Being with Horses

"Where the heart of the horse meets the heart of the human—healing begins."

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 remarkable 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 show that horses can sense changes in energy and stress levels, often responding in calming ways when they detect sadness or anxiety.In equine therapy, this intuitive connection helps individuals explore their emotions in a safe, non-judgmental space.
When a horse mirrors a person’s mood, it offers immediate feedback—helping clients gain self-awareness and emotional insight.🐴 Horses as Co-TherapistsHorses are more than companions—they are co-therapists in the healing process.
They don’t speak, but they communicate powerfully through presence, movement, and energy. Their responses are honest and immediate, offering clients a mirror to their internal world.This mirroring helps people recognize patterns, regulate emotions, and build trust.
Clients often feel seen and understood in ways they haven’t before, simply through the horse’s quiet companionship.Working with horses encourages:
emotional regulation, increased self awareness, improved communication,rebuilding trust and connection, physical coordination and mindfulnes
Whether standing quietly beside a horse or engaging in guided activities, clients experience a deep sense of calm, clarity, and connection.
The horse becomes a gentle guide—leading the way toward healing, growth, and transformation.

Julie Smith

Equine therapist/ Registered social worker

With over 25 years of experience supporting mental health and wellbeing, I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and heartfelt connection to my work in equine therapy. My journey began with 17 years as a registered social worker, primarily in the mental health field, where I developed a deep understanding of the complexities of human experience. Nine years ago, I followed a natural progression into equine-assisted therapy, completing my training at Horses Sense in Ōtaki. This path allowed me to combine my clinical background with my lifelong love of horses—uncovering a powerful and transformative way to support healing and personal growth. Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact horses can have in therapy. Their intuitive presence, honesty, and ability to connect without judgment create a safe and empowering space for clients to explore, heal, and grow. Whether you're navigating life transitions, managing mental health challenges, or seeking deeper self-awareness, I’m here to walk alongside you—supported by the wisdom and presence of horses.

Poppy - Compassion

Team leader

Poppy is the heart of our herd and a gentle soul with a gift for connection. Known for her beautiful, caring nature, Poppy has an intuitive sense of when she’s needed—often being the first to approach a client in moments of emotional vulnerability or quiet reflection. Her joy comes from helping others, receiving a good neck brush, and simply feeling loved. Poppy’s presence brings a sense of calm, safety, and acceptance to every session. She doesn’t judge, doesn’t rush, and always meets people exactly where they are. In her quiet way, Poppy reminds us of the healing power of being seen, heard, and held—just as we are.

Buzz - Strength

Senior therapist

Buzz is the wise elder of our herd—a brave and resilient soul who has journeyed through challenges, including surgery for cancer in his eye. His strength and quiet presence bring a grounding energy to our sessions, offering clients a sense of safety and space to simply be. Buzz has a gentle way of knowing when he’s needed, often stepping back to allow others to shine, yet always present when connection is called for. He finds joy in life’s simple pleasures: a good butt scratch, green onion chips, peaceful time alone in lush grass, long walks, and of course, apples. Buzz’s story is one of courage, grace, and deep knowing. His presence reminds us that healing is not just about moving forward—it’s also about honouring where we’ve been.

Pax - Free spirit

Junior therapist

Pax is the youngest member of our herd, born in Motueka in 2020 and lovingly raised by his mum, Poppy. With a curious spirit and a big heart, Pax is everyone’s friend—always ready to play, explore, and bring lightness to the paddock. He delights in belly scratches, basking in the sun, sneaking under fences, and enjoying sleepovers at his brother Rocko’s house. Bananas are a special treat, and his joyful energy brings smiles to everyone he meets. Pax reminds us of the importance of play, connection, and living in the moment. His youthful presence adds a sense of wonder and warmth to our therapeutic space.

Alfy - Unique

Therapist

Alfy is a cool little dude with striking blue eyes and a strong sense of independence. He’s not one to rush into things—he chooses when he’s needed and shows up with quiet confidence and presence. Alfy finds joy in life’s earthy pleasures: rolling in mud, going for walks, sharing space with the big horses, and of course, eating. With his laid-back vibe and intuitive nature, Alfy brings a grounded, authentic energy to our sessions. He reminds us that healing doesn’t always look the same—and sometimes, it’s about showing up in your own time, in your own way.

Timmy - Curiosity

Therapist in training

Timmy is the newest (and smallest!) member of our herd—a miniature with a big personality and an even bigger curiosity. He’s always exploring, always learning, and always finding new ways to make us smile. Timmy loves to playfully annoy Alfy, run free in a big paddock, and soak up all the kisses he can get. A good butt scratch and something tasty to munch on make his day complete. With his joyful spirit and inquisitive nature, Timmy brings lightness and laughter to our sessions. He reminds us that healing can be playful, and that even the smallest among us can have the biggest impact.

Ollie - Worry wort

Host

Ollie is our resident Bichon x Jack Russell and the unofficial greeter of the practice. Though he lives with anxiety, Ollie’s heart is full of love—and he’ll be the first to welcome you in the car park with tail wags and cuddles. He finds joy in cheese, walks, attention, and barking in his signature soprano. Cuddles are always on offer, and his gentle presence often brings comfort to those who need it most. Ollie reminds us that love doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. His courage and affection are a quiet but meaningful part of the healing space we share.

Rezi - Joy

Host

Rezi is our resident wire-haired Vizsla and a joyful part of the welcoming committee, often found in the car park alongside Ollie—usually with a sock or shoe in tow as a friendly offering. Her playful spirit and quirky habits bring laughter and warmth to everyone she meets. Rezi finds joy in licorice Mackintosh's, long walks, playing with other dogs, and—much to our amusement—snacking on horse poo. Her energy is infectious, and her love for life is a reminder to embrace the moment with curiosity and joy. Rezi’s presence adds a light-hearted touch to our therapeutic space, showing that healing can be full of play, connection, and unexpected gifts.

Rocko - Dream

Visitor therapist

Rocko is Pax’s younger brother and a frequent guest at Being with Horses, where he loves joining in on sessions and making his presence known. With a curious and adventurous spirit, Rocko brings a lively energy to the paddock and a gentle touch to therapeutic moments. He finds joy in belly and ear scratches, jumping fences, and snacking on dried apples. Whether he’s exploring or quietly connecting, Rocko’s playful nature and open heart make him a cherished part of our extended herd. Rocko reminds us that healing can happen in movement, in joy, and in the simple act of being together.

Funding

At Being with Horses, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to find support through life’s challenges. If you’re unsure about how to access funding or need help with applications, please don’t hesitate to reach out — I’m here to help.
Funding options include:

Gumboot Friday – for young people aged 5–25
Work and Income (WINZ) – if eligibility criteria are met
Other funding avenues – please contact me to explore what might be available for your unique situation

Let’s work together to make healing accessible.

"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

Helpline numbers