Authentic ~ Honest ~ Present
Equine Facilitated Therapy
Experience the profound connection between humans and horses, fostering emotional growth and healing.
The Way of the Horse
Our passion at Equessence is to provide a safe platform for emotional healing and growth via the way of the horse.
The Equessence herd is cared for on our 20-acre property in Northland. Utmost care is taken for the physical and emotional well-being of our herd. Our horses run barefoot where possible and in a herd environment.
Equine Facilitated Learning/Therapy is an experiential, innovative process that allows the development of insight and the ability to learn new life skills, enabling us to model different behaviours.
Equine Facilitated Learning/Therapy promotes physical, emotional, and occupational growth, nurturing the skill of self-regulation to help deal with:
- Grief
- Anger
- Stress
- Trauma
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Recovery
- Pain
- ADHD
- Autism
- Improving Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
- Developmental Delay
What to Expect When You Visit
- On arrival, you will be invited to participate in breathing exercises to help self-regulate and emotionally arrive before meeting our horses and to address any concerns or questions you may have and discuss staying safe.
- Observe the herd.
- Meet our horses at liberty.
- On-ground contact with a horse – grooming/leading activities that are created with your needs in mind.
- The Takeaway: A discussion to embody what you can take with you from your equine encounter.
Client Experience
“In 2020 I was diagnosed with stage 3, aggressive, and rare breast cancer. I had a mastectomy and commenced chemotherapy. This was during COVID and the journey was extremely hard as I couldn’t have any type of family support with me. Treatment would be every three weeks for eighteen sessions. My family and I were living an hour south of Auckland, and the trek to Auckland Hospital was horrible. As a collective, we decided to move north to Whangarei and hopefully find something rural and peaceful. Once up in the north, I started horse therapy with an amazing woman called Jennifer Irvine and her herd of amazing horses, specifically a mare called Simba.
I had six sessions with Simba which I can only describe as spiritual and life-changing. My family settled into our life and I found Simba. She would be patient, nurturing and gave me a complete sense of peace. This amazing girl never made me feel anything other than whole. I have survived this horrific disease and found myself, thanks to the support of this amazing girl, Simba I still see Simba regularly to brush her and thank her and love her for helping me on my journey. Jennifer was understanding and knows her horses strengths and capabilities. Totally recommend Jen and her horses.
~ Barbara
Moments of Serenity
Explore Our Healing Space
‘Be Herd’ Programme
Immerse yourself in the transformative world of horses with our ‘Be Herd’ programme. Offering both group sessions and personalised one-on-one experiences. Step into the daily life of these majestic animals and become an integral part of our herd. This hands-on experience is designed to deepen your connection with horses through a variety of engaging activities, including grooming their sleek coats, leading them, learning and using their body language to ask them to do certain tasks.
For those eager to take the reins, we also offer tailored riding experiences suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned equestrians.
This 4-hour journey provides a unique opportunity to bond with these gentle creatures, learn about their behaviors, and create unforgettable memories in a natural environment.
Team Building
Our ‘Team Building’ programme harnesses the profound wisdom of horses to foster trust, enhance problem-solving skills, and promote collaboration toward a shared objective. Designed for groups seeking to strengthen their dynamics, this equine-assisted experience guides participants through carefully crafted activities that encourage communication, mutual support, and creative thinking. By working alongside our horses, your team will learn to navigate challenges, drawing on the intuitive nature of these remarkable animals. Perfect for corporate groups, community organisations, or friends seeking to grow closer, this program offers a refreshing and meaningful way to build stronger connections and achieve collective goals in an inspiring outdoor setting.
For more information on any of our programs or to make a booking, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact
Jen Irvine
Certified Equine Facilitated Therapist
Phone
021 240 8894
Location
Poroti, Whangārei,
New Zealand
Discover the Healing Power of Equine Therapy
Embark on a transformative journey with our equine therapy sessions. Experience the profound connection between humans and horses, and unlock new pathways to healing and personal growth. Book your session today and feel the difference.
