Equine Assisted Services
"Learning and healing through the spirit of the horse."
To encourage positive change, self discovery and personal growth partnering with horses...
Tansi
Welcome
Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch partners with our horses to offer equine assisted services.
We offer professional and personal development workshops and personalized programming for individuals, youth, couples, families, groups and corporations.
Please note we have changed our logo effective March 12, 2023.
History behind the name...
Yellow Thunder Horse
The ranch was established in 2020 and named after the owner's late grandson Osawastim Piyisiw, which means Yellow Thunder Horse in Cree. To honour him, the ranch was founded and offers learning and healing through the spirit of the horse.
What is Equine-Assisted Services?
What is Equine Assisted Services?
Equine Assisted Services is offering horses in support roles to an individual or group's growth development using horses as teachers and healers with specific objectives such as building relationships, learning about yourself, positive self-concept, building self-esteem, and life skill development. It is about mindfulness. It is hands on, and it teaches you to be in the moment.
Why horses?
Horses are herd animals that inspire our attention and presence. Horses are non-judgmental and non-biased, but provide that immediate feedback being present and, in the moment, reacting to our feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Therefore, it is the horse that is and will be our teacher and help us in our healing journey.
What We Have to Offer You - Programs & Workshops
Kiskinwahamakosiw Youth Program (Building Block Program)
This 13-week Building Block Equine Assisted Learning Program has a learning objective for each lesson. This successful Youth Leadership program was developed by Cartier Farms and consists of the following:
- Developing Relationships
- Basic Skills Development
- Learning About Self
- Interactive Negotiation Skills
- Common Sense
- Communication and Body Language
- Empowerment Through Trust/Respect
- Observation and Assertive Skills
- Listening vs. Hearing
- Having Choices/Making Decisions
- Plan, Team and Project Development
- Team Building
- Graduation & Demonstration
This program can be offered in six weeks with sessions twice per week. Day one, will include an opening prayer, introductions, Indigenous teachings, safety & handling. The last day, there will be evaluations of the program, a small graduation ceremony with a luncheon, and closing prayer.
The maximum participants per lesson/session is ten (10). Each lesson will be approximately 1.25 hours in length. A schedule that will work for a group or organization can be developed to meet your needs.
Refreshments of water, juice and healthy snacks are available during every session.
Cost: Contact the Ranch for a quote and customized schedule for your organization or group.
Family Day (5 - 6 hours)
Join us for a day of our horses teaching you communication, negotiation, trust and respect, planning and developing a project as a family while having fun as a family unit!
- Opening Prayer
- Introductions
- Safety and Handling
- EAL Exercise
- Teachings - Seven Sacred Teachings & Roles in a Family
- Tipi Talks
- BBQ Supper
- Closing Prayer
Cost: Contact for a quote (up to 8 participants)
Date Night (3 hours)
Spend an evening with your partner and our horses on the ground navigating obstacles learning to communicate, working together to earn trust and respect, and self-discovery, all while having fun!
Sample agenda:
- Opening Prayer
- Dice-breaker
- Safety and Handling
- EAL Exercise
- Romantical Supper
- Seven Sacred Teachings
- Closing Prayer
Cost: $375
Ladies Night (3 hours)
Spend a fun evening with your friends or sisters routing through obstacles learning to empower one another!
Sample agenda:
- Opening Prayer
- Introductions
- Safety and Handling
- EAL Exercise
- Teachings - Women's Roles
- Tipi Talks
- BBQ Supper
- Closing Prayer
Cost: Contact for a quote (minimum 2 - 12 participants)
Men’s Night (3 hours)
Spend an evening with your friends or brothers navigating through obstacles learning to communicate and make good decisions!
Sample agenda:
- Opening Prayer
- Introductions
- Safety and Handling
- EAL Exercise
- Teachings - Men's Roles
- Tipi Talks
- BBQ Supper
- Closing Prayer
Cost: Contact for a quote (minimum 2 - 12 participants)
Indigenous & Cultural Competencies Workshop (5 - 6 hours)
This workshop is specific to bringing about cultural understanding to those that have little or to no knowledge about the issues Indigenous people face today. Be prepared to have your heart and eyes opened!
