Waikato Equitherapy helps so many people – the special needs riders and their families, the volunteers and the horses who are so much loved. It’s a great place to visit. You quickly feel part of our whanau……Waikato Equitherapy Incorporated provides a valuable service to Hamilton and the surrounding Waikato district. We have been providing horse riding programmes for therapy, education, sport and recreation to children and adults with special needs in a family friendly and supportive environment since 1980. Our holiday programmes are inclusive. We operate with two paid staff and a very dedicated team of 75 volunteers ranging in age from 14 to 80+ years of age. Our ten horses and ponies are specially trained and cared for by the staff, the volunteers and the children who attend the Centre. We also provide work-based training to people with disabilities, to students and other young people and to the long term unemployed; team work, the development of leadership skills and taking responsibility for one’s own health and safety and the welfare and safety of others are strongly encouraged. Waikato Equitherapy is a very special place where both riders and volunteers can gain confidence in their own abilities, and form strong friendships in an accepting environment.