General
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!
Do I get to ride the horse?
No. At HorsePower, our FEAL sessions are always boots-on-the-ground. You won't ride or otherwise get on the horse!
Is FEAL designed to help horses or people?
FEAL is designed to help people. The sessions are human-focused personal development and leadership coaching, using horses as partners on the ground. The horse provides real-time, honest feedback that helps you build skills like communication, awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation. The horses aren’t being trained or treated. They’re calm, carefully selected partners that support your growth in a safe, guided setting.
Can FEAL sessions help lower stress?
Yes! After working in a natural settings with grounded horses, our participants commonly report feeling more relaxed and engaged after the workshop.
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.
Can I book just a single session?
Most programs require a minimum number of sessions to meet learning objectives, ensure safety, or provide the best experience. Minimums help us:
Build momentum and measurable progress (many skills and healing processes benefit from repeated practice)
Ensure appropriate facilitator-to-participant ratios and adequate time with the herd
Cover fixed costs so sessions remain affordable and sustainable
Check the Session Details section on the relevant program page for exact requirements. If you still have questions or need a one‑off option, contact us and we’ll discuss what’s possible and recommend the best path for your goals.
Where can I learn more about FEAL and EAL in general?
You can find more information about all of HorsePower’s FEAL programs on our home page, where you’ll see the full range of offerings. For a deeper dive into how FEAL works and the benefits of Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), please visit our What is FEAL? educational portal. If you still have questions, please reach out directly and explain what you're looking for and we'll figure it out.
Payment & Policy
What is HorsePower’s cancellation policy?
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.
What payment types do you accept?
We accept e‑transfer and cash; debit and credit may be available soon!
Do I have to pay a deposit?
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.
Safety & Comfort
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.
What if I am scared of animals?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous or even scared around horses! Remember, you set the pace. You never have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. All FEAL sessions are ground-based, no riding involved. Your facilitator is experienced in helping people with all levels of comfort around horses and will guide you step by step. Our horses are calm and used to working with people who may be new or nervous. Give it a try—we're sure you will surprise yourself!
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.
Is there any risk involved?
Horses are large animals, so there’s always some inherent risk, but the structure, supervision, and horse selection are specifically set up to keep you safe and supported throughout.
All activities are on the ground. There is no riding, no getting on the horse.
You will develop strong, safe communication skills with your horse partners.
You set the pace and never have to do anything you’re not comfortable with.
A trained facilitator is with you the entire time to guide each step.
The horses are calm, carefully selected, and used to working with people at all comfort levels.
Clear safety guidelines and boundaries are in place from the start.
If you have any concerns to discuss, please reach out!
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.
Relationship Coaching
Do I need to attend with my partner/other or can I come alone?
It's up to you! You can choose to attend alone or with your partner, family member, or another important person in your life. So it's yourself, an optional +1, your facilitator, and the herd.
How do horses provide feedback in relationship coaching?
Horses are highly sensitive to energy and behaviour. Their reactions reflect how you communicate and connect, offering honest, real-time insights that help you become more aware of your relational patterns.
Are these sessions a substitute for couples therapy?
FEAL Relationship Coaching offers a practical, experiential approach to improving relationships. It can complement traditional therapy but is not a replacement for clinical counselling when needed.
Teams & Groups
What is the ideal group size for a workshop?
We find groups of 3 to 8 work best, because they are big enough for good interaction, small enough that everyone gets involved. We can accommodate up to 15 participants in a group, however. If you have any questions, just reach out and ask!
How do you tailor workshops to different groups?
Before the workshop, we work with you to understand your group’s goals and challenges. Activities are then designed to focus on the skills and areas that matter most to your group. If you have specific goals or group dynamics you would like to discuss, please reach out at any time.
Student Programs
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.