Sample agenda:
- Opening Prayer
- Introductions
- Safety and Handling
- Indigenous Teachings
- Cultural & Diversity Awareness
- Lunch (provided)
- Spirit Walk with the Horse
- Tipi Talks
- Closing Prayer
Cost: Contact for a quote (minimum 6 to a maximum of 12 participants)
Team Building Workshop (5 - 6
hours)
We offer an interactive and fun team building workshop with the objectives of learning better communication, collaboration and cooperation!
Sample agenda:
- Opening Prayer
- Introductions
- Ice Breaker (fun & interactive)
- Safety and Handling
- EAL Exercise (specific to Team Building)
- Traditional Hand Games
- Lunch (provided)
- EAL Exercise (specific to Team Building)
- Health Break
- Seven Sacred Teachings &/or Traditional Family Kinship & Roles
- Closing Prayer
Cost: Contact for a quote. (minimum 6 participants)
Leadership Workshop (5 – 6 hours)
Learn communication, empathy, confidence, and acceptance. Let the horses teach you these powerful attributes!
Sample agenda:
- Opening Prayer
- Introductions
- Ice Breaker (fun & interactive)
- Safety and Handling
- EAL Exercise (specific to Leadership) Traditional Hand Games
- Lunch (provided)
- EAL Exercise (specific to Leadership)
- Health Break
- Seven Sacred Teachings & Leadership Roles
- Closing Prayer
Cost: Contact for a quote. (minimum 6 to a maximum of 12 participants)
Children Birthday Parties & Pony Rides (3 hours)
We host birthday parties for children ages 10 and under with fun activities and pony rides. Safety is important to us, therefore, when children ride the pony or horse they must wear a helmet. Parent(s)s or legal guardian(s) of birthday child must be in attendance and assist with the activities.
Sample agenda:
- Safety and Handling
- Scavenger Hunt
- Seven Sacred Teachings
- Lead Pony/Horse Rides
- Crafts & Free Play Time
- Birthday Meal & Gift Opening
Cost: $250 for 4 children. $25 per child thereafter up to a maximum of 12 children. (Price may be subject to change which depends on the number of children, and type of meal. You supply the cake. Call for more information).
Basic Horse Handling (3 hours)
This program will teach you the basics of horse handling and safety. There is no riding involved.
Sample agenda:
- Introductions
- Safety and Handling
- Parts of the Horse
- Horse’s Body Language
- Grooming and Grooming Supplies
- Health Break
- Tying and Leading
- Catching Your Horse
Cost: $100 per person (1 to 4 participants per session)
Family Program (6 - 8 weeks - sessions 1.5 - 2 hrs per session)
This program is personalized depending on the family dynamics.
With horses as the teacher the family will work on building healthy relationships, compassionate communication, self-discovery, values, learn seven sacred & spirit of the horse teachings, and horse handling and safety. A family member may also take a horse on Spirit Walk at each session.
There is no riding involved.
It can become emotional, but it is fun and interactive.
We have a registered counsellor available if needed.
Cost: Contact the Ranch for more information. (Minimum of 4 participants to 8)
Any of the programs can be personalized to meet the needs of individual, group or organization. The programs are available now!
*We offer the programs Monday to Friday, however, if weekends work best we can accommodate you.
We are closed civic holidays, and statutory holidays.
* Due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies times and days may be subject to change, but we will make every effort to reschedule to a suitable date and time. However, we do have a cancellation policy in effect for no shows or cancellation of program.
* Prices are subject to change depending on the personalized programs, and if we are required to travel to offer the programming at another location other than the Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch in Whitewood.
* A 50% deposit is required for all programs with the remaining balance payable on or before the end of the program, or workshop.
* We do not want to turn anyone away, therefore, we will make every effort to work with your budget.
For more information, please contact Lois (Chooch) Taypotat (306) 735-1380 or at yellowthunderhorseranch@gmail.com
If you cannot come to the Ranch for the programs, we can arrange to offer the programs near you subject to facility availability near you.
