Our teachers weigh anywhere from 700 to 1500 pounds.
In our program, the horses do the teaching. Human facilitators are there to offer an explanation, provide guidance and to help participants parallel their arena experiences back to their everyday lives.
Horses and humans are alike in many ways.
Herds ARE to horses, like teams ARE to people. Horses require a leader that they trust and respect. Humans also thrive with a trusted and respected leader, whether in the workplace, classroom or at home. The common parallels between horses and humans creates an experiential learning experience that really sticks!
If a horse doesn’t have a respected leader, they will become the leader. This requires participants to be fully present and to “step up.” There is no pushing our teachers around.
A horse is a prey animal.
Because they are prey animals, horses have highly sensitive and astute senses. They can hear our heartbeats from many feet away. Horses can feel a fly land on a few hairs on their backs. Thus, horses react to slight changes within participants and teams. These reactions enable the human facilitators to see the “teachable moments” and help the participants parallel the experience back to their daily life.
At this time, we only offer 1:1 programs for those in wheelchairs. However, we do need someone to assist the process, as we need someone strong to help move around through the sand as we go through the programs! Caregivers are FREE to do the programs alongside. We also offer field experiences to those in wheelchairs, so that everyone can benefit from being around the horses! Contact Us Here If You're Interested In A Field Experience!
No worries! If you aren't being pushed out of your comfort zone, you aren't learning. This is an opportunity to overcome fears or preconceived notions. Some of the people who have attended our workshops have started out intimidated. By the end of the program, they have learned more about themselves, they have overcome their fears and walked out with life-altering results!
As small as 1 and to a maximum of 8. Have more people than that? Give us a shout and we can find a solution.
There is no special clothing requirement to take part in any of our programs. The only thing that we ask is that you wear closed toed shoes for safety while you are working with the horses. That could be running shoes, cowboy boots, or any other footwear that will keep your toes safe. Dress for the weather and leave your favourite clothes at home. The arena has beautiful sand for our horses to enjoy, and while they love it, you may get a little dusty!!
Yes! Krystyna is qualified in Reiki, Animal Reiki, Animal Communication as well as Intuitive Development, certified in Overview and Management of Parkinson's disease and is a certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. She is also working towards certification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. We have been trained by and are certified through Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning, and backed by The EAL Network a leading organization in this specific skills development program with horses. Additionally, we carry extensive liability insurance.
We'd love to meet you! Hours are by appointment only - please visit our Contact Page to set up a time to come check out Harmony Farm Rice Lake!