Advertorial — Free Rein develops life skills using the unconventional way
By Boundary Sentinel
There’s a new business in the Boundary using an unconventional way to help individuals develop their own life skills.
Free Rein Equine Assisted Learning Facilitation Center is an objective driven program that develops life skills all the while using horses as teachers.
“(Our clients) go through objectively driven obstacles where the horse can teach the life skills, may it be relationship building, communication, trust, negotiation, conflict resolution, problem solving . . .,” said Rebecca Horkoff, owner/operator of Free Rein Equine Assisted Learning Facilitation Center, located at 170 Cameron Avenue in Grand Forks.
“With Equine assisted learning building blocks curriculum, there are results every Time,” Horkoff, with Associate Degrees in Veterinary Technology, explains.
“It is so gratifying to know it has nothing to do with me, but all to do with the horse and the participants.”
Horkoff is no stranger to horses, having spent 28 years as a Licensed Veterinary Technician.
However, after almost three decades in the profession, Horkoff decided she needed a change.
After a brief time researching a new trade, Horkoff decided to enrol in the Equine Assisted Learning Centre in Strathmore, Alta.
“When I started researching what I wanted to do with my life, found out about Equine Assisted Learning building blocks curriculum,” the mother of three adult children said.
“The idea resonated within me so I headed off to start a new chapter in my life as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator.”
Horkoff, who was raised around horses in Moses Lake, Washington State, said EAL is an effective approach to human development that encourages individual and team growth. She said participants engage in objectively driven exercises and find themselves learning valuable life skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere while working with horses.
“EAL has proven to be effective, powerful, positive, educational, and creative,” Horkoff said.
Horkoff said the reason for using horses is the animal is a tough and steadfast dance partner.
“Horses consistently react to stimulus provided by participants,” Horkoff said.
“Some of the joys associated with working around horses are – they don’t judge but they constantly assessing. Their feedback is honest and instant.”
Horkoff said to operate an efficient program, there is a minimum of two participants to one horse.
Free Rein Equine Assisted Learning Facilitation Center provides instructors, horses to participants who need to be at least eight (8) years of age or older to adult.
Free Rein Equine Assisted Learning Facilitation Center offers Youth Curriculum programs:
- School groups and other youth groups — eight (8) week or 12-week program
- Adult eight (8) week or 12-week program
- Veterans & Civil service workers program eight (8) week
- Corporate program and workshops
- Women’s workshops Called Trailblazers on Fire. This is a two-part workshop that is designed to empower women.
The next Trailblazers on Fire program begins May 20th.
For information on the programs offered at Free Rein Equine Assisted Learning Facilitation Center, visit the website
or check us out on Facebook.com.
Folks are welcome to Call Free Rein Equine Assisted Learning Facilitation Center at 250.442.6113 or they can email at rebeccahorkoff@gmail.com
