WEYBURN -- The need for more emotional support, and to develop life skills in a healthy environment was increased slightly in the last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions. A lot of families and groups took advantage of a fun and creative educational method offered through Equine Assisted Learning at Rising Hoof Adventures.
Tamara Mackinnon designed the Equine Assisted Learning program that is used by many entrepreneurs in the community. “It is amazing, the network that exists around the province for equine assisted learning,” said Gina Bowler, owner and facilitator at Rising Hoof Adventures.
“There is many other programs in the Weyburn area, who are offering similar programs, but are still unique. Here at Rising Hoof Adventures, we encourage people to be the best that they can be,” said Bowler.
Rising Hoofs Adventure aims to enrich the lives of people from all walks of life. “Our desire is to see people thrive, rise above in their own uniqueness and embrace life with confidence and enthusiasm,” said Bowler. “We believe in the potential in every person to become all that they are meant to be. Given the tools and skills to equip, embrace and empower, our participants learn about themselves through their unique teachers – the horses.”
According to Bowler, a horse is the best kind of teacher. “A horse consistently reacts to the participant’s internal emotions. They don’t judge, they are honest, they do not lie and they provide instant and honest feedback. Horses can’t talk but they can speak if you listen.”
“Working with horses creates a unique memory, that creates an environment that is more than just another classroom.”
The ‘Changes Lives Through Horses’ program at Rising Hoof Adventures includes positive reinforced interaction that helps youth make better life choices along with our adult programs designed to self discover, self empower, and build confidence with incredible results.
Youth programs include life skills and leadership, and participants can enhance their own personal growth, and learn communication skills, leadership skills, team building, problem solving, and creating their own goals and objectives.
Adult programs include a corporate teamwork development, life skills and leadership, and opportunities for a Ladies Day Out and Date Night.
There are two women-specific groups. The ‘Overcomer’ program helps women learn how to make better decisions, build self-confidence and feel more connected with themselves and others after life has knocked them down. The ‘Authentic You Workshop’ helps women discover who they really are so they can live their best life: happy, healthy and fulfilled.
The ‘Family Herd Series’ helps families build resiliency, strength communication within their family, and improve relationships between parents and children.
In all programs, participants work alongside horses and complete various obstacle courses. There is no riding involved, which means that the horses are able to work effectively with people who have no previous horse experience.
“We are here for our community to provide what we can, with what we have,” said Bowler. She added that the programs could build strong, solid skills that participants can draw upon when dealing with other people, choices and the world around them.
