At La Esperanza, we work with children, families, and adults who are seeking peace, confidence, and connection — often after feeling stuck, anxious, or unseen in traditional settings. Our clients include: • Children and Teens who struggle with anxiety, confidence, or emotional expression and need a safe, natural space to feel calm and understood. • Parents and Families who want to strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and reconnect through meaningful experiences in nature. • Adults and Educators who are navigating burnout, change, or emotional fatigue and long for a grounded, restorative space to breathe and grow. Many of the people who come to La Esperanza have tried other supports but are still searching for something real — something that helps them feel different. Through Equine-Assisted Learning and hands-on interaction with our horses, we offer that difference: A calm environment, the non-judgmental presence of animals, and opportunities to learn and heal through connection, not pressure. Our programs range from children’s pony clubs and birthday experiences, to family workshops, mother-daughter and father-son sessions, and women’s or couples’ retreats — all built around emotional well-being, personal growth, and the quiet wisdom of horses. Whether you’re a parent hoping your child feels seen, a family wanting to reconnect, or an educator seeking calm and clarity, La Esperanza is a place where hearts slow down, confidence grows, and joy begins again.

Equine Assisted Learning is a learner-based educational, experiential experience with horses. More specifically, it is an effective approach to human development that encourages individual and team growth. Participants engage in objectively driven exercises. They find themselves learning valuable life skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere while working with horses. Exercises are developed to encourage self-confidence through validated, hands-on experiences. Equine Assisted Learning has proven to be useful, powerful, positive, educational, and creative. *This educational video is provided by our certifying body, Equine Connection – The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning.(https://equineconnection.ca/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) We are sharing this to help you better understand the structure and concepts of our programs and workshops. https://vimeo.com/1115900836/d0471154c3?fl=ml&fe=ec

In a horse’s world, everything is straightforward. The rules are simple, and if those rules are challenged, horses respond quickly and clearly. As a prey animals, their instincts are sharp – it’s how they survive in the wild. They’re always tuned in to their surroundings and notice even the smallest movements or changes in body language. Horses can tell the difference between someone who is calm and someone who is anxious or unsettled. They’re sensitive to when people are not in alignment with their thoughts and actions. When we understand how horses naturally think and react, we can adjust how we work with them and become empowered to make those shifts in our own lives!

No, this is not a horseback riding program. Our programs are all done on the ground alongside the horse, there is no horseback riding involved.

No, and that’s what makes it so unique. This isn’t therapy. This is life skills development. You won’t be asked to talk through your past or label your experiences. Instead, the horse and facilitator help guide you to your own insight through real, in-the-moment learning. Many people do find it deeply therapeutic, but the transformation comes from your own inner discoveries, not from being told what to do. *Note: Our programs can pair beautifully with other therapeutic supports if you’re working with a professional, but they stand strong on their own. It’s a natural fit offering clients a powerful, hands-on way to apply what the skills they’ve been working on.

No, our programs do not require you to have prior experience. We will provide an in-depth orientation and always have a facilitator present in the arena to ensure your safety. Our number one goal is always to put safety first, and we will accommodate your comfort level around the horses.

Sessions at La Esperanza are held outdoors, so we encourage participants to dress comfortably for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes. Layers are best, and clothes that can get a little dusty or muddy are perfect.

Knowing is half the battle! We recommend bringing an antihistamine with you, as we do not carry any on-site.

Yes! We have been trained by and are certified through Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning,(http://equineconnection.ca/) and backed by The EAL Network (https://www.ealnetwork.com/)a leading organization in this specific skills development program with horses. Additionally, we carry extensive liability insurance. https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c78015_6d6ca99a8cdd456ca5c0f6a261dbfc9a~mv2.png Tamara is the Equine Assisted Learning's program designer. Tamara authored a number of EAL textbooks and EAL exercises now used at a number of the EAL educational facilities. Tamara was born and raised in the United States where she learned to ride in the Rocky Mountains. Her experience with horses comes from years of swimming Idaho's infamous Snake River and packing into the backcountry wilderness to camp, hunt, and fish. Professionally, MacKinnon has chosen to work in the field of program development and marketing where she attributes McDonald's Corporation with giving her the foundational skills necessary for her to find success with national business dealings. Tamara holds a Masters Degree in Marketing and Program Development, a Bachelors Degree in Criminology, and an Associates Degree in Education. Karina also holds certifications in: - First Aid & CPR/AED Level C (BL) - Ride For Joy: Healing Kids Through the Hearts of Horses through Mountain Horse School - Pet Care 101 - Training to Work in the Pet Industry - Horse Behaviour & Safety through Equine Guelph - University of Guelph (https://equineguelph.ca/)- Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness Level Training through Equine Guelph - University of Guelph(https://equineguelph.ca/)