FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
We are 20 minutes west of Brandon. Check out or contact us section for a map and directions. It is participants/organizations responsibility to get transportation to the arena. Usually participants carpool in one or two vehicles, however, there is ample room for parking a school bus if that is your chosen mode of transport.
DO I NEED EXPERIENCE AROUND HORSES?
No experience is required. Prior to trail ride we do give a mini lesson to get you comfortable with your horse. We do suggest that you join us for an hour lesson prior to booking your trail ride to get the most out of your experience. We offer lessons for any level. Contact us for an assessment to find out where you'd fit in.
WHAT IF I’M SCARED OR DON’T LIKE HORSES?
This is a great opportunity to work on overcoming fears in a safe controlled environment. We are not learning if we are not stepping outside our comfort zone. Some participants have started the program petrified, but by the end of the program that all learned more about themselves and over come their fears. Those participants that came to the program not liking horses ended up creating a close bond with our four legged teachers and would look forward to the next time they came to the program.
WHAT IF I’M ALLERGIC? OR HAVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS?
Many participants who have allergies take an allergy pill before coming and have not had any issues. However, we do ask that you let us know prior to starting the program if you have an epi-pen in the event of severe reaction. We also ask that any medical conditions be stated on your registration/permission form in the medical history section so that we know in advance of any medical concerns that may come up.
HELMETS LOOK FUNNY, DO I HAVE TO WEAR ONE? DO YOU HAVE EXTRA?
Helmets ARE mandatory for anyone under 18 years old. Adults do have the option of signing a waiver to exclude them from wearing helmets, but it is strongly advised against. We'd like you to enjoy your experience and leave with a bigger smile than what you came here with. Bicycle helmets and hockey helmets are not allowed. A protective equestrian helmet is required. We have helmets that students are welcome to use. If you are bringing your own helmet invest in the proper gear to give you or your child proper protection.
WE DON’T HAVE A BIG BUDGET TO DO THESE PROGRAMS!
Contact us we can find a solution! Our program is eligible for funding and we do offer payment plans.
ARE YOU GUYS CERTIFIED & INSURED?
Yes. We are certified through the Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning, a leading organization in EAL that offers the only certified BuildingBlock™ program in the world, and as a CHA Certified Horsemanship Association Riding Instructor. We also carry extensive insurance for ourselves and those who attend our course. We are also certified with Respect in Sport, Hockey Canada Coach, and a lifetime's experience with horses. Check out these links to find out what certification means: www.equineconnection.ca/certified-eal-course/what-is-eal.html and www.CHA-AHSE.org
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WHAT IF IT’S RAINING, SNOWING, OR COLD? WILL WE FREEZE?
With our indoor heated classroom we will be out of the elements. We do suggest dressing in layers for the weather. It is much easier to peel down a layer if you are too warm inside. If the weather is nice outside we will work in the sunshine. Your program takes place regardless of the weather! (Unless of course it is not safe to drive).
CAN WE BRING TREATS FOR THE HORSES?
Please do not bring any outside treats for the horses.
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DO YOU BOARD HORSES?
We do not board clients horses at our ranch but the arena we use does offer boarding. SEC Arena is a beautiful facility and has the most amazing people running it. We encourage you to contact them for boarding/arena rentals and English riding lessons! Please check out their link:
DO YOU TRAIN HORSES?
We do train horses and put miles on horses for clients. Contact us for more information.
I AM SOLD ON YOUR SERVICES & WANT MY ORGANIZATION/COMPANY ON BOARD WITH ME. WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO MEET WITH US?
Absolutely! Have your group contact us and we will set up a time that works for everyone!
IS FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR YOUR PROGRAM?
Yes. We are eligible for funding. Feel free to get in touch with us to provide you with any information you require to obtain funding. We are here and happy to help.
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER AT LUCKY BREAK RANCH?
We love that parents want to step up and help and we do have certain times that we would need a parent volunteer within our programs and if your willing to help we will gratefully accept it! However, due to insurance policies and program certifications, we can not have parents inside the arena to assist with the actual facilitating or coaching of students.
