At Standfast, our Equine Assisted Therapy is not just a practice — it’s a powerful form of healing rooted in legacy, land, and relationship. Led by qualified Equine Assisted Therapist Aroha Grant, this work uses the natural behaviours and movement of horses to create space for insight, growth, and transformation.
EQUINE THERAPY AT STANDFAST
Equine Therapy
Healing. Connection. Presence.
The wisdom of the horse, guided by kaupapa Māori.
Whether you’re a young person navigating anxiety, an adult working through past trauma, or a team leader seeking better connection in the workplace, Equine Therapy offers something real, lasting, and profound.
We work from the whenua of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, alongside a herd of horses that hold space with calmness, clarity, and presence. Here, we reconnect people with themselves through the horse — a kaitiaki that responds with honesty, teaches through reflection, and holds no judgement.
What is Equine Assisted Therapy?
Equine Assisted Therapy involves structured activities with horses that support emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing
You don’t need to be a horse rider — in fact, most of the session is spent on the ground, working with the horse’s body language, breath, and movement.
Horses mirror our behaviour and emotion, helping us see ourselves more clearly. They respond to what we bring into the space — tension, calm, fear, courage — offering feedback without saying a word. This allows for deep self-awareness and emotional release.
Some of the outcomes people experience include:
Greater emotional regulation
Increased self-confidence
Improved communication and boundaries
Reduced anxiety and overthinking
Greater sense of calm and clarity
Reconnection with the present moment
We match you with the right horse and help you prepare for the journey ahead.
Therapy Options & Pricing
We offer both individual sessions and group experiences, based on your needs:
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60 minutes – $90
90 minutes – $120
Session Reporting (optional) – $50
Perfect for tamariki, rangatahi, adults, or those seeking regular wellbeing support.
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2.5-hour session – $275 per person
These are great for school groups, small groups, organisations, and support networks who want to experience healing and growth in a shared, supportive space.
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Price on enquiry — Wānanga are our most powerful offering. These immersive stays are designed to deepen connection to self, others, and te taiao through a full weekend of guided equine assisted therapy, reflection, and whakawhanaungatanga.
Includes:
Guided horse interactions
Group processing and kōrero
Marae-style accommodation
All catering and facilitation
Tailored outcomes for your rōpū
Recommended for maximum impact — whether personal development, addiction services, workplace transformation or kaupapa-based leadership journeys.
Corporate & Leadership
Group Programmes
Standfast also offers tailored Corporate Wānanga, blending horsemanship, emotional intelligence, and Te Ao Māori values to support high-performing teams, leadership growth, and communication.
Wānanga themes include:
Communication Through Connection — how to deepen connection through alignment of mind, body and energy
Whole Body Communication — exploring intention, state of mind, and physical presence in how we lead and respond
Herd Dynamics in Business — observing how herds function to inspire stronger workplace culture, roles and systems
Corporate retreats are tailored to your rōpū and available over 1–3 days.
POA
Please enquire for your tailored wananga
Location: Kereu River Mouth, State Highway 35, Te Kaha, RD3 Ōpōtiki
