crossbred mare has a natural talent for dressage. After taking a short break to develop her skills, she’s back in the EquiPotential programme and is thriving. Mia works across all areas of our programmes, including our morning disability and wellbeing sessions.
Mia was sold in 2025
DJ
DJ is sponsored by Fawcitt Family Trust.
The small but very mighty DJ, he joined the team in 2023 making the journey up from Gore. He is our cart pony and loves his time being fussed over in the unmounted sessions. To cute for words and loved by all.
Milo
Milo is looking for a sponsor in 2026
A 14.1hh Strawberry roan gelding who joined us at the end of 2020. Born in 2016 he is one of the youngest members of the team. Milo is mainly used for our more independent clients within our therapeutic riding programmes, and is perfect for providing an active walk that helps to engage our clients.
Prince
Prince joined our team in 2010. A 10.1hh pinto gelding, he is one of our smallest team members and is mainly used as our carriage pony as well as in our unmounted Equine Assisted Learning programmes. Prince used to compete in carriage driving before joining the team.
Prince would love a sponsor.
Spirit
Sponsored by Bevan and Margaret Bradding.
Spirit joined the team in July 2023. A 14.1hh Haflinger gelding born in 2014, Spirit has a gentle and quiet nature. His striking looks make him a popular topic of conversation. While he often tries to convince both volunteers and riders that his way is the best, he knows exactly when to step up and do his best.
TK
TK is sponsored by Te Akau Racing.
TK is our up-and-coming superstar, kindly donated by Te Akau Racing when his racing career came to an end. A 16hh bay Thoroughbred gelding born in 2018, TK spent last year training to become a therapy horse and is now back in the programme full-time. He has a calm, trainable nature and, best of all, he loves people. We look forward to watching him build meaningful partnerships as he settles into his work.
Turbo
Turbo is proudly sponsored by Kiwi Design Homes.
Turbo joined the team towards the end of 2022. He is a 16.1hh pinto gelding (born in 2009). Turbo has quickly become a favourite member of the team. He loves people and is well-known for taking it upon himself to do the rider activities. Turbo is a jack of all trades and happy to fit in anywhere.
