• Leadership & Teamwork Seminars and Workshops
  • Corporate/Business/Organizations/Schools - Adult
    • Spring 2008
      • Perrin-Bear Cattle Co.
        • ''The exercises were very eye opening in terms of how I interpreted the instructions and what I was aware of at the end when we debriefed. I also felt I became more aware of process in my everyday decision-making which I never critically look at but now understand clearer as a result of working through how I make decisions in the exercises. When I heard learning it didn’t sound as fun as it was, I was in it and learning as I was doing which for me works.'' Dick, male adult participant
      • D. Perrin Cattle Co. Ltd.
        • ''I know I have always had difficulty with my communication skills, I think the horses really make it clear to understand where exactly there are gaps in my giving instruction to others because we aren’t just talking about communication we are practicing it and it’s like the exercises help me work on understanding these old habits and construct new ones. I have been around horses all my life and never thought how I could apply the same principles of communicating with horses to how I communicate with people, at work and even with my family.'' Dennis, male adult participant
    • Summer 2008
      • Sask Power
        • ''(I) never thought about relating non-verbal communication to animals and people, but it is a large part of communication. I will pay more attention to how I communicate verbally and non-verbally now. What a nice group of people and a fun way to learn. I have built confidence in myself and my coworkers.'' SaskPower participant
        • ''When I first came to this course, I was reluctant to be around the horses. Once we started I calmed down and began to enjoy the leading of the horses and how you could silently make a horse do as you wanted. It taught me not to always just go with your original idea, to listen and trust your team. I think this will help in communicating with new employees and listen to other ideas from existing employees.'' SaskPower participant
        • ''I realize I am a verbal communicator despite being a relatively quiet person, probably need to improve on both types of communication. Instructors were knowledgeable, possibly could have given demonstration on that darn sidestep exercise. (The) course helped to think about difference in opinions on how to complete task at hand and it’s definitely harder to control a larger work group. Good Course. Thanks a lot.'' Ryan, SaskPower participant
        • '' found this to be the most interesting and beneficial training I have attended in the 11 years with SaskPower. It’s hands-on teamwork out of the ‘classroom’ atmosphere. I noticed that everyone here today participated. Participation in classroom training is never 100%. Attention and focus on what was happening was 100%, something I have never seen before. I really enjoyed myself and learned a lot. A very interesting way of learning. I would definitely recommend this to everyone and would enjoy more training.'' SaskPower participant
        • ''This was a great experience, I was able to relate everyday interactions with folks in the same way one interacted with the horses. Communication was shown to be key in every action that was required. It shows how when one deals with others that a lack of information could create an unwanted result or it would take a longer period of time to do the same task. Pushing or leading with too much pressure does not get any better results than to approach a little slower and being a little more consistent with the commands.'' SaskPower participant
        • ''My main observation was that a couple of the participants initially were somewhat nervous at the idea of handling the horses but with some coaching from co-workers and observing how easy it was they quickly overcame their fears and were quite relaxed after awhile. There is a lot of parallels that can be drawn between non-verbal (body language) with horses and with ones own co-workers. I might not have agreed with that prior to participating in the course today but I believe in a roundabout way that people can benefit from this only if they keep an open mind and a positive attitude about it. This not only applies to co-workers but to family as well.'' Kevin, SaskPower participant
        • ''I enjoyed working with my fellow co-workers, co-workers from different departments…after today I saw how they have such a personality and a sense of feeling. It was interesting on how things change when you can use touch, sight, verbal gestures, etc. Things do change a lot in every aspect and you can relate to similarities (in) work activities…all in all I enjoyed the whole in whole course. Thank You.'' SaskPower participant
        • ''Being a guy who has never had anything AT ALL to do with a horse before, I was a little apprehensive around the animals. However, after spending a day working with them, seeing how well trained and responsive they are, it was actually quite enjoyable. As to taking something back to the workplace, Trust is a HUGE FACTOR in our job, as well as Teamwork. This course relies on those two things immensely and one can see that the more work done together with clear thinking, the easier things become and the faster they get done.'' SaskPower participant
        • ''How much pressure you apply at certain times and situations can give you positive results. It was a day well spent with people with different levels of experience with horses. The instructors were knowledgeable in both horses and the horse aspect of the course. The facility was great. Thanks for a great day.'' Bill, SaskPower participant