Prices will be subject to change for mobile services.
Contact us for more information.
Cancellation Policy and Testimonials
NO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR CANCELLATIONS
NO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR CANCELLATIONS
NO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR CANCELLATIONS
Due to missed sessions (no shows) and late cancellations on sessions we will be implementing a No Tolerance Policy for Cancellations.
Please bear in mind that it take time to plan, reschool the horses, set up equipment, load horses and transport to an indoor arena in the winter months.
- If an individual, group, family misses/cancels a session without just cause within 24 hours of the session, they will still be required to pay for that missed session.
- If the Ranch needs to cancel session(s) we will make up the session(s), or we may also credit on a future invoice. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hour notice will be provided.
- If an individual or student will be away for a length of time (i.e. family vacation, school commitments) then the individual or student will not be charged for the missed session provided there is at least seven business days' notice for the dates the individual will be away.
- For individuals, students, families or groups who have current paid-for or prepaid a deposit for programming at the former pricing, we will be continuing with those programs until the program is done. Once the previous program is completed the individual, student, group or family will be transitioned to our new pricing effective January 1, 2023.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the Ranch (306) 735-1380.
To book programming, or for inquiries please call or email yellowthunderhorseranch@gmail.com
We thank you for your continued business and support!
Testimonials
NO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR CANCELLATIONS
NO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR CANCELLATIONS
Team Building Workshop Testimonials
"I loved the entire day! Thank you so much for making me think outside the box! Can't wait to do it again!"
"Will recommend to any organization."
"Very good facilitators!!"
"Time well spent."
"I'm grateful to have the time with co workers away from the school, spiritual walk was a good healing."
"Opened my eyes to communicate much better."
"Very impressive, really enjoyed the day. Awesome facilitators. Very happy with the outcome."
"The workshop helped me look at myself and my level of communication."
"I would so highly recommend this to every dept in our band office and school."
"Very supportive, no judgement, welcoming."
"Such an amazing experience."
"It was very effective."
Our Team
Lois (Chooch) Taypotat, OWNER/FACILITATOR
Chooch is from the Kahkewistahaw First Nation and the owner of Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch. She is a certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator through Cartier Farms and is a member of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation. She is certified in Red Cross Psychological First Aid - Self-Care & Caring for Others, and First Aid CPR-C, & AED. She graduated from Lakeland College with her Business Administration diploma and is a certified Lands Manager. She also has her Food Safety & Handling certificate by the Canadian Institute of Food Safety. Chooch is currently studying for her certification in Reiki Levels I, II, & Master course, along with Animal Reiki.
She grew up on her family's mixed farm raising crops, cattle and horses. She comes from a rodeo family raising and training quarter horses for rodeo events. Chooch began riding horses at an early age, competing in rodeos in the goat tying, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping events. She has over 38 years working with horses, and she recognized that the horses having a special healing ability. Her dream was to always own her own ranch and help others to personally develop and grow. She and her team are sharing their passion and commitment with others to experience the horse's healing spirit.
Melinda Alexson, BISW
Melinda is from Kahkewistahaw First Nation. Melinda earned her Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work Degree in 2007 from the First Nations University of Canada (FNUC). Melinda has both personal and educational experiences, working with families, communities and children, various organizations, and communities. Melinda takes pride in empowering, strengthening, advocating, and assisting when ever the need arises. Melinda is currently working on attaining her Master of Social Work with the UofR. Once complete, Melinda will continue her focus on children and youth, because she believes it is important to emphasize on their health and overall well-being, since they are the future.
Louis Taypotat, Elder
Louis is a well respected leader and elder of Kahkewistahaw First Nation. In his lifetime, Louis worked in the federal community pastures, and started his rodeo career in the early 60's competing in the prairie provinces and into the United States achieving many Calf Roping championships. To carry on his rodeo and ranching way of life, he supports, mentors, promotes, and teaches his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Louis has received awards for his dedication and building of the sport of rodeo.
