top of page
snowywrenroses_edited.jpg

WHISKY MEADE
FARM

Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy

Learn More
Home: Welcome

OUR SERVICES

​

Here at WHISKY MEADE FARM we connect people with horses for joy and well being. 

We help people explore personal growth and awareness, improve confidence, and connect with nature and animals in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment.  We have extensive experience working with Autistic individuals, those with ADHD, and cognitive and physical disabilities too.     

​

We offer :

Equine Assisted Learning sessions for people of all ages

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAGALA model), for individuals and groups

Team Building workshops for businesses

​

Take a look at our offerings and contact WHISKY MEADE FARM to learn more or to discuss your needs.

​

​

joel herd nap.jpg

EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING

Connect with horses!  learn about care, ground work and positive reinforcement play activities, whilst practicing valuable life skills (such as leadership, clear communication, healthy boundaries to name a few).  We are specialists in providing accessible, safe and rewarding horse interactions for people of all abilities and Neurotypes. We welcome anyone who is interested in our horse-centred philosophy.   Our team have years of experience working with students who face social challenges or anxiety,  and also those with cognitive or physical disabilities.  We do not see these things as barriers to being with horses.   We have an amazing team of horses who offer their calm and safe personalities to facilitate the learning and explore all that is possible.

​

IMG_1349.JPG

EQUINE ASSISTED PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & TEAM BUILDING

Explore your potential and capabilities through experiential learning with the horses.   Wonderful for both individual development, and team building.  This is ground based work that does not include riding, and no prior experience with horses is necessary

wholeherd.jpg

EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY - EAGALA MODEL

An Eagala treatment session consists of you working with the horses, leading a process of discovery and change, and guided by trained Eagala professionals.  Your sessions are structured so that you can explore your challenges through our client-directed process. The horse's unique sensitivity to humans can help you understand your own internal processes more readily than through hours of talking. Your treatment team pays attention to the ways that the horses react, which can be a symbolic representation of situations in your life. Being able to experience your life story unfolding through the horses and the external elements in the environment, you begin to gain deeper understanding into your inner world, thoughts, and behaviours. Through this process, change occurs naturally. You become empowered to change your story. Opportunities are provided for you to discover and choose for yourself, rather than the facilitators directing the process.  
Learn more about the EAGALA model here https://www.eagala.org/index

Home: Courses

EXPLORE WHISKY MEADE FARM

We offer a welcoming and inclusive place, where people are free to just be themselves.   A place to connect with nature and horses in our peaceful farm setting.  A place where uniqueness is appreciated.  A place to step back from the fast pace of daily life.   


Our aim is to help people experience joy and fun; to learn about themselves and grow in confidence and self assurance through partnership and play with the horses.    

We are not a riding school.   We prefer to work with the horses on the ground, in partnership and with mutual consent. Our horses are at the centre of all we do.   We invite people to be curious and open to new ways of working alongside animals for our mutual benefit.   

​

​

horses and trees.jpg
Home: About

MEET THE WHISKY MEADE FARM TEAM

Maria Snowy Best.jpg
addiehasanka.jpg

MARIA COOPER

Owner/ Facilitator


I have a passion for connecting people and horses.  

I am certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship -PATH Intl), and I am also an EAGALA certified Equine Specialist, able to support people to improve their mental health.   I am super passionate about creating a healthy and fulfilling life for my horses, and to help share their gifts with people.  My years of experience working with people has shown me that ANYONE who is interested can have a valuable connection with horses.    

I also spent many years of professional life in Human Resources, and I love helping people and teams grow and realise their capabilities and potential.

​

I am joined by an amazing crew of Coaches, Mental health professionals and volunteers who work to provide a fun, safe and growth oriented environment full of learning.

HASANKA PERERA

Facilitator

Hasanka's background includes 9 years with Riding for the Disabled & 5+ years of working with high & complex needs students at Ambury Park Centre, Dune Lakes Lodge & Equestrian 4 Everyone. Hasanka's focus has always been on supporting & empowering kids to be the best version of themselves by using the experience of working & being with horses as a metaphor for life. She is super passionate about teaching students important life skills like being confident & brave, communicating effectively & being mindful & respectful of yourself & others. She also loves teaching all the technical skills required to understand horses, be around them safely & look after their needs. Hasanka’s number one driving principle is a desire to share the joy that horses bring to her life with as many people as possible.

emily maria_edited.png

OUR HERD

Emily the Clydesdale

We have 7 amazing equines of all shapes and sizes here at the farm, contact us about coming to meet the team

Home: Team
rainbow dressup day.jpg

GET IN TOUCH

69 Foster Rd
Kumeu, 0891
New Zealand

0210526600

  • Facebook

Thanks for submitting!

Home: Contact

0210526600

©2019 by WHISKY MEADE FARM. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page