Testimonials
"The Connecting to your Authentic Self workshop was amazing. Not only was the setting stunning, but the trainers (both equine and human) were skilled at supporting me throughout the day. It was an incredible experience, the workshop was so well planned. The content and experience was magical and truly launched me towards living authentically!"
Lana
Workshop Participant
"This retreat was both gentle and powerful. The safe environment, spectacular setting, gentle, supportive facilitation and the profound healing energy of and experience with the horses, allowed unique space to reconnect with myself, my own strengths and wisdom and opened a clear path forward for me. I will be back! Thank you to Jenn, Carrie and the beautiful herd!"
Carla
Workshop Participant
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"I had the opportunity to bring high school students from Calgary Catholic’s Fresh Start Outreach program to the Equine Facilitated Wellness programs on a number of occasions. These students were in my program because they were not successful in the mainstream offerings at their previous school. Many were experiencing crippling anxiety, addiction issues, homelessness, and other mental health challenges.
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To witness the transformation within these students during the program, was nothing short of miraculous. Their self confidence increased, they bonded with their horse and you could see a visible de-escalation in their demeanor within a half hour of them working with their horse. Often they would arrive agitated, angry, tired, sad; any number of emotions as a result of what had occurred in their life prior to their arrival. Carrie was the most amazing and intuitive facilitator who always made this experience positive and educational for the students.
The stories they would bring back to school and how they related to others showed just how valuable and powerful this program was to them. They thrived in the country environment and grew so much emotionally and mentally from participating in the program. It was definitely a highlight of their year. I still am in awe of the difference just those 6 sessions had on my students, it was life changing for many."
Kathie, CSSD Teacher
School Program
"I’ve been going to Whispering Equine for almost 2 years and it has made a tremendous impact on my life. It started with a horse visit and turned into sessions every few weeks. I was scared to go into the field with the horses and now my confidence has improved substantially to be around the herd.
Carrie is incredibly patient and kind, and committed to improving confidence in not only handling horses, but in yourself. She is a wonderful instructor. I’ve had the opportunity to bond with a particular horse and whenever I’m with him, nothing else matters. From a mental health perspective, working or simply being with a horse is soothing and relaxes your mind. There is no judgment with horses; they will teach you many things about yourself and have you feeling mentally refreshed. I feel like I become a better person after every session. Whispering Equine is truly a special place."
Chanel
Equine Facilitated Learning Program
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"As part of my work with youth in schools I often encounter students that struggle to engage with school, peers, and adults. Through this innovative program, targeted youth have the opportunity to benefit from alternate methods of learning and relationship building.
Some of these youth have experienced significant trauma, or have a distrust of adults that requires alternate methods of engagement. Through Equine Facilitated Learning and the non-threatening nature of working and bonding with horses, we have been able to engage youth of various ages and cognitive ability in activities and learning
related to emotional awareness and regulation, self-awareness, conflict resolution, problem solving, and self-esteem.
Throughout the program students are lead by skilled facilitators and volunteers who build relationships with youth and help foster deep learning of the material presented.
In addition to helping bridge the trust gap with adults and other that care about them, youth also experience benefits that impact their school experience and ability to engage with others in the building. Through positive interactions with other adults and peers, these students have demonstrated growth in self-confidence, and willingness to engage
in deeper counselling beyond the time they spent in the equine program.
A particular example that comes to mind is a young man that presented
as selectively mute within school. This young man would often place his head on his desk and refuse to engage with any adults for long periods of time. This same young man, a few weeks into the equine program, could not stop sharing with adults about his horse and carried a picture insidehis jacket to show others.
In another example, a young lady involved in
high-risk activities with little to no academic engagement began to slowly open up through her experience in the equine program, eventually laughing aloud and sharing with other members of her group. She also experienced some important learning around healthy relationships and boundaries while improving her engagement in her classes at school.
In summary, perhaps, the most important aspect of the program in my personal experience, is the chance to see youth feel hopeful about themselves and encouraged to grow beyond their current struggles.
In addition to the powerful social emotional benefits of the program, the program is also a safe and caring opportunity to learn intentionally developed wellness strategies and has been invaluable in reaching our youth that are resistant to traditional supports."
Larissa, RVS Guidance Counsellor
School Program