Our
To be the most respected global brand in Equine Assisted Learning known for delivering top quality, proven programs that create lasting learning and inspire others to be better leaders, better partners, better people.
Our Corporate Values
Deliver the Wow
Exceed expectations, surprise and delight at every turn including programs, events, amenities and service.
Educate & Inspire
Impart knowledge. share wisdom and inspire our customers, partners, prospects and each other to be better.
Act with Integrity
Always do the right thing and choose partners, employees, suppliers with this value above all else.
Embrace Teamwork
Value the strengths of our team, practice what we preach and accomplish together more than we can accomplish as one.
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
2022
North American Expansion – Dreamwinds EAL Centre takes dreaming big to the next level relocating to a new facility in beautiful Tryon, North Carolina and partnering with new affiliate locations across Canada to deliver the renowned Cartier EAL Certification program throughout North America.
2020
EAL Assistant Course – Dreamwinds EAL Centre & Cartier Farms launch the EAL Assistant Course to support graduates in building a qualified team that will ensure integrity and the highest quality in program delivery in accordance with our Standards of Practice.
2017
Advanced Certification – Dreamwinds EAL Centre & Cartier Farms launch the Advanced EAL Certification and flexible Continuing Education Curriculum, enabling graduates to further differentiate themselves in the areas that matter most to their business.
2016
Going Global – Cartier Farms & Dreamwinds EAL Centre launched International EAL Certification Academy, bringing the Original Cartier Farms EAL Certification Program to locations around the world.
2015
Program Expansion & Partnership – Cartier Farms partnered with Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Centre to expand the EAL Facilitator Certification Program into Ontario. Dreamwinds EAL Centre became the first Certified Satellite Facility licensed to deliver the Original Cartier Farms EAL Certification Program. Date Night and Ladies Night launched to rave reviews.
2013
Dreamwinds EAL Centre Opens – Dreamwinds EAL Centre launched with a March Break Camp for local youth and a curriculum for customized Corporate Team Building and Leadership Training.
2012
Bought the Farm – Tracey and Dirk found their dream property in Bradford and built the facility to bring their horses home. Tracey travelled to Saskatchewan to study with Gayle Cartier the founder of Cartier Farms EAL Facilitator Certification Course and returned with a proven curriculum to create a secure program foundation for a new Equine Assisted Learning business.
2003
EAL Seed Planted – Tracey purchased her first horse – Oliver a 5 year-old off the track thoroughbred and discovered the importance of leadership when working with horses. All the principles of working effectively with horses could be applied to the corporate experience and the idea of delivering leadership training through Horsemanship was born.
2002
Bit by the Horse Bug – One year after graduating from MBA School, corporate success wasn’t as fulfilling as Tracey hoped and in an effort to find a true passion, she took her first riding lesson. From that first lesson onward, she was determined to find a way to spend more time with horses… to make a career of it.