    • Fall 2008
      • Kakisiwew School Staff, Ochapowace/Kakisiwew First Nation
        • ''I have been an administrator for the past 11 years. I have always had an issue with taking charge and being assertive in areas where I had to tell staff they were wrong or doing something wrong. Today was the first time in a non-crisis environment where I felt totally at ease with my leadership role.'' I have always been rock solid in a crisis…I will strive to maintain the level of confidence that I felt today in my daily administration duties. I was amazed how easily my staff took to direction that was clear and straight forward, I will try to continue this. Ron, Principal, Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''I learned that horses have different personalities and can be easier to work with, just like students in your classroom. I learned that they also like praise just like my students. Learning to work co-operatively was interesting and hard sometimes especially when we couldn't talk. It was also hard to be the leader and make sure everyone followed directions and watch for safety of others. I enjoyed the day!'' Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''I saw that horses can be a very valuable tool as a teacher. This has enlightened my perception on a few key areas of my work as teacher.'' Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''For a person that is not comfortable around horses it was phenomenal, I felt myself, my confidence around the horses was getting better and better. When I was asked to come my intentions were to just sit on the side and watch but I knew if the rest of the group was participating I was going to at least try, it was awesome. I see now how this can build confidence and leadership in anybody. The horses still freaked me out, I almost quit a few times. Meegwich.'' Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''This is a great way of team building. A good way of being aware of self, frustration level can be controlled when you need to stop and step back. Team building is very helpful when you work cooperatively and help one another to achieve.'' Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''Brain Power - excellent team building exercise! Good Job! Left arm and Brain and right arm! I think and feel this is a wonderful program! I would like to see some First Nation content! They use many Tipi Pole values for virtue! I would love to help or work with your organization. Keep in touch. We can see the changes in our students - Megwetch - Thanks.'' Rob, Teacher, Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''For a person in the midst of making life choices in major areas on my life I so appreciate the chance to be taught by horses. As of late I can see that I have been looking for an opportunity but ironically not taking them - I guess I need a bigger opportunity to feel secure. Thanks for facilitating this insight. As a teacher I can try to be more sensitive to my students' resistances and try to provide appropriate opportunities. Rhonda, Teacher, Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''(I was) skeptical at the start. (My) fear of horses was on my mind. (I) tried to act confident and face my fear. The fear soon subsided and I started to feel comfortable. When working with (the) horse and (a) younger boy (I) came to understand my personality. I am authoritative. But group work is something I enjoyed, I like the group work instead of working by myself. Leadership skills and problem-solving are things I am good at.'' Freida, Teacher, Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''This program is amazing. The horses truly respond when you respond to them. It will definitely benefit the interaction and learning to respond to different personalities. Well done, look forward to learning more about your program.'' Kakisiwew School Staff participant
        • ''Program seemed to benefit people who were unsure of their expectations.'' Kakisiwew School Staff participant
      • Ochapowace Human Services: Health Director, Community Health R.N., Mental Health Professional, WiChiHiSo, NNADAP, Community Health Rep., Home Care Manager and Aides, Home Care R.N.
        • ''I found that I was very assertive and wanting control. It makes you stop and think and understand what it was I was trying to communicate. As the brain, my arms were very responsive to me.'' OHS Participant
        • ''Great Stuff Guys! One day is not sufficient, maybe 2-3 days; get to know the horses…'' OHS Participant
        • ''My learning lesson today with the SELC is I am unique and different in my own way. I have given myself to learn about my boundaries…Teamwork is important to me, my job and other workers around me. In order to make progress teamwork is important. Thank you horses and team players!'' OHS Participant
        • ''I found this very interesting, learning about teamwork and thinking about what had to be done before trying to do [it], [thinking] before deciding'' OHS Participant
        • ''Very interesting experience...different leaders - different styles of leadership...showed lots of frustration…tone of voice from brain very much influenced team work, the bigger group more difficult to instruct.'' OHS Participant
        • ''Thanks for the lessons. They were quite interesting, I enjoyed every moment. I learned a lot!'' OHS Participant
