About Us "Human Wisdom Gained Through Horseplay" Our Mission Statement To promote the development of wisdom in human clients, be they individuals, families or existing groups, through the intentional (and often playful) use of horses in a personal development / therapeutic setting.     What we offer:  Team Building, and Leadership Development for corporations. Therapy for individuals, couples and families. Group Workshops in Professional and Personal Growth. So often we grow stale and conventional in our thinking. We keep forcing our own favorite solutions, even when they are no longer working. When frustrated we become critical of others, more rigid in our approach, narrow in our perspective and discouraged. Our company creates wisdom for humans through the use of horses. Using our uniquely designed activities with horses and mules, referred to as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), our clientele come to understand better what gets in the way of productivity, effectiveness and satisfaction in their day to day lives, relationships and workplace. Who are we? We at Equine Wise Services Inc. believe in the team approach of using a dynamic team consisting of a chartered psychologist, an equine specialist, horses and even mules. Terry Wilton is a Chartered Psychologist with nearly three decades of experience. Angie Jensen, our equine specialist, has been involved with horses for over 35 years.  She has worked in several capacities over those years.  Terry is certified Level 2 and Angie is certified as Advanced with the Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (www.eagala.org). Why horses? The horse brings to mind an image of power and spirit. Imagine the beauty of a herd of horses galloping through a meadow, functioning as one unit, each one is an individual and yet, the herd works as a group.   Horses have assisted humans in many ways over the course of civilization.  They have carried warriors in battle, helped break the prairie sod, taken children to school and products to market.  Horses are primarily a source of sport and entertainment in our present society.   But horses offer so much more.   They are exquisitely sensitive creatures, profoundly aware of the emotional environment around them.  They have to be.  As animals preyed upon by other species they need to be vigilant to avoid being eaten.   Horses are also great communicators.  They don't buffalo you with words, but communicate to each other in body language, movement and posture.  They are safest in the herd and the communication insures that herd cohesion.   Now we can harness these unique attributes - sensitivity, awareness and clear communication - to help humans deal with relationship and emotional issues.  The work of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (www.eagala.org) has supported the work of horses in an innovative new program to decrease recidivism in young offenders, to treat many mental health disorders including anorexia and behavioral problems in children and adolescents, and to help families learn better relationship skills.     A visit to Equine Wise Services offers a variety of equine personalities that just beg to be compared with the people of every day life.  From the mind-of-their-own mules to the affectionate and curious horses, real life is acted out for all to see. Oh yes, there are pecking orders and power in these fine creatures.  There is also gentleness, dignity and respect.   In a world of complexity of therapies and trends, the use of horses in this way brings us back to the basics of relationship and self-awareness.  Despite being very "low tech" the unique work of EAGALA internationally and Equine Wise Services Inc. in Central Alberta is profoundly sophisticated.  It is an experience: wisdom rather than knowledge.   Our Method: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) Confucius says - I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand. The rapidly growing field of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, otherwise known as EAP can be beneficial when dealing with individuals, couples, or entire families. It is also an exciting and effective tool for corporate development. Problem solving activities and metaphors create an opportunity for personal growth and development. Regarded as an experiential therapy or learning model, EAP allows participants to "learn by doing" and thereby provides them the opportunity to put into practice some new ways of thinking, rather than being lectured to. The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship, in fact 90% of EAP takes place on the ground. The focus involves activities with equines, which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP. EAP is a powerful tool and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families and other groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental heath and human development needs.   EAP, as promoted by the Equine- Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) utilizes a licensed Psychologist, in this case Terry who works together with an Equine Specialist; Angie. Programs are created to suit the needs of the participants, which are as unique as those taking part. Terry's proficiency in the mental health profession and Angie's expertise as a horse person enable them to keep the activities both safe and effective. The sessions are not only educational; they also provide a great deal of fun! Please check our FAQs if you have any concerns or questions Our Facilities: The sessions take place at Jenovation Farm, located 40 minutes southeast of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada - 30 minutes from either Camrose, Sherwood Park or Leduc. This peaceful, 40-acre farm is home to several equines, both horses and mules. The resident dogs and cats enjoy the attention they receive from our visitors. We have an indoor arena that shelters us from the elements and makes sessions possible in all but extremely cold weather. We have new building that we refer to as the "cottage".  It is equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom.  This cozy space provides an area for debriefing and for our workshop participants to enjoy their lunch and snacks throughout the day.  Terry also uses this space for his private sessions when we're not doing equine sessions.