Altydgedacht Wine Estate, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7530

Equine-Assisted Therapy and Services in Durbanville.

EQuivalence

breathe

be

belong

EQuivalence is a Durbanville based registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) dedicated to enhancing emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and learning through the unique connection between people and horses. By combining Emotional Intelligence (EQ) with equine-assisted experiences, we create meaningful opportunities for healing, resilience, confidence, and lasting positive change.

Professional Equine Assisted Therapy & Equine Assisted Learning In Durbanville, Western Cape.

At EQuivalence, we believe horses have an extraordinary ability to support healing, learning, and personal growth. We offer Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) in a safe, tranquil environment where meaningful interactions with horses foster emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, resilience, confidence, and connection. By moving beyond traditional talk therapy and conventional learning methods, our experiential approach provides a powerful pathway to lasting personal transformation at our Durbanville yard.

The Definition Of

The definition of equivalence is the state of being equal in value, function, or meaning. Specifically, in our context, it refers to the idea that all individuals are equally valued within the space we provide. Consequently, regardless of background or ability, everyone is seen as capable. Much like how horses perceive everyone without judgment, we ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.

Our Methodology

How We Do It

Horsemanship

Horsemanship & Horse Riding

Our sessions are centered around Equine Assisted Learning. This approach creates a unique space for learning, guided by horses, where growth takes many forms.

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Equine Connection

Equine Connection

A ground-based way to experience the presence of horses without riding. No prior experience is required to benefit from these serene, non-judgmental interactions.

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Community Giveback

Community Giveback

We forge local partnerships to reach individuals facing barriers, empowering our community through the healing benefits of equine interaction.

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Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy & Coaching:

How Does it Work?

EAT involves a variety of activities with horses, including:

The Unique Power of Horses:

Horses are highly sensitive and intuitive animals, capable of reflecting and responding to human emotions in real-time. This provides participants with:

Our core foundations

Equine Partnership

Our horses are at the heart of everything we do. Their wellbeing comes first, and we honour them as willing partners rather than tools. Through ethical horsemanship, compassionate care, and mutual respect, we create an environment where both horses and people can thrive together.

Emotional Wellbeing

We believe emotional intelligence is the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Through equine-assisted experiences, we help individuals build self-awareness, resilience, confidence, and meaningful connections that support lasting emotional wellbeing.

Safety

Healing and growth happen when people feel safe. We are committed to providing a physically and emotionally secure environment where every participant is treated with dignity, respect, and care, allowing them to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace.

Belonging

Everyone deserves a place where they feel seen, valued, and accepted. We foster an inclusive community where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can experience connection, support, and a genuine sense of belonging—both with each other and with our horses.

Our Reviews

"My daughter has had the most incredible increase in confidence, independence and mindfulness since starting her time at Equivalence.
I watched her from the car this afternoon and was blown away by what she was able to do to care for the horses, and how the smile never left her face. Anneke, Lara and the rest of the team have created this healing space and we were lucky to find it."
Tinet Paul
"Can't you believe you find such tranquility just 100m away from town. Big trees, shade, picnic table and owls nesting in the middle of it all. Children play area. But the real reason to go is the horses and the patience and friendliness of the owners."
Thys van der Merwe
"Best riding school in Durbanville the teachers are amazing, the horses are so well looked after. If your child is looking for a holistic riding school where they can just be free with horses this is the perfect school 🐴"
Sam du Preez
EQuivalence place picture
4.9
Based on 13 reviews
lindi verster profile picture
lindi verster
3 weeks ago
This place has an amazing vibe, and what they do to help kids is just incredible. Definitely follow them on Instagram and Facebook to join a Calm your chaos workshop.
Sumé Swart profile picture
Sumé Swart
1 month ago
Lilian Schult profile picture
Lilian Schult
2 years ago
Tinet Paul profile picture
Tinet Paul
2 years ago
My daughter has had the most incredible increase in confidence, independence and mindfulness since starting her time at Equivalence. I watched her from the car this afternoon and was blown away by what she was able to do to care for the horses, and how the smile never left her face. Anneke, Lara and the rest of the team have created this healing space and we were lucky to find it.
Ronnie Mouton profile picture
Ronnie Mouton
3 years ago
Lovely place discovered whilst taking my dog for a Sunday afternoon drive.
Photo from customer review
Sam du Preez profile picture
Sam du Preez
3 years ago
Best riding school in Durbanville the teachers are amazing, the horses are so well looked after. If your child is looking for a holistic riding school where they can just be free with horses this is the perfect school 🐴
Gouws profile picture
Gouws
3 years ago
A place where horses teaches children the way of life.
I cannot recommend Equivalence highly enough. Instructors who care deeply about each child, horse and family. Annexe and her team are passionate not only about teaching horse riding, but horsemanship, care for animals, therapeutic spaces, working with team to support children of all backgrounds and needs. And community work is done as well with love.
Tanja profile picture
Tanja
4 years ago
Great place. Lovely horses
Veda Pretorius profile picture
Veda Pretorius
4 years ago
We have been part of the Equivalence family for 5 years and it has been a real blessing. Anneke and the other teachers intimately know the horses and empower our kids to truly grow to the best of their abilities. It is my son’s favourite activity each week!
Can't you believe you find such tranquility just 100m away from town. Big trees, shade, picnic table and owls nesting in the middle of it all. Children play area. But the real reason to go is the horses and the patience and friendliness of the owners.
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer review

EQ Blogs

Focusing on

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Wellbeing
Empathy
Community

A powerful action shot of a single horse at EQuivalence in full gallop, captured with all four feet off the ground in a moment of complete suspension.

Our Mission: Sustainable Healing, Empowered Lives

Our mission at EQuivalence is to create a sustainable enterprise that prioritizes the well-being of horses while providing a safe, nurturing environment for individuals to grow and heal. We believe in the transformative power of equines and are dedicated to making this accessible to all.

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Two diverse community students working together to groom a horse with brushes during a collaborative session at the Durbanville facility.

Our Vision: Healing Hearts, Connecting Souls

At EQuivalence, we envision a world where the transformative power of horses is accessible to everyone, especially those facing adversity. We believe in healing, growth, and connection, powered by the profound bond between humans and equines.

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