Discover a New Path Forward…

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” ~ Lao Tzu

What is this EAL?

Is there magic, mystery, and science behind healing with horses?

Come watch the documentary

Kristel Boon

Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator

“What began as an exercise in personal development opened a door to extraordinary connection, hope and healing.“

More about Kristel

Unhaltered Hope

Equine Assisted Learning

Unhaltered Hope is a social enterprise offering Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).

Equine Assisted Learning is an experiential way of growing and overcoming personal obstacle through gentle guidance and interaction with horses. Participants engage in objective-oriented exercises and find themselves learning valuable life lessons and skills in the positive, affirming company of horses.

Our programs are offered in partnership with Reverence Stables, Calgary, AB.

Unhaltered Hope

5.0

Based on 20 reviews

review us on

Char Coup

1 month ago

I have volunteered with Krystal for an EAL program. She is wonderful with the kiddos and the horses. She guides the kids to make a connection with the horses, which gives them so much confidence. It's wonderful to see the growth with each student. Krystal's approach is kind and gentle, which is instrumental with the kiddos success in the program. She really delivers the program with her heart.

clare murphy

1 month ago

Kristal , is the sweetest kindest lady. Who really knows her stuff !!

Mallory Murphy

1 month ago

Kristels passion and love for what she does comes across in everything she does. She is kind and gentle allowing space to grow. Would absolutely recommend!

Vanessa S

2 months ago

Tinille McKenzie-Wyatt

8 months ago

I write this review for Kristel as a fellow Equine Assisted Learning facilitator. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Kristel over the past nine months both as a volunteer and co-facilitator in multiple sessions with multiple groups. Kristel is a very caring, supportive individual who facilitates the lessons in the program to ensure the horses can teach the students to their maximum capabilities. She uses her life and facilitating experiences to be able to quickly adapt a lesson for the capabilities and age levels of the participants. Kristel’s open and clear communication style allows for a very collegial and supportive working partnership both as a co-facilitator and participant.

Natalie Kwadrans

8 months ago

I attended this as part of a cancer therapy program, and it was simply amazing. I didn't know what to expect, so when I found myself being me again. With cancer, I lost a lot of myself, including my ability to trust my body, myself, and my instincts. The "work" (it didn't feel like work--it was fun" my partner and I did with our horse kept me focused on the present, and allowed me to find part of the trust I had lost. I could see the difference in the way the horse communicated with us as we progressed through the activities. It was an extremely worthwhile experience, and I look forward to doing it again, this time with my kids.

I'd highly recommend this for anyone wanting to simply refocus, decompress, or simply as a way to bond with people you care about!

Marie-Eve Caron

9 months ago

We were very fortunate to be able to attend Equine Assisted Learning sessions with Krystel of Unhaltered Hope. She gave us an opportunity to bond as a family and with horses in a safe and secure way, deepening our connection and confidence with each other and the horses. Krystel was so patient, kind, and has such a gift to help people feel at ease immediately in such a way that is fun.

The program that Krystel is teaching from is very well designed and supports families or individuals facing life’s challenge. The sessions we did seem to have opened layers of awareness and communication skills that keep unraveling to us even months later. I recommend the equine assisted learning with Unhaltered Hope to anyone who can afford it or qualifies for funding support enthusiastically.

Ale Styles

2 years ago

Kristel offers an incredible experience. She is a natural teacher, very thorough and professional. Her kindness and knowledge put me at ease immediately. Her reassurance and experience allowed me to feel confident and explore working with horses. I had ridden horses but never worked in a team with a horse. This intuitive and respectful way to work with horses gave me the opportunity of learning something about myself in a different way. I also love the fact that you work with another human partner, strengthen my relationship with my daughter in this case. I cannot recommend this experience enough.
Especially after having had a challenging year.
Thank you Kristel and the High River Health Foundation for this grant.

Elaine G.

2 years ago

If I had to describe EAL w Kristel in one word, that word would be life-altering. I was absolutely blown away by the experience. As someone who loves horses but who is also terrified by them, I was very apprehensive going into my session. Kristel was so reassuring, supportive and encouraging and immediately set me at ease with my horse partner and by the end of the session my anxiety was gone and I felt such love and wonder for this intelligent and beautiful animal. I highly recommend doing Kristel's program. I learned so much about myself in this session and am eager to do another session with her.

What does Equine Assisted Learning Look Like?

Is class room learning not for you?

Perfect! During your EAL (Equine Assisted Learning) session(s) with us, the only time you will find yourself in a classroom (if you choose to) is during the briefing and debriefing. You will learn all other valuable life skills while working with a team that consists of two or three human participants, and one very informed horse.

The inside of a class room showing a screen and a large standing notepad

Are you curious about what horses can teach us?

In Equine Assisted Learning we are allowing the horses to teach you. Horses consistently assess and react to stimulus provided by participants, but they do this without judgement. This is the skill that is truly profound. Their feedback is honest and instant. By working with horses in an EAL (Equine Assisted Learning) setting, you will learn about leadership, problem solving, negotiation skills, and other valuable life skills.

What does “live in the moment” mean to you?

Living in the moment and mindfulness are terms that have resurfaced in this recent decade. You can practice these wonderful skills in a variety of ways, such as meditation, or yoga to name a few. But how about practicing living in the moment with the help of a horse? Horses are the best teachers to show you how to live in the moment and teach you other vital skills that can assist you for the rest of your life.

You can find more information about our Programs right here!

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