Horses Changing Lives

HOW DO WE GET THERE?
Transportation is the responsibility of the participants. We have a map and directions on our contact us page.

PD Ranch? IS THAT FAR AWAY?
Not at all!  We are 5 minutes south of Calgary off Macloed Trail.

EQUIPMENT?
We provide all of the equipment for the program including helmets, you are just in charge of wearing clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty and closed-toed shoes.  No shorts or open toed shoes. During colder months dress appropriately for the weather. Warm coats, gloves, hats and shoes.

FORMS & WAIVERS?
The forms and waivers are located towards the top of this page.  You can download, print and sign them.

CHAPERONE & PARENTS?
We do ask that chaperones & parents bring their child or group and remain at the facility during the session. We have WiFi and a warm area to sit and relax.

ARE WE RIDING?

Riding is available if you wish to participate in our Basic Riding Lessons. We only work with horses on the ground in their natural state for our EAL Programs. All of our work is out of the saddle. You will work alongside the horses as part of your team rather than as a tool. This way the horse can be its true self and not be "on the job". This allows for the best and true reaction of the horse and the most beneficial way of learning for you.

WHAT GROUP SIZES DO YOU WORK WITH?
We will work with individuals but ideally the program is designed to work with a horse and another partner up to to a maximum of 8 participants.  Have more people than that? Give us a shout and we can find a solution.

DO I NEED EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES?
Nope. As our program does not require you to ride a horse, no prior experience is necessary. We will inform every group of the rules and safety precautions to take around the animals and the arena. We always put safety first, but we can accommodate everyone's different comfort levels around the horses.

WHAT IF I'M SCARED OR DON'T LIKE HORSES?
If you aren't being pushed out of your boundaries, you aren't learning. This is an opportunity to overcome your fears or get over preconceived notions.  We don't always get to pick our team members at work or school, do we?

WHAT IF IT IS RAINY, SNOWING OR COLD OUT? WILL WE FREEZE?
Not with our heated arena you won't! We have to be out there too so we understand the need for a warm environment. Also, we all need to be comfortable to get the most out of the courses. If the weather outside is nice, we can always work in the sunshine, but too hot or too cold, we have the covered arena to keep us comfortable. Your program will take place regardless of the weather.

DO I NEED CERTAIN CLOTHING?
Although chaps and a pair of cowboy boots aren't required, we do have certain safety requirements when it comes to your clothing. Simple things like closed toe shoes and dressing in clothes that you are ok with getting a little dusty. We will give you a full list of these safety measures, of course.

WHY HORSES
Cats, Dogs, horses... what's the difference?
There is nothing like a 1,200 lb Teacher…
By their intuitive nature and innate sensitivity, horses can provide facilitators with a window into the participant's personality. As a prey animal, they are sensitive to the stimulus of each participant. They react to the stimulus through body language and participants must adjust their feelings and behaviours to work successfully with the horses.

What can a horse teach you that a human can't?

• Horses consistently model assertiveness and teach us how.

• Horses can't lie or over think a participants motive.

• Horses feedback is honest and instant

• Nature provides them with instincts and senses that are very astute.

• Help to instill empathy and kindness in the participants.

• Horses have natural "herd behaviours" that require trust, respect, and teamwork from all members of the team.

• Horses automatically respond to confusion and frustration as these feelings can put the herd at risk.

• They lead through assuredness - not brute force.

• Horses have distinct personalities and through this, they all have different methods of teaching.

What makes us remember?

One of the many bonuses of working with horses vs a classroom setting is the component of interactivity because we all learn differently, but we can all take away lessons that we learn through our experiences. The power of the horse is the relationships that we make with them. Through the Equine Connection, we engage the body, mind, and spirit of both species.