Horse Assisted Therapy
We provide horse assisted therapy for people who want to expand their capacity to navigate life's challenges.
We combine work with horses and talking therapy in collaboration with a mental health professional at our North Canterbury premises, or onsite at your location with our team of mini horses.
Our approach is often particularly effective for people who find social situations and traditional learning environments difficult.
Our facilities are fully accessible,safe, private and all work is confidential under a strict code of ethics.
Our unique approach
Non-traditional setting
Our rural location is open, spacious and allows clients to enjoy the freedom of the outdoors.
Sessions with Salta Horses can be useful as an addition to talking therapies.
Relationship insights
Observing herd dynamics can help us to better recognise the range of dynamics in our own relationships with family and in our community.
Through horse assisted therapy, the horses can become part of our own story of how we can grow relationships in all aspects of our lives.
Emotional regulation
Horses have the ability recognise and respond to the physical and emotional experiences that we all have.
This response can really help us to become more aware of our own internal processes at a depth and pace that is respectful and manageable.
Connection
Being alongside the horses and having the space to pause and reflect in a natural environment, allows us to take our time to experiment with new ways of connecting more fully with ourselves and with others.
Options
Individual session
50 minute session for up to two people with our horses, an equine specialist and mental health professional.
Whānau session
50 minute sessions for up to five participants with our horses, an equine specialist and mental health professional.
We are an approved WINZ provider
Are you receiving financial assistance from WINZ such as a disability allowance?
You can contact a WINZ case manager to discuss accessing a subsidy to fund your Salta Horses therapy sessions.
Usually we provide up to six sessions per client and WINZ can pay Salta Horses directly, removing the need to sort out reimbursements.
Getting started
Send an email to and submit the participation & referral forms.
We will contact you to learn about you and what you want to get out of working with Salta Horses.
When you attend your sessions, please dress for the weather, with closed-in, sturdy footwear.
Possible outcomes may include:
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Better engagement with therapy
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Improved communication (verbal and non-verbal)
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Creative problem-solving skills
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Greater self-confidence and self-awareness
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Reduced stress and fatigue
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New emotional insights
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New patterns of behaviour
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More resilience when facing challenges
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Conflict resolution
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Stronger relationships