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WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Unfortunately there is no refund for clients who cancel within 24 hours of the lesson. With notice we are able to reschedule your session. In the event we have to cancel a make up session will be rescheduled. In the event of extreme weather the 24 hour rule is void! We do not expect anyone to put their lives at risk and we'd much rather just reschedule.
FORMS OF PAYMENT AND WHEN ARE THEY DUE?
We take cash, check or e-transfer. Payment is due minimum 24 hours prior to first lesson. NSF cheques will have a $45 service fee and full payment will be required in cash before student will be allowed to start lessons.
CAN PARENTS & GUARDIANS WATCH?
We do have an assigned area for parents to sit back and relax. We do ask that onlookers refrain from coaching from the sidelines for safety reasons. Please let our trained instructors do the job you paid them to do. If you have any questions or concerns our instructors will be happy to discuss them with you after lessons are completed, horses are secured and children are released from their duties as riders, and participants.
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING FAQ'S:
HOW IS LUCKY BREAK RANCH DIFFERENT? HOW WILL THEIR EAL PROGRAM WORK OVER OTHERS?
You can not fool our teachers! A 1200 pound horse will not move if it doesn't want to. Participants develop skills to become a leader, because if they don’t, the horse will. Horses are a prey animals that are highly sensitive and highly reactive to stimulus. They react to the slightest changes within the team environment allowing for loud teachable moments!
What happens in the arena between groups of people and horses can be paralleled back to real-life. Horses demand a leader that is trustworthy and can be respected; humans also want a leader they can trust and respect whether it be at home, school, work, or even everyday life. As participants work alongside the horse they learn life skills with this unforgettable experience.
Simply put, the horse is the teacher; facilitators are there to help participants interpret the teacher’s body language to assist in explaining and providing guidance as teams work through specially designed obstacles and exercises. Working with horses creates memories that we can apply to our lives and retain much longer than sitting in a classroom/boardroom.
Our one of a kind BuildingBlock™ Certified Equine Assisted Learning Program will teach your group how our horses assist participants in learning the power and strength of non-verbal communication and changes within themselves. This is a power journey of teaching, learning and understanding. This is a skill building session that gives you refutable results and an increase in profits. We can help make sure you have the right people in the right positions.
- Experiential learning that brings immediate change
- Tailored programs for specific objectively driven outcomes
- Team members develop a fundamental understanding of how to work together effectively
- Develop communication skills to become effective leaders
- The horse reveals hidden dynamics that you would be hard pressed to find
This unique, fun one of a kind approach to interactively building life skills gives immediate change in our participants. There has been lots of research backing our program with proven results and outcomes that your organization is looking for. If your looking for substantial results then this is the organization to bring the change your leaders and teams need to take your company to the next level of profits, as well as give individuals the life skills to improve themselves and find their leader within to continue their own personal journeys in life!
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WHAT MAKES US REMEMBER?
Working with the horses vs learning inside a classroom setting is the complement of interactive learning. We all learn differently but we all take away lessons we learn through our experiences.
WHAT GROUP SIZES DO YOU WORK WITH?
We work with groups of 3-8 participants. If you have a larger group let us know and we will find a way to accommodate you.
WILL WE BE RIDING HORSES?
We run our program from the ground leaving the horses in their natural state so the horses can be their true self. We instruct every group on rules and safety precautions of working alongside the horses. Safety is number 1! With our selection of teachers we can work with everyone's comfort level and export credit around horses.
DO I NEED CERTAIN CLOTHING?
Closed toed shoes are required for safety while working around the horses. Dress for the weather, layers are suggested in cold weather, and wear clothes you are not afraid to get a little dusty, and horse hair and some slobber on!
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WHAT AGE DO YOU HAVE TO BE FOR EAL?
8 years old is generally the youngest we take, however, each situation is unique so if you have a younger group please contact us. We have no maximum age as we believe you never stop learning throughout life! Our program has something to offer everyone no matter what age, profession, background or personal circumstance.
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I AM VERY INTERESTED IN THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BUT I AM NO LOCATED IN YOUR AREA.
