About us.
Our philosophy is simple: Working with Horses to improve People's Lives!
Focused on building self-awareness, confidence, reducing anxiety and so much more, we are a life skills development program through which we provide an empowering experience with the help of our horses.
Our programs are based on the researched and proven success of The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning’s Building Block ™ curriculum.
All Authentik Wellness Ranch facilitators are certified by Equine Connection International and accredited by The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning.
How does the Equine Assisted Learning Building Block program work?
This program aims at building a range of life and leadership skills through experiential learning with horses. Participants are assigned into small teams of two, three or four persons and one horse. Together, through positive interaction, skills development and teamwork, the team tackles various tasks to achieve a specific goal.
How do we guide you through the program?
Our qualified facilitators, together with our experienced and gentle team of horses, guide you and your group through each program. A facilitator leads the entire process and ensures that every team member is involved in some capacity throughout the activity. The role of the facilitator is not to direct or teach, but simply to guide the participants to discover their own way through the task.
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Each program has a specific objective and can be tailored to suit your personal, group or company goals.
Building Blocks are skills to recognize, learn and take with you! It all starts with "Understanding your Teacher" and then we build on.
Why are we different?
Our main point of difference? We have HORSES as teachers, and we can modify and adapt our programs to meet your specific objectives.
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All programs can be tailored in content, structure and duration to meet the specific needs of the participants. So, tell us where you want to go with this, and we’ll make it happen!
Why did we choose to work with horses?
Horses are acutely aware of their surroundings and react to external stimuli in a way humans easily recognize. They provide instant and honest feedback, which can be interpreted as a mirror of our own behavior.
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They are also herd animals and are seeking leadership. Their calm and assertive nature enables them to detect unusual behavior and clearly let us know if they are interested, bored or confused.
How does working with horses benefit participants?
The horse feels what is in your head, responds to what is in your heart and connects with your soul!
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In order to work through the tasks successfully with their horse, participants need to recognize, accept and adjust their feelings and behaviors. This can have positive and lasting benefits for their interaction with others, including social and family relations, colleagues, as well as on themselves in discovering how to be more self-aware and forgiving.
Horses make the activity engaging, fun, challenging, and truly memorable. In addition, the sheer size of a horse (400kg+) adds a presence and dimension to the group that cannot be translated into any office or work environment. This creates a powerful retention setting and sets it apart from any other learning experience.
What can a horse teach you that a human cannot?
Horses offer unique traits that have made them a top choice for animal-assisted programs.
According to experts, horses bring the following unique elements to the process:
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Horses are assertive.
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Horses cannot lie, judge or be politically correct.
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They cannot overthink a participant’s motive.
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Feedback is honest and offered instantly.
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Horses are keen observers, vigilant and sensitive to movements and emotions. They often mirror a behavior or emotions, conveying understanding and connection.
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Nature provides them with instincts and senses that are very astute.
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Horses help instill empathy and kindness in the participants.
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Horses have natural herd behaviors that require trust, respect and teamwork from all members of the team.
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Horses automatically respond to confusion and frustration.
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They lead through assuredness.
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They will bring out the best version of you.
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They will provide clarity and will help identify and cope with feelings and emotions.
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They will help increase the adaptability, distress tolerance, self-esteem and so much more…
Horses reach into your soul,
pull out the good
and heal what isn't