IMAGINE WHAT THE FUTURE WOULD LOOK LIKE IF WE PREPARED YOUTH WITH SKILLS FOR LIFE.
Skill development programs working with horses. Prepare your children to take on the challenges that life throws at them.
Let's help our kids to build an armour of skills so they know how to protect themselves and move forward with all that life throws at them and have self-awareness about their own behaviour through the powerful teacher, the horse.
These experiential programs for youth are not only educational but have been designed for youth to acquire strength-based life skills (i.e., developmental assets) such as effective communication, enhanced problem-solving, a better understanding of body language, respecting personal boundaries, among others.
Teachers that deliver results!
The horse has unique characteristics that can contribute to a distinct human-animal interaction and is one of the many contributing benefits to individuals wellbeing. The horse is a: teacher, motivator, strength and calmness.
The benefits of physical well-being are identified through:
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physical status - improved physical health (taking part in other physical activities because of Equine Assisted Learning participation, the youth feel better about themselves physically)
Youth comment - “it made me feel better about myself, I can do stuff without people judging me.” “it made me feel more active.” -
the importance of physical touch with the horse - experiencing healthy or safe touch (while grooming, i.e., brushing their body, braiding the mane, petting the horse, hugging the horse, standing close allowing for body contact)
Youth comment - “I thought that if I could do that [horse program], I could do anything.”
Mental wellbeing can include mood/feelings, cognition, perception, thoughts, self, intellect, emotion, judgement and identity through perceptions of self.
Social wellbeing focuses on interpersonal relationships of the individual’s relationships or associations with friends, family, community and the universe. All programs are focused on becoming a better communicator through the understanding of space, body language, and dialogue.
Positive change in behaviour (increased awareness of self, others and own learning) like a horse has boundaries and they are clear as to where they want a person to be. The distance and their reaction when you cross those boundaries, as that is what we look for in people too.
This gives the youths an experience to pull from when they are faced with choices in everyday life as they build strong solid skills working with their teacher. Our youth curriculum programs range between 8-12 sessions. This allows the effectiveness of the course but also to track the advancements in each of the youth within it.
WHY DOES IT WORK?
Participation, retention, fun and oh yea... a horse!
What can an 1200 pound teacher do for our kids?
The value of working with horses as a teaching tool to learn new skills have been proven time and time again in the teaching of young people and especially teenagers. The use of an equine assisted learning program is a unique way to teach young people who are fortunate to participate in the Equine Connection Youth Interactive Development Programs.
What if we could have a window into our own behaviours?
Horses understand how to differentiate between potentially threatening behaviour and a calm and assertive nature. Children and young people who have the chance to work with our youth development programs are able to learn how to modify their behaviour through sets of exercises that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. This type of teaching cannot be delivered in a classroom. It is the experience of being in close contact with horses that has the most effect on young people.
SKILLS FOR LIFE
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. As the only Nationally Recognized Equine Assisted Learning Program in Canada, each of our exercises is custom designed to maximize learning potential and focus on developing individual skills as they work through each fun interactive group challenge.
Teams/individuals will;
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develop relationships
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accept responsibility and accountability
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overcome barriers to find change
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be encouraged to be creative and innovative
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find opportunity in working together
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realize the benefits associated with effective communication
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and recognize the value of mutual trust, respect, and personal integrity...
All while having a blast!
Equine Assisted Learning acts as an important educational tool to help to develop
empathy and kindness as well as combat;
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Behavioural disorders
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Low self-esteem
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Bullying
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Drug abuse
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Emotional issues
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Poor communication skills
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Inability to work with others