Equine Wise Services "Wisdom Gained Through Horseplay" Equine Wise Services has been providing demonstrations and offering services since 2002. We are pleased to offer the viewpoints of many who have learned through the experience!     What participants are saying about our new program: Human Skill Development through Horsemanship "The equines have consistently provided me with unconditional guidance and support to remove my blinders and learn what I most needed to know about myself to enhance my natural talents, professional skills, and quality of life." Yvonne Bur - Human Resources professional October 26, 2008 "I found it extremely useful to visually see why some sort of behaviour or attitude worked while another did not.  It helped me to better understand how to handle a variety of situations" Participant - November 2008 "The leadership when asked was helpful (it was the right amount of not telling us what to do but helping when we needed.)  I learnt a lot about who I was and who my team mates are." Participant - November 2008     A Horse With No Name - Posted May 3, 2007 My own interpretation, using lyrics from a song by the band America On the first part of the journey, I was attending a demonstration session, as a Human Resources Practitioner, looking for new and innovative ways to introduce teambuilding into my work in the social service industry. There were plants and birds and rocks and things, But more noticeably there were dogs, and horses, and a mule. The first people I met were Angie and Terry, And the other eager participants. The heat was hot and the ground was dry, but the air was full of sound. I've been through these exercises using a horse with no name, It felt good to learn something of myself, my strengths and vulnerabilities. In the arena you were given tasks to complete, sometimes with little or no rules and guidelines, and then there were the team inflicted consequences with the ‘aha moments’ and debriefs to follow. After two days in the desert sun, I returned with my husband for another experience. After three days in the desert fun, I had the privilege of spending the day under the watchful eye of an equine specialist and a psychologist. I was looking at my enthusiastic team, (some young, some more mature, some with a social work background, others with a real fear of the animals before us). Reflecting on their own uniqueness and admiring how far they’d come… For not unlike many of the women and girls we work with (those who are, or are at risk of becoming involved with the criminal justice system), some, were in unfamiliar territory. You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name, and subsequently built trust and companionship with ‘Patience, Mr. Right, the Gorgeous Aggressor, Hungry Man, and Shadow’. 'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain. Rather, for us to reflect on personal and professional boundaries; trust; teamwork; courage; consequences; and so much more. After nine days I let the horse run free, as we sometimes have to do of our hopes and dreams, but more so of our fears. There were plants and birds and rocks and things. There was work to be done back at the office that isn’t always reflective of greener pastures. The ocean is a desert with its life underground. And so many people that a day with a horse, with no name, could do so much for – if only they’d give it a try. Thank you Angie and Terry, Shorty, Babs, and Joe. You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name… And I shall never forget the lessons learnt at Equine Wise Services Inc. Sincerely, Jacqueline Biollo Executive Director Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton "I found it totally absorbing, it took all of my focus to accomplish the tasks" "An effective, powerful method of self learning and discovery" "EAP is a fun and creative alternative for self exploration. It facilitates connecting with self and others and enhances group and team effectiveness." "Great presenters! Interactive activities. Debriefing was great! I gained insight." "A Leg Up" This is an eleven year old girl's story about her experiences with us.  The story has been editted by Terry to enhance the readability.  Her story has not been changed. When I thought about going out to work with the horses I felt scared.  I was thinking "What is it going to be like?  Am I going to go on a horse ride?"  I was glad that my mom and I could do this together, although part of me wanted to do it just by myself.  Having my mom to do it with me then I felt more secure.        The first time I went out to see the horses I was too scared to even go into the arena where the horses were.  Mom went in with Angie but I stayed outside with Terry.  That day I was able to lead Shorty, a little mule, around by his rope.  I didnt know how to make him walk, stop or go faster.  And nobody told me what to do.  They made me figure it out for myself.        The second time was really exciting.  I was able to go into the arena and met Princess for the first time.  Princess is really pretty, a beautiful white horse, but very big.  I was able to lead her by the halter.  But the strange thing that happened was that Shorty, just a little mule, actually led all the other horses out of the paddock and down the road.  Terry and Angie had to get on the back of the horses we had in the arena and go off and bring the rest of the horses back.  I was scared that the horses would come back to where we were but that Angie and Terry wouldn't be able to get control over them.        It all worked out OK.  Angie and Terry brought the horses back and even though all those horses were wandering around in the parking lot with us, I was OK.  It was freaky that they there loose.  Angie and Terry were able to get them back into the paddock and I knew I was safe then.        The next times that I went out, Angie and Terry gave me tough things to do.  I always had to put the halter on Princess and sometimes I got very frustrated trying to do it.  Terry noticed that I even stamped my feet sometimes because I was so frustrated.  Then they told my mom and me that we had to make the horse move forward without the halter.  This was very difficult and I don't think we actually did it.  Sometimes the horse did move forward but never very much and I don't think we really discovered what we were supposed to do so it would happen.        Then came the obstacle course.  Terry had us tell him what we wanted to accomplish in life, what would stop us from accomplishing that (obstacles) and what might tempt us not to go for our goal (distractions).  