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.