No problem! Depending on what you are looking for for programming we are able to travel to you. Or we can help to find a facilitator in or around your area. Contact us for more information.
RIDING & HORSEMANSHIP FAQ'S:
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO RIDE?
We offer lessons to youth and adults. Minimum age requirement is 5 yrs but we do have some programs available for 3/4 year olds.
​Children must be 12 years or older to attend trail rides. Anyone under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Lesson students who are younger than 12 years are omitted from age requirement, however, they must be at a riding level acceptable of coach in order to attend class trail ride. If they are not ready for trail ride other options will be offered to them.
DO WE RIDE ENGLISH OR WESTERN?
We are a western riding facility however if you are looking for English lessons we can hook you up.
WHAT DO I WEAR TO RIDE OR PARTICIPATE IN THE HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM?
Western riding boots, a shoe with good heel or roper runner. NO hiking boots or laced boots with heavy grips. Jeans or long pants. NO slippery track pants or slippery snow pants. Long sleeve shirt or t-shirt. Dress for the weather. Enough layers to keep you warm.
HOW LONG DO LESSONS LAST?
The lesson runs for one hour. We ask that students arrive 1/2 hour prior to lesson to allow them to groom, tack and warm up their horse. After lesson is complete students are responsible for unpacking and grooming their horse this usually takes 15 minutes.
WHAT CAN I DO AS A PARENT TO SUPPORT MY CHILD?
Parents can encourage and participate!
- Emphasize participation and completion rather than immediate success.
- Do not coach from sidelines or second guess instructor. Teach child to listen to the instructor and ask questions if something is unclear.
- Ensure child participates in off horse lessons.
- Keep child's motives and dreams separate from your own.
- Encourage improvement and personal goals. Do not let your child feel it's a competition with other riders. Each student comes from different.
- Background export credit and develop at different rates. We encourage safety and want to instill confidence in our students.
- Allow your child to try a variety of activities before focusing on just one specialty.
- Encourage your child to pursue their dreams.
HOW CAN I INTRODUCE MY CHILD TO RIDING?
Offer your child a taste of riding by registering them in our summer day camp, a session of lessons.
DO WE RIDE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE?
If the weather is nice and there is daylight we will take advantage of it and ride outside. Otherwise we will be indoors.
I AM A HEAVIER PERSON, ARE THERE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS?
The maximum weight allowed is 220lbs. We must keep the good will of our horses and because of balance issues they deal with in their backs we can not exceed these weights. Do not discouraged though, we do offer horsemanship sessions from the ground were you can still learn about and be with the horses.
ARE THERE ADDITIONAL CHARGES OR HIDDEN COSTS AFTER WE BOOK OUR PROGRAMS?
No hidden costs. If you pre-book with lesson package your rate is locked in for that term in the event of a price increase. Additional charges only apply if additional services are offered (option to attend clinic, or event, or extra trail rides).
PERMISSION FORMS?
We will provide you with forms upon registration. Prior to first lesson you will be required to come out for a brief meeting to meet with your instructor, the horses and be fit for a saddle. You will go over different forms as well as an orientation of rules and safety procedures.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER PROGRAM?
Numbers may vary slightly per class but there is a maximum of 6 riders per class depending on levels of riders.
CAN I BRING MY OWN HORSE?
We provide lesson horses who have extensive training and the most desirable personalities that will help give you the most out of your lesson experience. If you'd like to bring your own horse we require that you make arrangements to have an evaluation ride so that our instructors can assess your horse and be sure that you will get the most out of your lesson. Stallions will not be permitted. No exceptions.
DO I GET TO PICK MY OWN HORSE?
For your safety horses will be assigned to you as different horses require different levels of riders. As you progress with your lessons, we will change up horses so that you are getting the most out of your riding lessons.
DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF DO’S & DON’TS FOR TRAIL RIDES?
Check out the trail riding page on our website. We have a list of what to wear and a list of our rules. The biggest rule is DO NOT hurt the horses or disobey the trail boss. By hurting our horses you will be told to dismount and you will walk back to where we left from. There is no exceptions to this rule.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT OUT OF THE HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM?
