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Spirit Winds Ranch Logo
  • About Us
  • Workshops
  • Our Horses
  • Get Involved
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Blog

  • The Horse & Human Connection
  • Setting Boundaries and Horses
  • Interpersonal Skills and Horses

Spirit Winds Ranch honours and acknowledges that we live and play on Treaty 7 territory, the traditional lands of the Stoney Nakoda peoples of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley Bands, the Tsuut'ina, the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) peoples of Siksika, Piikani and Kainai Band. We also respectfully acknowledge that we are on the homelands of the Métis Nation within Region III.

Equestrian Canada Licensed Coach Logo

+1 (403) 999-7763

laurel@spiritwindsranch.ca

Property #54101 off TWP Road & Beaupre Creek Road

Cochrane, AB, T4C 1A7

Copyright © Spirit Winds Ranch 2023, All Rights Reserved.
Website created by A to Z Productions.
EAL

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning program that uses horses as teachers. Participants learn effective communication and collaboration skills by means of interacting with their human partners and equine teachers to solve a series of enjoyable, and often challenging problems. EAL is an effective approach to human development that encourages individual and team growth. Exercises are developed to encourage self-confidence through validated, hands-on experience, they are powerful, positive and collaborative. A 1200 pound teacher that not only takes them on a journey of self-discovery but teaches the ropes of better communication, collaboration and understanding of coping skills.

At Spirit Winds Ranch we offer a 4, 6, 8 or 12-week course that partakes once/twice a week (2 hours each time). Students are taken through 12 different EAL exercises with a horse by their side.  Together with the horse, we take students on a journey of self-discovery, they teach the ropes to better communication, collaboration and stronger awareness and understanding of coping skills. The courses can take place in groups or individual sessions. We are such believers in this program that we will offer a 1 session test drive class.

Feel free to contact us if you are interested in booking an amazing EAL experience.

 

EAL and Kids

Which kids would benefit from these workshops? There are a lot of pressures on children these days and the tools to give them coping skills are often limited.  We have found the ones that thrive in these programs generally struggle with:

  • Communication (verbal and non-verbal skills)
  • Lack of confidence and low self esteem
  • Being bullied
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Mood control
  • Paying attention and listening
  • High Energy and ability to self-modulate

We have seen kids thrive in our workshops in the following ways:

  • Increased confidence
  • Stronger communication (verbal and non-verbal)
  • Willingness to participate in activities
  • Improved listening
  • Shift in attitude
  • Smiles – We see lots of smiles!

We recognize that everyone has different needs, at Spirit Winds Ranch, we are happy to take our experience and custom design our courses to help with providing a well rounded experience to support those needs.

Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning

Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL) is a leading edge modality for developing human potential. Participants learn to create a horse-centered, experiential learning that supports personal growth to help face certain obstacles that are hindering them in life. Our experienced guides take you through a program that helps you not only connect with a horse, but learn to connect with your heart and emotional well being. By attuning to your energy and paying attention to body language, horses actually listen and reflect at a deeper and profound level. Horses don’t lie and can be the biggest support you need to help reflect on your journey. They have a gentle way of bringing unconscious feelings to the surface and creating a safe place for you to release them. Interacting with the horse on the ground is a unique reflection which fosters a deep transformation and healing to support a connection to something greater within yourself.

We are proud to say that we have helped many participants of all ages learn to deal with insecurity, grief, life road blocks, eating disorders etc. These courses can take place in groups or individual sessions.

Feel free to contact us if you are interested in booking an amazing FEEL experience.

 

Ranch Activities

It is never a dull moment at Spirit Winds Ranch! We like going against the grain and host all kinds of celebrations. We are pretty proud of our facility and love to share it. Here are some of the activities we offer:

  • Drumming with the Horses
  • Dancing with the Horses
  • Intuitive Painting with the Horses
  • Campfire, Stargazing and Meteorite Shower Evenings (over the summer)
  • Date Nights with the Horses
  • Kids Summer Camp
  • Adult Kids Camp (have fun doing the same things the kids do at camp)
  • EAL and FEEL Sessions can be privately booked for groups or individuals.
  • Corporate Team Building
  • Weddings (bridezillas excluded)
  • Anniversaries
  • Birthdays
  • Group Retreats
  • Retirement Parties
  • Hen Parties (“Hen Nights” – for females)
  • Bachelor Parties (“Stags” – for males)
  • Nature Connection Walks

Feel free to contact us if you are interested in booking our scenic facility to host your events.

Natural Horsemanship

Do you ever feel like you and your horse are on different planet when it comes to communication? We can help you establish the boundaries you need for a healthy relationship.  Natural horsemanship method takes your  horsemanship skills to another level by learning to establish trust with your horse. Through a series of exercises we will guide you and your horse through a learning experience like no other, and give you the opportunity to get acquainted with your horse on a whole new level.

The Natural Horsemanship method nurtures a healthy relationship with your horse and enables horse lovers at all levels and disciplines to achieve

  • Success without force
  • Partnership without dominance
  • Teamwork without fear
  • Willingness without intimidation
  • Harmony with your horse

Learn the ways of the mother horse when her baby is born, communicate, guide and relish in a good relationship with your horse.

No Horse? No Problem!

This is your opportunity to connect with horses on your own schedule. Being around a horse can do wonders for the soul, but we also recognize that owning a horse is a big responsibility and can come at quite a cost. Imagine just being able to come and hang out, groom and just be with horses.  We are a non riding facility, but encourage horse connections in all walks of life.  We offer drop in rates, monthly and yearly memberships.  These funds help us ensure that our horses are well taken care of, all you have to do is relish in horse time and we will take care of the rest

Cost is $65/hour/person (horse included of course). Feel free to contact us if you are interested in booking.