FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In order to grow, we need to step outside of our comfort zone. It is completely normal to be scared of a 1200 pound animal. We commit to you, that if you allow yourself to trust in our process, your fears will be conquered and you will leave with a new found appreciation for these fascinating animals.

Formula for success!

HORSES + OBJECTIVE-BASED EXERCISES + EFFECTIVE FACILITATION + EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING = POSITIVE CHANGE

Our teachers are 1200 pounds!

Unlike other programs, you can’t push our teachers around. You can try but you won’t be very successful until you step up and become the leader that they demand, or they will become the leader. People have been partnering with horses for over 6000 years, they have been at the heart of our human development. We work with horses to engage our participants in our educational based objectively driven program to reach their desired outcome. Horses require a strong leader, and as a result this will encourage our participants to develop this essential life skill while working through the objectives.

They are a prey animal!

In order to survive in the wild, horses have developed keen senses that allow them to be extremely aware of their surroundings. They can even hear our heartbeat, and will react to the smallest change in their environment, allowing for teachable moments.

They are just like us – sort of!

Horses live in herds, and within their herd they require a strong leader that they can trust and respect. People also require strong leaders they can trust for the groups that they function in, be it a team, your family, workplace or community you live in. Herds to horses are just like teams to people, and we can utilize these parallels through our experiences in these skills development programs to make theses real life lessons stick!

Horses do the teaching, not the facilitators. Our facilitators are there to encourage the process and to offer explanations of what the participant may be experiencing. By experiencing our one of kind BuildingBlock™ Certified Equine Assisted Learning program we take the participant on a journey of self-discovery that will enrich their lives with the tools they need to build life skills for empowerment.

In our ground-based youth programs we will work with groups up to 12. This allows the facilitators to provide the best experience possible. If your organization or group doesn’t fit in that range, please contact one of us and we will find a solution.

Please contact us for our retreat, workshop and teambuilding experiences for what we are able to accommodate. As these are on-demand bookings we will work directly with you to establish the size of group.

Our Pathways to Connection program can be individual or in a small group setting.

Riding lessons are typically offered as a private experience, and in some situations as a semi-private lesson.

Depending on the program that you are coming to will determine what you should wear. In any of our ground-based programs we require you to wear closed-toed footwear. This should be something sturdy but comfortable as you won't be riding the horses. You will then need to dress appropriately for the season.

If you are coming to a riding program you will need to wear a boot with a minimum of one inch to one and half inch heel. Additionally you will need to wear long pants, preferably jeans. Prior to your program you will be given more instructions on what is suitable. You will also be required to wear a certified riding helmet if you are under the age of 18.

The arena is heated for the cool month, but keep in mind it is heated for horses not for humans. You can expect the temperature to be around five degrees in the winter months so you will need to dress to keep yourself warm.

In the summer the arena can feel cool because of the moisture in the sand. We generally recommend a light jacket or bunnyhug to keep the chill off.

Yes! The facilitators at Empower U Equine are certified with Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning, a leading organization in Equine Assisted Learning. Our facilitators were trained through the Equine Connection in Alberta to offer the BuildingBlock™ Curriculum. As well as backed by The EAL Network a leading organization in this specific skills development program with horses.

They are also certified Equestrian Canada Western Riding Instructors. As part of their certification they provide Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Checks. In addition they are certified in First Aid and CPR.

You can take comfort in knowing that we carry extensive insurance not only for us, but for you too! We want to make sure that every aspect of your experience is exceptional, and believe that you knowing we have you covered is part of that.

Everyone has a hurdle to overcome, and knowing you are allergic will help us to help you enjoy your experience. Before you arrive take any anti-histamine medication that you would normally. Tell one of our facilitators upon arriving, and we will help you the best we can. We have anti-histamine medication on site as well.