We wrote these things on cards and then went into the arena.  When we got there, the obstacle course was already laid out - jumps, and hay and pool noodles.  We put our obstacles and distraction cards in the middle of it all.  Mom and I had to lead the horse through the course standing outside of the rails that marked the edge of the path the horse had to follow.  This was very hard.  But we did it.  At the end, the horse got to eat some oats and we got to eat chocolate chip cookies.         Mom and I went back to collect our cards and we talked about how things might get in the way of us accomplishing our goals in the rest of our lives.        The best day was when I got to get on Niska's back.  Again I was really scared and I made both Angie and Terry stand right beside me.  Terry helped me up there and then Terry and Angie taught me how to get off the horse safely whenever I needed to.  Then Angie started to get Niska walking slowly while I was still on her back.  This was scary too.  By the time that we ended the session I was able to ride Niska all over the arena, without anyone leading her.  I could make Niska go forward, stop and turn just by changing the way I was sitting on her.  It was so exciting.        I didn't think things could get any harder but the next time Angie gave me even a more difficult thing to do.  I had to ride a mule!  People say that mules are stubborn but I thought that Lolli was very easy-going.  She was very relaxed. And it was really cool up there, oops I mean warm.  (It was cold in the arena but I was the only one who felt warm because I was on Lolli's back without a saddle). Then Terry put a blindfold on Angie and she was supposed to lead Lolli and me around an obstacle course.  I was the one who had to say "right turn, left turn, go forward and stop" to get us around the course.  That was so hard.  I had to make sure I kept all of us safe and got to where we needed to go by asking Angie to do what I needed her to do.        When Terry asked me what is different about me since I went out to see the horses I told him that I am more truthful now.  If I do tell my mom a lie, I correct it very soon and she really appreciates this.  Terry tells me that I have learned a lot from horses and even though I didn't realize it, horses don't lie. I would love to be a horse.    Camrose & District Support Services September 19, 2003 Dear Terry and Angie, On behalf of the CDSS staff and myself, I want to thank you for the wonderful day we had 'playing with the horses.' Of course, the day was very much more than play but we did our 'work' and learning in such an atmosphere of relaxation and fun that it felt more like a day of play than a day of team-building. I have always loved and appreciated horses, but I never thought of them as such great teachers. With both of you to help translate and apply the lessons they taught us, I felt like we opened up a whole new set of tools for understanding each other and how we interact. I am very glad we were able to include our special volunteer. We are still talking about some of the magic that was created. Your facilities and hospitality are excellent. What can I say about the horses, except they were the most patient, understanding and tolerant creatures imaginable even when putting up with so much nonsense from us. We have really enjoyed the photos. They are an excellent reminder of how much we enjoyed the day. I heartily recommend a day with the horses for any organization that needs to work together effectively. It is an excellent investment in staff relationships. We will continue to share our experiences with others. Looking forward to next time, Wendy Gregg Executive Director "Enjoyed the whole day very much. It gives one - fresh ideas, and new insights." "This was excellent!! Superb, Wonderful. What a great way to learn. Thanks for teaching, sharing and caring." "This is a great way to teach kids how their feelings and actions can change the way others see them." "Great program you guys have here. Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to come out and join in." "Very well done. Wonderful demo. Thank you so much."  Pace Outreach High School "To be willing is to be able" April 30, 2003 MEMO TO: Those interested in services through Equine Wise Services The Equine Assisted Therapy was introduced to our students last year, and has since helped a number of our students with one another and within themselves. I feel that this program has had a profound positive effect on a number of young adults who have had the opportunity to be a part of it. It pushes them to be creative, communicative, assertive, and cooperative. These attributes may fall way out of their comfort zone, but they surprise themselves by being able to assume a new role. From my personal experience with the exercises I believe that it is a very beneficial way to connect with the youth and to gain trust indirectly through the animals. They become more open-minded and have more faith in themselves. They aren't afraid to fail because they aren't being judged and that is a great esteem builder for them. In all, this program is a very innovative tool to assist in working with multi-barriered youth. From the perspective if the PACE Outreach School staff, we are able to recognize the need for alternatives in connecting with the students. Behavior problems make it difficult to get through to some of the young adults in a traditional setting, and the Equine Assisted Therapy provides an informal, yet very intimate setting. We would like to take the time to commend those involved and convey our support for the future of this program. Sincerely, Kevin Martin Vice Principal A letter from Ohaton Country School We would like to express our gratitude for the great time we have had here with you. We'll always remember: -  When horse tripped Mrs. S. -  Riding bareback -  How to get a horse to move -  That they poop a lot -  You are not supposed to squeeze horse because it makes them move faster -  How to cooperate and work together -  One boy overcoming his fear of horses -  Set goals and how to achieve them -  How to overcome obstacles -  Boy bringing hay through obstacle - The good cookies -  That "Trouble" always follows you around ("Trouble" was the name chosen by a participant for the mini-hinny in our program) So thanks again and we really enjoyed the experience. We know we have a great thing in using horses to help people maximize their own wisdom but it has been a challenge to market. We have been grateful for the resources provided by Robert Middleton and his fine resources at Action Plan Marketing.