        • ''I was afraid of horses, but today-it was a lot of fun! Learning to work together, [we] need to communicate to get anywhere. Groups I was in [were] really good. At the end of our activity, I was not scared of horses, [it was] a lot of fun. Thank for having us out here!'' OHS Participant
        • ''Working [is] different with horses [it] is very challenging, I was scared of horses at the beginning of our exercises, but after I got use to the horses, I found horses very peaceful [to be] around. I never was around horses at all. Very nice animals.'' OHS Participant
        • ''It was great! I wish we could have more time here. It is amazing what horses can teach you about the work environment and teamwork. I learned about the importance of clear directions and how I sometimes am not clear enough, here or at work. It showed me a way to make an improvement in my career.'' OHS Participant
        • ''I had a good time with peers and horses. I feel this is very good insight in working with people who don't always do what we expect them to do. I think this is an excellent therapy for all. I know [what] this will do and teach clients with addictions as well as youth. Thank you!'' OHS Participant
        • ''Program helps build confidence and makes you think about your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. I realized how easy your words can be misinterpreted. I realized that you have to give clear instructions because how you see things happening isn't always the way other people see things happening.'' OHS Participant
  • Organizations/Groups/Schools/4-H - Youth
    • Spring 2009
      • Weyburn 4-H Light Horse Club
        • ''I thought this program was very beneficial to the younger kids in terms of learning teamwork, communication, trust, and leadership. Which is great with the 4-H Club also trying to teach those things. It was very interesting to see how the younger kids think differently than the older ones. The exercises really show that how you act and feel affect how the horse acts and how they respond to you. The Blindmans exercise really enforces the clear communication and enforces that more information sometimes isnt as good as less with clearer explanations and it shows that if you are confident and precise with your actions and voice that people are more willing to take your instructions and value your opinion. I think it would be a very different propgram to watch with people that havent been around horses before or for troubled youth. I think it would be very interesting to watch. Overall I think its an awesome program for everyone who experiences it. You can never have enough patience or communication skills.’‘ Senior Participant comment
        • ''I had a great time. I liked all the activities and horses. I also like the facilitators. My favourite activity was the Blindmans Adventure. My favourite horse is Tigger, although they were all pretty and fun. I learned a lot. We all used teamwork as a 4-H club, patience with each other and the horses, and a lot of skills. I had tons of fun. I was really excited to come today. Thanks for the fun.'' Youth Participant comment
        • ''I like Sage.'' Child Participant comment
        • ''My favourite was the trailer ride. I like the horses.'' Child Participant comment
        • ''I really enjoyed coming here, it wasnt what I expected but I enjoyed it a lot. My favourite activity was the last one where we had to be quiet and really think about what everyone was doing and what the horses were thinking and feeling. I had a lot of fun and would love to know about other clinics and camps you organize.'' Senior Participant comment
        • ''This program would be exceptional for risk-youth in many of the inner city schools Ive worked in. I think those individuals would benefit greatly. It really reinforces many of the basic ideas of positive communication. I tried to refrain myself a bit to allow some of the younger kids to speak, etc. This was kind of hard for me to do. I think it was good for me to do this though because I may be overassertive sometimes??? It really made me think about when I should offer my opinion and when I should allow someone to think it through themselves. It really helped me to form suggestive questions to lead people somewhere, but not give them the answer. I would really like to have an entire day watching other people do the program who arent horse savvy. One suggestion maybe with older members? Would be to add more reflective sessions at the end of each exercise to make people really see the effects of their communications, etc. This [program] would also help relationship communication. If your doing this again Im sending my parents and entire family! Thank you very much. How would one go about learning to facilitate a program? It was Great! Thank you.'' Senior Participant comment
        • ''This program was lots of fun. My favourite exercise was the Blindmans Adventure. I never thought I would be leading a horse blindfolded. My favourite horse was Freckles. I had a great time on the trailer ride Wow you have lots of horses. I learned to think of the easiest way to get the horse to understand what we wanted. Other than that it was lots of fun and I like your big dog and your kittens.'' Child Participant comment
        • ''As an adult and parent I found the exercises interesting because it gave the group important life skills and lessons. The drills can be applied to their 4-H animals, but more important, these skills will follow them throughout life. Everyone needs to understand verbal and non-verbal communication and the consequences of their actions. This was a basic lesson which hopefully some of the members will apply to their everyday life. Thanks for the workshop and keep up the good work.'' Parent of Youth Participant
