Students gain a better understanding of their strengths and how they show up with others. Trying new activities with horses helps them feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
Where Leadership Takes Root
Frontier Equine Assisted Leadership for Students
The Purpose
Student Programs offer an engaging, ground-based experience where students interact with horses to develop confidence, self-awareness, and resilience. These sessions are designed to support students in discovering their strengths and building important life skills in a safe, positive, and supportive environment. No riding is involved.
How it Works
During each session, students work alongside a trained educator/facilitator and our gentle horses through a series of structured exercises. These activities promote clear communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The horses respond honestly to students’ energy and behaviour, providing immediate feedback that helps students understand themselves and their impact on others.
What to Expect
Students will take part in interactive, practical exercises that encourage them to step outside their comfort zones and discover new ways of relating to themselves and their peers. Real-time responses from the horses offer eye-opening insights into leadership, listening, and cooperation. You’ll also notice how herd roles change based on each interaction. This flexible dynamic (think shifting friendships at school) gives students clear, reflective insights into connection and empathy.
Growth You’ll See
Build Skills for the Classroom & Beyond
FEAL helps students build practical skills that support them at school and in daily life. By watching how herd roles shift moment to moment (much like changing group dynamics at school), students learn that connection is a skill they can practise and improve.
Build Confidence & Discover Yourself
Develop Emotional Awareness & Resilience
Working with horses teaches students to notice their feelings and manage stress in healthy ways. The horses respond honestly to emotions, helping students learn how to stay calm and bounce back from challenges.
Strengthen Friendships & Empathy
Students practise connecting with others by building trust and understanding—key skills for making friends and supporting each other. The horses provide gentle feedback that highlights when they’re truly listening and caring.
Improve Communication & Teamwork
Clear communication is crucial for working well together. Students experiment with sharing their thoughts and paying attention to non-verbal cues, with horses showing how their messages come across in real time.
Who It’s For
Sign Up If You...
- Want your students to build confidence and self-awareness in a fresh, hands-on way
- Are looking for practical tools to help students manage emotions and stress
- Want to support your students in developing stronger friendships and teamwork skills
- Value a safe, positive space where every student can feel comfortable being themselves
- Are open to a unique learning experience that uses horses as honest and gentle teachers
- Want a program designed to meet students where they are NOW!
What’s Included
Session Details
- TypeStudent program
- Cost$80/session per student
- MinimumMin. of 6 sessions required
- Duration90 minutes
- Group SizeIdeal for groups of 3 to 8 students, with a maximum of 15 participants
- Facilitator
- Location
Northeast BC and Vancouver Island.
Frontier Equine Assisted Leadership sessions are held in two BC locations:
Northeast BC: At Rock Alder Ranch, located in Charlie Lake, BC. At Mile 52 on the Alaska Highway, were just 7 minutes northwest of Fort St. John (Mile 47) or about 45 minutes northwest of Dawson Creek.
Vancouver Island: We also host sessions across Central Vancouver Island, at various partner facilities ranging from Victoria and north to Campbell River.
- Cancelling
Notice is required.
Individual and couples coaching: Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled session: full refund (including deposit) or free reschedule. Cancel within 24 hours of the session: non‑refundable (rescheduling may be allowed at our discretion).
Corporate, groups, and students: Cancel more than 7 days before the session: the 20% booking deposit is refundable. Cancel within 7 days of the session: all deposits and payments are forfeited.
If we cancel: If HorsePower cancels for weather, safety, or other operational reasons you will be offered a complimentary reschedule. Refunds will not normally be issued in these cases except at our discretion.
- Deposits
Deposits are typically required.
Individual and couples sessions:
A 20% deposit is requested at time of booking. This deposit is refundable if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled session.
Corporate, small group, and student groups:
20% is due at booking to hold the date.
50% of the remaining balance is due 7 days before your event.
If you cancel more than 7 days before the session, the 20% booking deposit is refunded.
Cancellations within 7 days of the event will forfeit all deposits and payments.
We reserve the right to modify deposit and cancellation terms depending on the specifics of a booking (size, travel, special requirements). If you have concerns about the policy or need a different arrangement, please contact us.
- Payment
We accept e‑transfer and cash; debit and credit may be available soon!
- AvailabilitySessions offered throughout the school year and summer, scheduled to fit your calendar. Please contact us to show your interest.
Skills For School And Beyond
Why Horse‑Assisted Learning Supports Student Success
Horses Reflect How Students Feel
Horses are incredibly sensitive to emotions and energy. They respond immediately to how people behave, helping young people see themselves and their feelings more clearly, without hang-ups like judgment or blame.
Horses Have Fluid Roles
Connection matters, especially for teens. In a herd, horses don’t follow a rigid pecking order, and their roles can shift based on moment-to-moment interactions. This fluid social dynamic mirrors how friendships and groups work at school. Seeing this play out with horses gives students insightful, reflective moments that strengthen empathy and help them build positive relationships.
Builds Emotional Skills and Confidence
Working with horses encourages students to recognize and manage their emotions. Building resilience and confidence can make it easier to face challenges at school and in life.
