Sue Court

Sue is a counsellor and facilitator with the horse team. She is certified by the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and the Equine Psychotherapy Institute (Australia). She comes from an academic background with over twenty years of university management, teaching and research experience. Her counselling work is based on the principles of Narrative Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. She incorporates insights from spiritual practices such as contemplation, mindfulness and meditation. 

Sarah Court

Sarah combines equine assisted therapy and learning work with that of free-lance classical singing. She has a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling, with a focus on Narrative Therapy and is registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. She has had considerable experience working with children and families. She provides Adjunct Equine Therapy through ACC. As well as working for Earthhorse, she is a free-lance counsellor in Raglan and Hamilton.

THE EQUINE TEAM

Johnny

Johnny, our six year old mini, was bred to be a show pony but he decided the showing life was not for him, and he is now part of the therapy team. He has a bold persona and takes part enthusiastically in the herd, offering useful herd observations as well as individual therapy sessions. 

Pippin

Pippin is the newest miniature horse member of the team. He is four years old now, but as a one year old he was unwanted, so we invited him onto the team. He is lively, happy-go-lucky, and is especially good with young people. 

Tango

Tango, our new Welsh Pony X Arab was kindly gifted to us last year from Hope Rising (Ngāruawāhia) who do amazing work with young people. He loves his new herd, especially the minis, and is great to work with as a therapy horse.

Gypsy

Gypsy is our beautiful heavy-horse mare (Clydesdale/Kaimanawa mix). She is rather shy, but gentle, intelligent and perceptive and has the gift of accurately reading human emotional states. 

Romeo

Romeo is an Australian Quarter Horse gelding with a cheeky sense of humour and inquisitive nature. His natural curiosity about people and surroundings makes him highly perceptive and a delight to be around. He enjoys company and is always ready for play and interaction. 

Randolf

Randolf (Ran), our newest addition to the herd, is a handsome paint horse. He has been a Western Sport horse since he was very young and is now having a more restful time with us. He is a little bit reserved but is very loving and willing to be involved in his work at EarthHorse. 

Bounce

Bounce is our latest addition to the team. He is a handsome middle-aged chestnut German Warmblood who has had an illustrious career as a top performing dressage horse. His owner chose to retire him as he was having some joint issues, and he is thoroughly enjoying his new role here at Earthhorse. He is a very gentle soul.

Chipper (1991-2017)

We said goodbye to our lovely elderly mini, Chipper, in August 2017. He had lived a long and varied life and was a very talented therapy horse. He loved people and was full of personality. 

Jake (1992-2018)

Jake, our gentle thoroughbred was a sensitive soul who knew better than anyone what it was like to have felt lonely and vulnerable. He loved being around people and regularly amazed us with the work that he did with clients.  Thank you for the four beautiful years you gave us Jake.

Tara (2008-2024)

Tara, our beautiful Australian Quarter Horse mare, sadly passed away in August 2024 after an accident. She was the lead mare and is now sadly missed by the herd and by her human family. RIP Tara, you were the most amazing horse.