Horses Helping Humans Taranaki, Hōiho Hāpai Hapori
Our programme empowers vulnerable rangatahi, providing them with life long skills to manage anxiety, anger, stress and pressure.
Taranaki
All rangatahi should be able to access mental health support when they need it, in order to get well and stay well. Horses Helping Humans Taranaki, Hōiho Hāpai Hapori (HHH) is an equine assisted learning programme that helps vulnerable rangatahi gain tools to proactively manage anxiety, anger and low self confidence. This in turn improves their assertive communication; their decision making when under pressure; and strengthens their resilience.
In 2022, it was reported that our mental health system was at "breaking point" - Taranaki Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service had 262 active cases and 170 cases waiting. Some wait times were more than 2 years to receive support desperately needed! HHH has been proven to meet the needs of many of these rangatahi. In 2025, 118 rangatahi attended HHH and we found funding for 92 of these to attend free of charge.
We currently have over 30 rangatahi on our waitlist wanting to attend HHH during Terms 3 and 4, many of whom are neurodivergent or have experienced trauma. Our programme relies on the support of local funders and donors from the Taranaki Community. Help us help and empower rangatahi in Taranaki. Donate today so that these vulnerable rangatahi can complete our Horses Helping Humans Taranaki programme and receive the mental health support they need.
**Horses Helping Humans Taranaki, Hōiho Hāpai Hapori is an approved license centre for Horses Helping Humans ™
More about us
Our programme empowers vulnerable rangatahi, providing them with life long skills to manage anxiety, anger, stress and pressure.
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Latest update
An Update from HHH Taranaki 16 October 2026
Kia ora whānau,
I’m reaching out today with some important news about the future of Horses Helping Humans Taranaki (Hōiho Hāpai Hapori). After a lot of thought and careful reflection, our Board of Trustees has made the decision to pause the Trust’s operations over the coming months.
Looking back on where we started, our goal was simple: to give Taranaki youth a safe, transformative space to build confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience. Thanks to this incredible community, we’ve been able to deliver life-changing equine-assisted learning sessions to over 680 children and rangatahi across our region.
None of this would have happened without you.
To our funders, sponsors, and donors: your generosity meant cost was never a barrier for the families who needed us most. To the schools, agencies, parents, and whānau: thank you for trusting us to walk alongside your young people. And to our incredible facilitators, staff, volunteers, Patrons, and Trustees: your heart, dedication, and love for both our herd and our community made all of this possible.
While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact made on those 680+ young people and their families isn't going anywhere.
Thank you for every bit of support, belief, and care you’ve shown us along the way.
Latest donations
We really appreciate your support. Thank you for helping us to help and empower rangatahi in Taranaki!
Ngā mihi maioha Darrell for choosing HHH as your August charity. Your donation will go towards rangatahi on our waitlist attending HHH!
Thank you so much Michelle for choosing HHH as your August Charity! Your donation will go towards helping a rangatahi on our waitlist attend HHH :-)
You're next level epic, thank you for your support!
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