These theory programs are given as an opportunity to teach you more about horses. We cover the basics and work up from there. Theory is help both in classroom and hands on with the horses and in the barn or arena. Basic topics consist of safety around horses, horse behaviour and grooming. More advanced topics will include first aid, feeding and basic anatomy.
Although this is a non riding program students will also learn about tack and how to properly tack a horse. There is more to owning a horse than just riding. This program will not only teach you about horsemanship but you will also get the hands on experience of working alongside these 1200 pound animals.
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE FITNESS TAX CREDIT IN RESPECT TO HORSEBACK RIDING?
Riding is a sport and equestrian sport qualifies for CRA's Children Fitness Tax Credit. The children's fitness tax credit allows parents to claim eligible fitness expenses paid for each child who is under 16 years of age at the beginning of the year in which the expenses are paid. An eligible fitness expense must be for the cost of the registration or membership of an eligible child in a prescribed program of physical activity. Generally, such a program must:
- Be on going (min of 8 consecutive weeks or children's camp);
- Be supervised;
- Be suitable for children, and;
- Include a significant amount of physical activity that contributes to cardio-respiratory endurance, plus one or more muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, or balance.
Under the Income Tax Regulations, the definition of physical activity includes:
- Strenuous games like hockey or soccer, activities such as golf lessons, horseback riding, sailing and bowling as well as others that require a similar level of physical activity.
- If the child is eligible for the disability tax credit, activities that result in movement and in an observable use of energy in a recreational context.
SUMMER HORSE CAMP FAQ'S:
WHY LUCKY BREAK OVER OTHERS?
Lucky Break Ranch is a place where boys, girls and adults can learn about horses and themselves. They are involved in horse related activities from the time they arrive to the time they leave.
WHAT HAPPENS OVER THE WEEK AT CAMP?
Check out our website page. We have descriptions of what the different activities consist of on our horsemanship page, EAL page and riding lesson page. We have included upcoming dates for camps.
FIRST DAY OF CAMP - WHAT DO WE DO?
Parents come in with participants to ensure all forms have been filled out and signed. Campers and parents will be given an orientation and parents are given the opportunity to ask any questions and say their good byes to their campers. Campers will be brought to the classroom where we will start our journey and our EAL session begins.
DURING THE WEEK - NOW WHAT?
Campers parents will sign in their child and have opportunity to ask question before activities are about to begin. Everyday will start off in the classroom while skills and knowledge will continue to grow.
LAST DAY - AWE!
Campers and parents are welcome to hang around on the sidelines and watch their child in action and take pictures. Schedules are posted on website with times of activities. At end of day campers will be presented with achievement awards, attend group and individual photos and have the chance to introduce their horse to their families,
PICK UP AND DROP OFF TIMES?
Camp hours are 9:00am-4:00pm. You may drop off at 8:30am and pick up by 4:30pm.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL MY CHILD SPEND WITH THE HORSES?
Your child will be with horses all day. They will take part in two hours of EAL sessions everyday, 1 one hour horsemanship every day, and minimum 3 hours riding every day.
WILL MY CHILD RIDE THE SAME HORSE EVERYDAY?
Yes your child will be assigned a horse on the first day and that will be the horse your child uses all week for riding. In the event your child's horse comes up sore or ill, a new horse will be assigned. Horsemanship lessons and EAL sessions horses are not assigned to anyone in particular as each horse has their own special personality that we utilize in these particular programs.
MY CHILD HAS TAKEN LESSONS OR ATTENDED PREVIOUS HORSE CAMPS. WILL THEY STILL BE CONSIDERED A BEGINNER?
Please include any experience your child has had on registration form so that each camper can be grouped with riders of similar level. Keep in mind our camps and lessons are not about competition with other campers, each camper will progress at their own rate and will be asked to work towards their own goals and not the goals of other riders. If you are unsure of where you child is at for riding level contact us.
MY CHILD CAME TO YOUR CAMP LAST YEAR. WILL THEY BE DOING THE SAME ACTIVITIES?
Please include this on your registration form so we can group your child with previous visitors of our camp. We modify activities and goals so that each camper no matter what their level or expense is gets the most from their week!