Unhaltered Hope’s Affiliations

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

I didn’t necessarily keep track of the miles between taking my certification in June of 2021 and connecting with Reverence Stables in December of 2022 but it really started with that one step.

That first step was taking the certification course, planting the seed that slowly but surely became a vision of offering Equine Assisted Learning to adults.

Working with the kids and youth at ROARR is extremely rewarding and not something I am willing to give up, but in my heart, I strongly believe there is a place for EAL with adult participation as well.

The initial connection with Linda and Susan at Reverence Stables, turned into horse assessments and a partnership to offer EAL on Sundays and/or Mondays.

I continue to be astonished by the fabulous work these horse teachers bring to the arena. I can’t say this had always been a dream of mine, but it became a dream and slowly but surely, my perseverance brought me to where I am, able to work at a wonderful facility with four extremely skilled horse teachers: Karma, LaCosta, Eden, and Slick.

 

Volunteering at Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding

In January, 2022, I expanded my equine experience by becoming a volunteer at Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding, a charitable society that provides therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities. In this role, I became familiar with riding methods of equine related interactions, and experienced firsthand how horses can provide physical, social and emotional sustenance to children and adults with disabilities.

Learning The Ropes at ROARR

In October, 2021, I became a volunteer assistant EAL facilitator at ROARR, a local organization that ‘strives to relieve the conditions associated with youth and elderly in need, by providing Equine Assisted Learning and related therapies.’

In this role I applied the skills I learned in my course at Cartier Farms, and was fortunate to be mentored by a fellow Cartier alumni, Marilyn MacLean.

Volunteer and Work Experience

Since the Fall of 2021, as I have worked to carve out a new career path as an EAL facilitator, spending many preliminary hours in the ring as a volunteer was a perfect way to learn, grow and hone my craft. Indeed, I am now a practising EAL facilitator, and I am more passionate and committed than ever!

Finding My Stride

Since March of 2022, I have proudly found my own stride as an EAL facilitator. I currently offer my services on contract at ROARR, where I never fail to be astonished by the weekly progress kids make when horses show them the way. With lessons in horse handling, and with gentle guidance from these equine angels, kids learn to trust and communicate, while cultivating kindness and courage for their unfolding lives.

4.8
Based on 5 reviews
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Greg HolsworthGreg Holsworth
14:01 24 Apr 23
What a unique and fun experience- learning to walk with a horse!I reflected after my experience on how I lead with my teams and how often I stopped to see that my team was following versus simply leading , knowing (and trusting) they were following right behind.For one’s own personal growth or to help you see how you lead, this was a worthwhile opportunity.
Tia BellTia Bell
16:26 21 Mar 23
I don't think words can truly describe the experience! This was my first experience attending an EAL session. I have ridden horses before but have never been super comfortable around them. Kristel did such a great job at creating conversation around the worries and helping us to build confidence as we worked with the horses. I was happy to know that we won't be riding the horses but rather guiding them through various obstacles. The obstacles themselves were simple in design, but it was more about my own ability to connect with the horse I had and have her go through them. By the third obstacle I could feel myself and my teammate (that I had only just met that day) fully relax. The time went too quickly because I had so much fun being fully present in the moment and feeling really proud of myself. I hope for, and look forward to, many more EAL sessions with Kristel. She knew exactly when to step in for support but allowed us time to sort through the challenges. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
Janet RobinsonJanet Robinson
20:03 06 Feb 23
Kristel is a wonderful facilitator. She takes the time to genuinely get to know her program participants and adapts her program to help her students find success. She is knowledgeable, caring and kind. Kristel puts safety first - that of her participants and of the horses.It has been a pleasure working with her and learning from her over the last two years.
Jacalyn KlassenJacalyn Klassen
22:48 01 Feb 23
Working with Kristel at Roarr has been nothing but a pleasure. I am always looking forward to being around her..learning from her …and laughing with her.Kristel, you have taught me so many things and I appreciate everything you have done for me. You truly are an amazing person. I look forward to working with you again
Tammy JonesTammy Jones
18:08 27 Jan 23
I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kristel through Opening Gaits, where she has worked with my autistic 14 year old son. Kristel has shown great patience and creativity while working with my son, who is non verbal with many different sensory issues. She has had some keen insights into how to motivate Connor and as a result Connor has had some very beautiful interactions with the horses. It is always a challenge to provide kiddos on the spectrum the opportunities for connection, but Kristel has offered this on a number of occasions. We are grateful that people like Kristel have so much passion for both the animals and the kiddos they teach❤️
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