Equine Nature

Welcome to EQUINE NATURE

Equine Nature is an equine-assisted therapy centre and counselling service based on the west coast of Auckland.

We provide a range of services to support and improve mental health, personal growth, and wellbeing. Our practice is underpinned by the ethics and standards of both the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and the EAGALA model of equine-assisted therapy.

Horse-assisted sessions take place outdoors overlooking the Waitākere River and Matuku Reserve, while traditional face-to-face talk therapy is offered in a comfortable, private room nearby.

For any general enquiries, or to book a session, please contact us via email or this website. We are happy to discuss your specific requirements for individuals, couples, families or groups, and provide tailored programmes for specific client needs.

‘The EAGALA Model’

What does EAGALA stand for?

EAGALA is an acronym for “Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association” and offers an evidence-based alternative to traditional talk therapy. Ground-based sessions—without horseback riding—bring together horses, a qualified mental health professional, and an equine specialist. This combination creates a safe and interactive space among the herd to support an experiential therapeutic process.
Eagala incorporates the team approach, solutions-focused therapy, and ground-based interactions, all supported by their ethical framework. Within the session, every approach, avoidance, struggle or success creates an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, learning, and change for the client. Developed nearly 30 years ago, EAGALA is an internationally recognised, respected equine-assisted therapy model that may be funded through ACC for eligible Sensitive Claims cases. Talk to your ACC counsellor or case coordinator to apply.
EAGALA is an internationally recognised modality to address mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD.
For more information on EAGALA:
https://www.eagala.org/about-us/what-is-the-eagala-model/

OUR EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICES ARE SUITABLE FOR:

Children, teenagers, families, and adults of all ages including people of:

Equine-assisted Therapy and Learning is suitable for anyone who may prefer an outdoor experience in nature with horses as an alternative to classic talk therapy. Equine Nature offers a range of horse-based ecotherapy, traditional face-to-face counselling, or a combination of both tailored to each client’s needs.