FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

We work with groups between 6-12 participants. This allows the facilitators and teachers 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.

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.

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! 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. 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.