FAQ'S FOR OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS

OUR SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION DOESN'T HAVE A BIG BUDGET TO DO THIS PROGRAM?!

Call us, always be able to help. Our mission is to never turn down a school or a child. We will be able to work with what you have available through your school/organization.

​

HOW DO WE GET THERE?

Transportation is the responsibility of the school/organization. We have a map and directions on our contact us page. Most participants are brought out in two vehicles by chaperones or teachers. This is the most cost effective method of transportation.

​

EQUIPMENT?

We provide all of the equipment for the program, you are just in charge of wearing clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty and closed toed shoes.

 

PERMISSION FORMS?

We will send you the permission forms for the participants.

​

CHAPERONE?

We do ask that 1-2 teachers or staff members accompany the group during the program. 

​

ARE WE RIDING?

No! We only work with horses on the ground in their natural state. All of our work is out of the saddle. You will work along side the horses as part of your team rather than as a tool. This way the horse can be it's 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?

As small as 3 and to a maximum of 8. 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, do we?

​

WHAT IF IT IS RAINY, SNOWING OR COLD OUT? WILL WE FREEZE?

Not with our heated classroom 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 - unless of course it's not safe to drive.

​

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 1,100 lb Teacher…

By their intuitive nature and innate sensitivity, horses can provide facilitators with a window into the participants 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 a 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.