Creates a Safe, Positive Space for Growth
Horses gently encourage openness without pressure or judgment. It's a relaxed, safe, and supportive environment that allows students to try new things, make mistakes, and learn at their own trot.and
Helps Students Work Better Together
Through activities with horses, students practise communication, trust, and cooperation. These real-life skills improve friendships and teamwork both inside and outside the classroom.
Working With HorsePower
Frequently Asked Questions
If FEAL is new to you, here we’ve gathered the most common questions about how our student programs work. If you don’t see your question here, check out the main FAQs page, or just reach out!
Are the horses safe for people who have never been around horses before?
Absolutely! Our horses are gentle giants, and used to working with people of all ages. Facilitators guide every step to ensure safety and comfort, especially for beginners.
How do you support people who may be shy or anxious?
We go at a pace that feels right for each person. Activities are designed to be low-pressure and fun, helping shy or anxious individuals build confidence gradually in a supportive environment. We also create opportunities that foster a clear sense of accomplishment. Small, achievable goals, regular positive feedback, and visible progress markers help participants feel their growth and gain motivation to try more as their confidence grows. If you have questions or concerns, reach out—we're here to help.
Can the program be adapted for different ages or special needs?
Yes. We tailor sessions to suit different age groups, abilities, and any specific needs you or your group may have. We want every participant to feel included and successful! The best thing to do is reach out directly and explain how we can support your goals.
How will FEAL help students in their daily life at school or home?
Students learn skills like managing emotions, communicating clearly, and working with others—all of which support better relationships and resilience in school and at home. Through guided, ground‑based activities with calm, responsive horses, students practice:
Emotional regulation: noticing feelings, calming down, and responding rather than reacting.
Clear communication: speaking with intent and listening more effectively.
Collaboration and teamwork: cooperating, taking turns, and understanding others’ perspectives.
Self‑awareness and confidence: recognizing strengths, accepting limits, and trying new approaches in a safe setting.
We also emphasize that a student’s perspective and attitude influence their world. Small shifts in how they view challenges, setbacks, and relationships change how they respond and what opportunities they notice. FEAL creates repeated, low‑pressure experiences where students can practise a positive, growth‑focused mindset, see immediate feedback from the horse, and carry those new habits back to classroom interactions, friendships, and family life. If you’d like examples or activities tailored to a particular age group or school context, tell us! Just reach out with some details like your group's age range and goals and we’ll start the conversation.
Where are FEAL sessions held?
Frontier Equine Assisted Leadership sessions are held in two BC locations:
Northeast BC: At Rock Alder Ranch, located in Charlie Lake, BC. At Mile 52 on the Alaska Highway, were just 7 minutes northwest of Fort St. John (Mile 47) or about 45 minutes northwest of Dawson Creek.
Vancouver Island: We also host sessions across Central Vancouver Island, at various partner facilities ranging from Victoria and north to Campbell River.
Can you host a session at my location?
Maybe! It would depend on knowing some specifics, so if you are interested in having HorsePower, please reach out to us through this website and explain your needs. We'll get back to you and see how we can help.
How are FEAL sessions structured?
The exact structure depends on the type of program—for example, individual, group, or school—but here's a general overview of how a session at HorsePower unfolds:
Meet & greet: Arrival, safety overview and set intentions so we know what matters most to you.
Intro: Gentle introduction to the horse and the space; you set the pace.
Action: Ground‑based activity (no riding) tailored to your goals. This may be leading, boundary work, obstacle navigation, or practising calm under pressure. You get real‑time feedback from the horse and facilitator.
Debrief: Review what happened, how your actions landed, and facilitator coaching.
Reflection: Guided conversation and optional written reflection; choose an “achievement word” that captures your key insight.
See‑yas!: Translate insights into practical next steps and optional light home practices; close and say goodbye.
Check out the What is FEAL? portal for more!
What training do facilitators have?
Along with a lifetime spent on the ranch in the Frontier of BC, HorsePower’s Equine Assisted Learning facilitator is certified through Equine Connection’s rigorous EAL program. Equine Connection provides an internationally recognized and science-backed program, with both comprehensive coursework and practical requirements. Your facilitator is trained in the science behind equine-assisted learning, horse welfare and herd behaviour, structured, research-based exercises, client assessment and safety protocols, and clear ethical boundaries. You’ll get focused, consistent coaching from an experienced professional who knows both the herd and the lifestyle.
With HorsePower, You Can FEAL the Difference
Frontier
Students will find our natural frontiers perfect for exploring new ways to grow and connect. Sessions run in two BC regions—Northeast and Vancouver Island—so you can choose the landscape that suits your group.
Equine
Our calm, friendly horses are like big honest mirrors. They show students how their feelings and actions affect those around them in real time. This makes it easier for students to understand themselves and others without words.
Assisted
With Shawna-Marie’s gentle guidance, students discover practical skills that stick with them long after the session ends. It’s a unique experience that helps young people FEAL their own power to lead and connect!
Leadership
Our programs help students turn insight into action. With real‑time feedback from the horses, your facilitator guides the kids to take what works in the pen and apply it to school and at home.