        • ''I dont have any feedback really because I enjoyed it all. My favourite horse was Freckles and Tigger because they are nice and quiet, but I dont know how they would be to ride. My favourite exercise was the blindfolded one because you were learning something and having fun at the same time. I really enjoyed it and I hope I can come back again!'' Youth Participant comment
        • ''My favourite horse is Sage'' Youth Participant comment
        • ''Help people. Stay away from colts. Dont go behind a horse you dont know. I like Honey because she ate the toilet paper. I like my teacher[the horse].'' Child Participant comment
        • ''The horses did good they were pretty and they listened good. My favourites were Sage, Jazz and Honey. The teams did awesome. My favourite part was being blindfolded and today and yesterday. The best part was marshmallows! Thanks!!!!'' Child Participant comment
        • ''I really like all the exercises on teamwork. My favourite exercises was the blindmans adventure. We all had to listen and give simple instructions. My favourite horse was Tigger because he was always calm. It worked real good in catch that horse and in the blindmans adventure. It was so cool when we went up on the top of the hill and saw fields and rivers.'' Child Participant comment
        • ''My favourite horse is Freckles and my secret favourite horse is Holly. I like the grooming exercise. It is funny when Freckles shows his teeth. Holly is old. Can you ride Holly anymore? Oh and is Freckles a boy or girl?'' Child Participant comment
      • SQRH Leadership and Teamwork Clinic & Funshow June 27&28
        • ''I thought it was really good and challenged you to think things through more, and communicate better. It was fun. It made you think lots.'' Youth Participant comment
        • ''I really enjoyed both days and I had a ton of fun. Thank you.'' Youth Participant comment
        • ''This was really awesome! I enjoyed the EAL alot. The only thing was that the first one was long but otherwise it was really fun. I enjoyed staying over and having the wiener roast! I enjoyed watching Taz destroy everything! The horse show was enjoyable except the odd buck.'' Senior Participant comment
        • ''I really liked the {Who's the Brain} game, it allowed us to interact with new people and also allowed us to teach each some tips we knew about horses. You learned about the other members skills and found out how they reacted around unknown horses.'' Senior Participant comment
        • ''I really liked the teamwork activities. It helped alot later on. The classes were really fun (especially jumping and bareback). I do wish it was longer because I met new friends that I will never see again probably.'' Youth Participant comment
        • ''We really had a good time. We learned some valuable communication skills.'' Senior Participant comment
• Individual or Group Programming for Youth and Students
  • Individual Life Skills Development Programs
    • Summer 2008
      • Melissa
        • ''It was so fun, thank you so much for everything. I learned so much. It was the best summer ever, I hope I can come back to visit” Melissa, female youth participant
      • Susan
        • ''They were well organized, very helpful, very good program. It really helped my granddaughter. Really good teamwork skills.'' Susan, grandmother of female participant
  • Life Skills Development Programs
    • Spring 2008
      • Cowessess Community Educational Center, Cowessess First Nation
        • ''During our time at the Sabre Equine Learning Centre, the students are engaged in the hands-on activities. Many have difficulty expressing themselves or sharing thoughts and ideas. It is a sign of success that the students remember the skills taught in previous lessons and use them in future lessons. The use of horses, as teaching tools, was highly motivating to the students. I doubt I could have found another program that would (have) held their interest so keenly while practicing the skills of teamwork, cooperation and communication. I would recommend this program, not only to Targeted Behaviour students, but to any classroom, it offers an experience that any child could benefit from.'' Therisa Sayer, Teacher
    • Fall 2008
      • Kakisiwew School, Ochapowace/Kakisiwew First Nation
        • ''Its you and the horse, if the horse has to trust you, you have to know the horse. The part I remember was working with a team of people. I would want everyone in school (to go) to this course.'' Caine
        • ''Having or showing patience, respect for others being able to put up with hardship, pain, trouble or delay without getting upset. The visit to the farm made me full of happiness'' Cameron
        • ''First of all Id like to say thank you to the Equine Staff for being so generous and nice to us. I've learned to communicate with horses and respect their space (and) also respect them. Horses are like people, they treat you the same way as people, they listen to you and react the same way. If your patient and respect a horse the horse will be patient and respect you back, this is the exact way it works with humans. It taught me virtues and how to be with my friends and family.'' Albertah
        • ''I learned to trust (my) partner and (my) horse. Like the time we had to get blindfolded, that was all about trust. It was the first time I have been around a horse so I was really scared, I had to trust them.'' Tyler