Louis also served the Kahkewistahaw First Nation for 35 years which he began as a Councillor and later as Chief. For many of these years, family have shared him with the people of Kahkewistahaw. His heart is always with his people and to ensure the Nation progressed. Under Louis’ leadership, there are many successful ventures on the Nation lands. He was also honored to have the First Nation Rodeo & Equine Centre named after him.
As a leader, Louis possesses strong values and compassion for his people. He is an advocate for treaty rights and protection. He practices his Cree language, culture and traditions, which is incorporated into his leadership ability as a visionary. Louis is an advocate of education and training. He is always willing to share his traditional and cultural knowledge and spirituality with those that want to listen.
FAQ
How can horses help me if I am scared or nervous around them?
The horses in our program are evaluated and schooled. We make every effort to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected. Sessions may be customized to ensure your comfort level. You may find that as the session(s) progress that you will feel comfortable around the horse(s) and overcome your fear to the point that you will be able to touch them. Previous horse experience is not required, and there is no riding involved.
Will I benefit from your program, if I am experienced with horses?
We are certain you will benefit! In your experience with horses, you are already familiar with their behavior and the feedback they offer you when you work with them. The experience may help you to understand horses on a deeper level and help you with your personal and professional development.
Do I get to ride a horse?
There is no riding of the horses involved in Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programming. It is handling and leading the horses through a set of obstacle courses to learn certain objectives.
However, riding lessons can be arranged. Contact the Ranch for more information.
What should I wear around horses?
Appropriate clothing is recommended for the weather. Open toed and crocs are not allowed. If you have inappropriate footwear, we have boots that you may borrow for the session. Helmets are required to be worn if under the age of 18.
In the winter months, we have lessons in an indoor arena, but you still have to dress for the weather.
What happens in a session?
All lessons and sessions take place on the ground with a certified equine-assisted learning facilitator, assistant, and horses or ponies. The sessions can be customized to the specific needs of the individual participant or the group or organization. Sessions are with the horses that include exercises with halters, lead ropes, tethering, and equipment such as poles, pylons, hoola hoops, tarps, and other obstacles that you and the horses navigate through and over, subject to the objective of the exercise. The work with the horses and the individual or group involves body, emotion, and mindfulness through reflective sessions, journaling, body scans, and grounding. There is no riding the horses. We encourage the participants to take a spiritual walk with the horse.
What professional training do the YTHR facilitators have?
Chooch is a certified Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) facilitator through Cartier Farms. She has a lifetime experience with horses. Chooch is also a member of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation. She has her Psychological First Aid through the Red Cross, and also has her Business Administration, has worked for years in Lands & Resources, and is currently studying her Reiki levels and Animal Reiki.
Melinda is our in-house counsellor providing her services where needed. She has several years' experience working in her profession. She possesses her BISW, RSW, and working on her Masters in SW.
Our Elder Louis is a well-respected leader across Canada who committed most of his life to the people advocating for protection of the Indigenous Treaty rights, knowledgeable in culture and traditions.
Melinda is a registered Social Worker and is working on her Masters. She has spent many years in child and family services, and as a counsellor in a technical institute.
There are other experienced team members that assist with the workshops. This depends on the needs of the individuals or groups.
We are all committed to continuing education and training and helping with your personal, professional and spiritual development.
Our insurance is provided through Capri Insurance.
Is the Ranch open year round?
Yes, we are open year-round. We offer our services near an arena near you subject to availability in the Fall or Winter. We will adjust for weather conditions such as very cold, snow, high winds, or heavy rain. There are times where we may have to postpone and reschedule, but we will make it work!
We also board horses, provide a Horse Motel, and an RV electrical hookup if you need an overnight camping spot.
What is the Building Block Program™?
It is a proven Equine Assisted Learning Curriculum of objective-based exercises. The Cartier partnership spent 10 years researching the lasting benefits of EAL and hundreds of hours developing a user-friendly, flexible, teachable curriculum that others could learn and implement at a facility of their own. Each exercise builds on the skills of the last and is carefully designed to deliver on specific learning objectives through interactive group engagement with horses.
Is there research to validate this program?
