Being with Horses

Healing,Confidence, & Connection - one Hoofbeat at a Time

ABOUT

Horses have a unique way of helping us heal, grow and reconnect.

In the company of Poppy, Pax, Buzz, Alfy and Timmy you will feel grounded, experience peace, learn to relax, slow down and feel relief.

Emotions can come up - you might laugh or cry - but you will walk away feeling lighter.

These gentle horses have a way of helping you heal.

Young adults figuring out life transitions, children dealing with bullying, anxiety, indiviuduals with autism and PTSD have all found incredible benefits from spending time with the herd.

I will walk beside you and initiate activites to help you process stuck thoughts and to work towards solutions and goals and I guarantee you will leave feeling lighter and more relaxed and looking forward to your next session, at Being with Horses.

Why horses ?

Horses are naturally intuitive animals with a keen ability to read emotions.

Their large eyes and sensitivity to body language allow them to notice even subtle shifts in a person’s mood.

Studies have found that horses can pick up on changes in energy and stress levels, often reacting in calming ways when they sense sadness or anxiety.

In equine therapy, this intuitive connection helps individuals learn more about their own emotions.

When a horse mirrors a person's mood, it provides immediate, non-judgmental feedback.

Clients can see that their feelings are expressed clearly in the horse’s behavior, which opens the door to better self-awareness and emotional growth.

By interacting with these perceptive creatures, people learn to communicate non-verbally and rebuild trust, both in the horse and within themselves.

This process not only promotes emotional healing but also supports physical coordination and overall well-being.

Julie Smith

Equine therapist/ Reg. social worker

My journey into equine therapy nine years ago was a natural progression from 17 years' experience as a registered social worker, predominantly in the mental health field. My horse journey began at Horses Sense in Otaki, where I completed my training. Combining this with my social work background, I discovered my true passion and niche in helping clients through the unique benefits of equine therapy, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing first hand the transformative power of horses in therapy.

Poppy - Compassion

Team leader

Poppy is known for her beautiful, caring nature. Poppy is always the first one to know if she is needed. Things that bring Poppy joy are, helping others, neck brush, and feeling loved

Buzz - Strength

Senior therapist

Buzz is the most senior of the herd. He is a brave horse, having to go through surgery for cancer in his eye. He likes to make space for clients and knows when he is needed. Things that bring Buzz joy are a butt scratch, green onion chips, having time out on his own in nice grass, walks and of course apples.

Pax - Free spirit

Junior therapist

Pax was born in Motueka in 2020, he is Poppy's son. Pax is the youngest of the herd and likes to be friends with everyone. Things that bring Pax joy include playing, eating bananas, being in the sun, a good belly scratch, going under fences and sleepovers at his brother Rocko's house.

Alfy - Unique

Therapist

Alfy is a cool little dude. He has beautiful blue eyes. Alfy enjoys his independence and chooses when he is needed in a session. Things that bring Alfy joy include, eating, butt scratches, walks, rolling in mud and hanging out with the big horses.

Timmy - Curiosity

Therapist in training

Timmy is the newest to the herd. Timmy is a miniature and very curious about everything. Things that bring Timmy joy are, annoying Alfy, eating, a butt scratch, running around free in a big paddock and lots of kisses.

Ollie - Worry wort

Host

Ollie is our resident Bichon x Jack Russell. Ollie has anxiety, but will greet you in the car park and smother you with love. Things that bring Ollie joy are cheese, walks, attention, barking in soprano, and cuddles.

Rezi - Joy

Host

Rezi is our resident wire-haired vizsla and, along with Ollie, will meet you in the car park, bringing offerings of socks or shoes. Things that bring Rezi joy are licorice mackintosh's, finding and eating horse poo, long walks, playing with other dogs.

Rocko - Dream

Visitor therapist

Rocko is Pax's younger brother. Rocko will often have sleepovers at Being with Horses and enjoys joining in with the sessions. Things that bring Rocko joy are belly scratches, ears scratched, jumping fences, and dried apples.

Funding

"Julie has a wonderful rapport with students and rangatahi. Her team of horses is well looked after and cared for and she knows how best to pair them with the young people for best results. The rural setting also contributes to a feeling of peace and tranquility. As a teacher of teenagers with intellectual disabilities I see the huge benefits that Being with Horses offers. The horses’ behaviour and energy and Julie’s gentle approach is helpful in drawing the young people out, enabling them to open up and calm the body and mind. Being in the presence of horses is another way of stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system which is essential in dealing with trauma. I recommend this service wholeheartedly as an alternative to counselling."
Sharon

"Spending time and connecting with the horses is always a highlight of the week for me. The herd at being with horses have an amazing ability to tune in to how people are feeling, and seem to know exactly how to connect with me depending on my headspace and emotions. When I first met the horses I had very little experience with them and a lot of fear being around them. However, with Julie's support and guidance, i have started to understand their body language and have gained trust, connection and confidence in being with them. I have learnt some really valuable skills by working with the horses that I have been able to transfer in to my daily life ,and have helped me through some very difficult situations. Despite only recently engaging with this service, I highly recommend equine therapy to all of my friends who are in need of some extra support. The benefits I have experienced in this short amount of time give me so much hope that equine therapy is going to play a large part in my healing journey."
Emma

“Julie introduced me to each horse and shared their personalities. One horse,Buzz, came up to me, and even though I felt anxious I was encouraged to join in an activity that tackled my life challenges. This horse stood right next to me as I shared a bit about myself to Julie and Buzz, I got emotional, and started to cry, unable to hold back the tears. Buzz just stood there , making deep breathing horse sounds. Julie encouraged me to reach out to Buzz and touch him , when I did this I felt a wave of emotion and I ended up wrapping my arms around Buzz and hugging him. He just stood there and let me do it, and I cried . I felt supported by Buzz. When Julie asked me about my fear of the horse, I shared that it came from his size and strength, which reminded me of my ex, who was abusive towards me . I said to Julie, Buzz was trying to tell me that men can be strong, gentle and caring. They are not all mean. I left that session feeling uplifted and supported and couldn't wait for my next visit.”
Kelly

"When Aria first started with Being With Horses, they were withdrawn, had anxiety and was exceptionally hard on themselves. The special bond that they share with you and Buzz in particular has alleviated all of these traits. We can’t thank you both enough – we’re so glad we found you!"
Clients family

"Being with a horses has been so beneficial for my 12-year-old daughter, who has been struggling with bullying and low self-esteem. Julie and the horses helped her grow confidence, and who would off guessed someone who was afraid of horses to begin with was cuddling them. I have noticed a big difference with her with peers and standing up for herself. Thank you, Julie, for helping us look for funding and thank you and the awesome herd for being there for my daughter."
Mum of client

124 Starnes Road, Lower Moutere, New Zealand

+64-021944459
beingwithhorsesnz@gmail.com
Mon -Thurs - 0930 -16:30

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