Our

Our Corporate Values


My Story

I often think, if I can enjoy this amazing life and career, anyone can.  I wasn’t born into a horse family, this wasn’t a likely path for me.  I loved horses my whole life, but I grew up in a small town and I followed a traditional approach to building my career.  I went to school, got my degrees and started to climb the corporate ladder.  My definition of success was tied to my title and accomplishments.  I had no passion to speak of.  I was focused on my career and what would that ever have to do with passion?   Then one day, I decided there had to be more to life and I looked to my childhood for inspiration.  I needed a hobby…I would learn to ride!  Little did I know that in finding horses, I would find my calling…


The EAL Approach

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an effective approach to human and leadership development through the eyes of the horse. It is a proactive approach to empowering the individual through group interactive exercises with a focus on “everyone matters”.

Through carefully designed team exercises, the Dreamwinds EAL programs use the horses natural herd instincts to provide participants with an opportunity to engage in team emphasized exercises and in turn find themselves learning valuable skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere while working through the dynamics of the horses.

EAL can benefit everyone. No riding or previous horse experience is required; all exercises are done from the ground. EAL is an innovative approach that has proven to be the stimulus of respectful relationships and active involvement. It not only fits naturally into the process of developing strong leaders, it is a practical approach to teaching youth alternative skills to leverage when faced with difficult challenges and negative influences.


But Why Horses?

You may be wondering what you could possibly learn from a horse?! EAL isn’t so much about the horse teaching you, it’s about helping you recognize opportunities for learning within yourself.   Our horses provide instant, honest feedback when we work with them. When we learn how to communicate, lead and work effectively with a horse, we learn valuable skills that we can apply to all of our relationships.

  • Horses are prey animals and are always acutely aware of their surroundings as a matter of survival.
  • They can actually discern the difference between a calm, non-threatening approach and anxious or nervous energy.
  • They can help us recognize and understand our behaviour and feelings often before we do.
  • Horses are very social beings and their survival in the wild hinges on the strength of their herd.
  • In a herd environment there is a natural hierarchy that is rarely challenged once established.
  • The rules are clear and each horse has an important role to play in the survival of the group.
  • When we work with them, we become part of their herd and teamwork is a requirement.
  • In their herd environment, leadership is critical to survival.
  • In the absence of a strong leader they will assume the role to ensure their safety.
  • They seek a confident leader, that communicates clearly and consistently to build trust.
  • Not unlike the strong leadership qualities people seek in others, our horses can help guide the development of those key skills
  • Horses are fairly simple.
  • They react.
  • Anything a horse is doing in our presence is merely a reaction to who we are, what we are feeling, doing or thinking at the time.
  • They don’t judge and have no hidden agenda.
  • As trained facilitators, these reactions help us understand what is happening within the team so we can help you apply the learning beyond our arena.
Aware & Intuitive
  • Horses are prey animals and are always acutely aware of their surroundings as a matter of survival.
  • They can actually discern the difference between a calm, non-threatening approach and anxious or nervous energy.
  • They can help us recognize and understand our behaviour and feelings often before we do.
Masters of Teamwork
  • Horses are very social beings and their survival in the wild hinges on the strength of their herd.
  • In a herd environment there is a natural hierarchy that is rarely challenged once established.
  • The rules are clear and each horse has an important role to play in the survival of the group.
  • When we work with them, we become part of their herd and teamwork is a requirement.
Seek Leadership
  • In their herd environment, leadership is critical to survival.
  • In the absence of a strong leader they will assume the role to ensure their safety.
  • They seek a confident leader, that communicates clearly and consistently to build trust.
  • Not unlike the strong leadership qualities people seek in others, our horses can help guide the development of those key skills
Respond Honestly
  • Horses are fairly simple.
  • They react.
  • Anything a horse is doing in our presence is merely a reaction to who we are, what we are feeling, doing or thinking at the time.
  • They don’t judge and have no hidden agenda.
  • As trained facilitators, these reactions help us understand what is happening within the team so we can help you apply the learning beyond our arena.

Our History

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Dreamwinds Certified EAL Facilitators
Advanced EAL Certification
EAL Certification, EAL Facilitator, Cartier Farms EAL, Horse Career, Equine Therapy, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, EAL Course
EAL Certification, EAL Facilitator, Cartier Farms EAL, Horse Career, Equine Therapy, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, EAL Course
Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Centre, Bradford Mayor, Grand Opening
2012
2003
2002
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