Empowerment through horses
A six-week series of non-mounted exercises with horses that uplifts the spirit and focuses on personal development.
Equine Assisted Learning empowers youth to make honest non-verbal connections with the most amazing teacher; the horse. Working in small groups of three and paralleling to the outside world the experience reaches deeper to enhance communication skills, life skills, team building and leadership skills.
Program special - 40% off
No experience necessary
Create your own bubble of three and receive extra savings.
Pilot program special - 40% off
To celebrate the launch of Equine Assisted Learning programs at one of Metro Vancouver’s premiere equestrian facilities, we are offering a special rate of 40% off our six-week pilot program.
Each session includes a maximum of six participants. Bring your own group of three, make your own bubble, and receive additional savings!
No experience necessary
Participants work with their horses and teams through a series of non-mounted exercises. There is no riding and no prior horse experience is necessary.
We start from the beginning. Participants work with their horse from the ground and connect in new ways, as they engage together in a course of obstacles towards a specific goal.
Youth and family sessions available.
COVID-19 Policy
Held in a 40,000 s.f. wide-open indoor space with no closed areas, this facility is ideal for air dispersion. All participants and employees complete a daily health assessment at entry, and wear masks while inside the facility. Three individuals per horse with lots of open space.
Sanitizer dispensers are installed at key points throughout the facility. Equipment sets, such as brushes, lead ropes and halters, are only used once per week and are sanitized before each use.
Yes, I’m interested
Six-week program starting November 9th and 14th
Monday mornings and Saturday evenings still available
Each weekly daytime session is approximately 75 minutes
Maximum of six participants per session
Pilot program special rate - 40% off
Pilot program special rate: $150 per week/per person
Space is limited!
Program details
Each weekly session is approximately 75 minutes. The learning objective for the week is clearly defined in a group briefing and is followed by hands-on experiential learning exercises with the horses. The session is capped with a group de-briefing where the observations and experiences in the arena are discussed and explored within the context of the learning objective, and paralleled to everyday life.
Understanding your teacher.
The horse is the teacher! As the introduction to Equine Assisted Learning and the program, participants receive a full orientation of the process and why we work with horses. Ground rules for the arena are outlined as well as general safety protocols.
Participants will learn how to understand the many ways that their teachers “talk” which is essential for the rest of the program!
Building relationships.
In this session, participants learn about herd behaviour and the similarities to human behaviour. Participants learn safety in regard to horsemanship and the importance of building a strong relationship and developing trust. Going through a variety of obstacles, the participants learn about leading and stopping their horse. Participants also learn how to groom and interact with their horse, while continuing to build relationships with their teammates.
Pressure & release.
In this session, participants learn more about handling their horse and how to use “pressure and release” to move their horse. With a light touch, participants will learn to gain the cooperation of these large and powerful animals.
In addition to advancing their horse skills during this session, participants will continue to build upon their relationships with their horses and teammates.
Communication.
Participants are divided into teams and challenged to work through a variety of obstacles. In order to find success, the participants need to communicate effectively, discuss different options, and work together.
The goal is to have teams think about what they need to do, as a unit, in order to complete each challenge. This helps participants focus on the objective and encourages teamwork and communication.
Problem solving.
What is common sense and how can we use it to solve problems? The exercises are designed to promote group decision-making based on common sense in order to be successful and safe with their horses. This encourages teams to discuss their options and formulate a plan.
Trust.
In this session, one partner is blindfolded for different exercises as their teammates guide them through the obstacles with the horse. The participants try to clearly communicate to their partner, explaining what the objects looked like and navigate the course.
Participants take turns and start to trust their teammates. This builds trust and respect.
Six-week programs starting November 9th and 14th
Hosted at one of Metro Vancouver’s premiere equestrian facilities, in Richmond.