There have been 2 independent studies conducted to validate the effectiveness of the Building Block Program™. The first was done with Cartier Equine Centre Partnership in 2013 with the Universities of Regina, Saskatchewan and Calgary. Cartier Farms EAL Centre has continued to pursue 3rd party validation to inform program improvements and development. A more recent study in 2016 by McMaster and the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan showed that EAL outcomes supported the 4 stated objectives including building relationships, learning about self, positive self-concept and client life skill development.
Who is Cartier Farms?
Cartier Farms EAL Centre is in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and is owned and run by Gayle Cartier, Daryl Cartier with Janice Boucher and Roger Boucher. Formerly known as the Cartier Equine Centre, these are 4 of the original CEC partners and the founders of the Building Block Curriculum. Gayle & Janice are the true masters of EAL and have been running programs since 2000. They created the Building Block Program™ with the CEC partnership to help others learn how to run this valuable program and bring it to their own community.
Is there funding available to take the programs or workshops?
We can assist your organization or First Nation with an application for our services.
Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch is a registered Vendor with ISC-Jordan's Principle.
Grants are available under:
Jordan’s Principle
visit
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1568396296543/1582657596387#sec5for
Indigenous Community Support Fund
visit
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198#sec3
This fund provides Indigenous leadership and organizations with the flexibility needed to design and implement community-based solutions to prevent, prepare and respond to the spread of COVID-19 within their communities. These funds can be used for measures including, but not limited to:
- support for Elders and vulnerable community members
- measures to address food insecurity
- educational and other support for children
- mental health assistance and emergency response services
- preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Our Lesson Horses
Creamsicle
Creamsicle is a three year old chestnut mare that stands 37 inches tall. She loves apples, carrots, and other yummy treats. She is like a child wanting attention and is very astute to the energy of the person handling her. She will kiss you if you show her love and ask nicely.
Buck
This three year old big guy Buck is a dark bay gelding who is a whopping 42 inches tall. He also likes apples and carrots, and kisses. He is mischievous and loves being groomed.
Deuce
Deuce is a 25 year old gelding. He is a retired tie down and breakaway horse. He is a well natured fella and is a great teacher. He is patient and will do what you ask of him. We also use him for riding lessons.
Dez
Dez is a fourteen year old miniature paint. He is shy at first but somewhat curious lil' fella that likes to prance around like he is a prince. He is lovable when he warms up to you!
Benny
Benny is a six year old strawberry roan gelding. He is a lovable guy that loves attention and snacks. He can be alert and responsive to your feelings. He will give hugs!
About Us
We are Unique
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
- Our team has over 75 years combined experience in their competencies.
- Chooch is a certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator certified by Cartier Farms who are backed by the Home of the First Independent EAL Research Study in Canada.
- Melinda is a social worker with years of experience working with and counselling children, adults, and f
- Our team has over 75 years combined experience in their competencies.
- Chooch is a certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator certified by Cartier Farms who are backed by the Home of the First Independent EAL Research Study in Canada.
- Melinda is a social worker with years of experience working with and counselling children, adults, and families.
- Louis is a respected elder and long time serving leader in his community.
- Chooch is a member of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation.
- Share Indigenous & Cultural teachings.
- Counselling may be offered upon request.
- Follow up.
- Evaluation by the participants.
- We host children's birthday parties and pony rides.
- We are interactive and fun!
We also offer horse boarding, horse motel services, tipi camping & cookouts!
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
As Indigenous people we are known as the “horse people” and have that special connection with the horses.
We are Indigenous, we are mothers and grandparents, we have experienced trauma, we are survivors of Indian Residential School & Day Schools, second and third generation survivors of Indian Residential School, we can relate, and we c
As Indigenous people we are known as the “horse people” and have that special connection with the horses.
We are Indigenous, we are mothers and grandparents, we have experienced trauma, we are survivors of Indian Residential School & Day Schools, second and third generation survivors of Indian Residential School, we can relate, and we care.
We offer Indigenous & Cultural teachings, and utilize our knowledgeable Elders.
You can feel safe with us and our horses.
We provide mobile services for groups such as culture camps and retreats - if you cannot come to us, we will come to a facility near you.
Give us the opportunity and we will prove to you that the equine program works!