Living, learning and healing with horses

Where the herd is our heart

Located on Vancouver Island in the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations, Heart Lake Farm was founded to provide accessible and inclusive equine-assisted health and education services in our community. The farm is home to some very special Newfoundland Ponies and Quarter Horses chosen for their skills as partners.

Why Horses?

Horses are remarkable teachers because they provide honest and instant feedback. They are always communicating and quick to forgive. Being around horses motivates us to be truly present and intentional. We can’t be happy and healthy unless they are as well. Through caring for the herd, we learn to care for ourselves.

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What we do

Equine Assisted Learning

EAL is an experiential learning program that teaches essential life skills such as communication, compassion, teamwork and leadership through group activities with horses. In partnership with local social service organizations, we offer multi-week series and one day workshops full of fun and laughter in a beautiful setting. Participants report experiencing increased confidence, enthusiasm, resilience and self-awareness.

Workshops & Field Trips

Heart Lake Farm designs and hosts unique programs that introduce participants to horse behaviour and communication while inspiring personal development. We can custom blend horsemanship coaching and EAL concepts along with learning about farm life and horse care to meet your family or group’s specific needs.

Therapeutic Programs

Coming soon! We are in the process of establishing relationships with mental health professionals with expertise in using horses in their individual and group nature-based therapy practices. Please inquire to be waitlisted for future programs, or for a referral to someone who can meet your needs immediately.

Testimonials

“With horses, I learn something new every day. They are such patient teachers. They have a way of inviting us to be present with them and encourage us to learn, grow and feel better about ourselves and how we show up in the world."

Brigitte Beitsma, horse trainer and equine-assisted learning facilitator

"Those struggling with social connection, needing to expand empathy and communication skills, those in leadership and helping roles."

"I think there are so many scenarios - families, youth, older adults/seniors, people struggling with mild mental health impairment, women and men who are going through a change in life circumstances."

"Lots! families with strained relationships/communications barriers; kids who have a hard time expressing themselves verbally, kids/teens who need to build self-esteem, folks with ASD..."

Staff from Human Nature Counselling on who equine-assisted learning can benefit

"I was amazed at my daughter;s confidence and ease around horses; it was so uplifting to see her so happy and connected."

"I’ve learned a lot about myself and my communication style. There was a big emphasis on teamwork and trust which I really enjoyed."

From people who have experienced EAL at HLF

"The team was fantastic. I felt at ease with them right away. I always felt welcomed and valued - that what we were doing and experiencing was positive. They were so encouraging."

"You provided a warm environment, the horses all seemed very content and happy to participate which is very important. The program was well organized and executed, and never failed to surprise us every time."

From people who have experienced EAL at HLF

The Horsmanship for Life Project

The Horsemanship For Life Project at Charitable Impact has been created to share our passion for how horses and people can work together for our mutual benefit. All funds raised will be forwarded on to organizations who do critical work in equine-assisted services. If you are a leader in the health or education sectors and would like to know how to qualify funding to access equine-assisted learning for your group or class, we’d love to hear from you.