Kia ora and welcome.

Thank you for taking a moment to step into our story — one shaped by connection, growth, and a deep commitment to supporting people through meaningful relationships with horses.

Shadowhawk Equine was established in 2014, though the heart of our work began long before that. Our passion for working with young people grew through years of involvement with one of Rotorua’s local youth camps. Those early experiences planted the seed for what would become Shadowhawk Equine — a place where learning, wellbeing, and connection could exist side by side.

What began as a small term-time riding school soon expanded to include holiday programmes as more families joined our community. As our work grew, we began to recognise a gap in the mental health and support systems available for young people — particularly around emotional wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and authentic human connection.

Rather than stepping away from that need, we stepped toward it.

Through further training in psychology, counselling, and mental health, we have shaped Shadowhawk Equine into a space where equine-assisted therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, and experiential learning come together. Today we support Tamariki, Rangatahi, and adults from all walks of life to build confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness.

At Shadowhawk Equine, horses are not tools — they are partners in learning and growth.

Above all else, we seek connection.