        • ''I learned that people are not perfect, like horses. (I learned) to trust (my) partner. It taught me to be gentle with horses and people. Thank you (Sabre)Equine.'' Kirk
        • ''Equine (assisted learning) was fun!! I enjoyed it and I learned how to respect a horse. It's pretty much like people, if you respect the people they will respect you back. I learned (to) work with other people, it was mostly all teamwork.'' Chase
        • ''I learned not to be afraid of horses because they are animals that can sense your feelings. If you are calm, they are calm. But I also learned that the horses are part of your team. Even though I couldn't stand the smell, I liked going to get close and become a trusted friend with the horses. Plus the people were nice and the horses were great!'' Dennis
        • ''I learned that working with horses is not only fun but a great hands on experience. I learned that not only do you have to be patient with horses but also with regular people. I also learned that you have to be calm and relaxed while around horses. You also need to be calm and relaxed while working with others to get the opportunity to work with others again. I would love to attend Equine (assisted learning) again next year to learn more about patience and working with others.'' Shennia
        • ''I learned you have to be respectful when around horses. I learned how to tie a knot, how to clean a horse with brushes and a hoofpick. What Ill never forget is that horses poop alot.'' Kim
        • ''I learned you have to communicate with the horses. I know how to put a halter on the horses face with a blindfold (on me). You have to use pressure and release to let the horse know what you want him to do. You have to be in control when you are with the horse.'' Brittney
    • Spring 2009
      • Chief Kahkewistahaw Community School, Kahkewistahaw First Nation
        • ''June 22, 2009: The best parts of the Horse Therapy program for the students of Kahkewistahaw Community School are as follows: halter breaking, round pinning, grooming a horse, leading a horse through an obstacle course, picking up code brown, and cutting horse hoof nails. The most amazing sight was seeing ponies in the pasture with their mothers. The students along with Miss Julie Gray and Ms. Karen Lerat enjoyed working with the instructors of the program, Mrs. Leanne Perrin-Bear and Ellen Thompson-Frick.'' Lianne Bird, Teacher & VP
      • Cowessess Community Education Center, Cowessess First Nation
        • ''I think my group was pretty deadly because my horse wasnt scared of me and she worked well with me. I thought the exercises were fun and good and I liked working with the horses. I learned that Im very good working with them and that I am self-confident.'' Female Teen Participant
        • ''Well, when I first came I kinda thought it was not so cool, and then when we started doing all these other exercises it was fun except for the one where you couldnt talk and all the other ones were fun and the thing I hated was that it smelled like poop and I learned how to put a blanket on the horse and put on a halter and Jazzy is a cool horse and I like seeing all those baby horses and the ones that were pregnant.'' Female Teen Participant
        • ''I really enjoyed me time with the horses and Gunner but the only thing I didnt like was that we did not get to ride the horses. I learned a lot with this experience, (it) was really fun. I learned better manners and not to give up if I dont get it right, right away.'' Female Teen Participant
        • ''It was fun working with the horses. I didnt like that we couldnt ride the horses, thats it.'' Male Teen Participant.
        • ''It was cool sometimes, I liked it but I didnt like the way they smelled. I learned Patience.'' Male Teen Participant.
      • Chief Kahkewistahaw High School, Kahkewistahaw First Nation
        • Coming Soon
    • Fall 2009
      • Chief Kahkewistahaw Community School, Kahkewistahaw First Nation
        • ''I, Jacky Alexson am the first participant for the Equine Learning group, However, its my 4th time being at Agribition with a school group. Its good to witness the students enjoying themselves seeing all the animals & exhibits. It is quite worthwhile to come to the Agribition being that Im quite intimidated by animals larger than me. But I enjoyed my time at the Agribition & how time flies.'' Miss Jacky Alexson, Teacher.
        • ''Ive noticed the children respond very well to the horses and helped the other children work with the horses who were experiencing the horse for the first time. So I think it built up their leadership skills. The children also worked well as a team.'' Teacher
        • ''It was nice. The horses were good. It was cool when the guys were jumping on the horses at Agribition.'' Male Adolescent Participant
        • ''Tony was my favorite, he was the smartest horse. I liked working in teams. I like the Agribition trip. I liked the chickens better than the stuntmen.'' Male Adolescent Participant.
        • ''I like the stuntman jumping on the horse. I liked working on the team stuff with Stephen.'' Male Adolescent Participant
        • ''I like when I got to ride the horse. Tony was my favorite horse.'' Female Adolescent Participant
        • ''I like the Agribition trip. I liked when I got to ride the horse at the ranch''. Female Adolescent Participant
        • ''I liked when I got to ride the horse at the ranch. I liked Agribition.'' Male Adolescent Participant
    • Spring 2010
      • Cowessess Community Education Centre, Cowessess First Nation
        • ''Hi, I had fun here, it was pretty good and I wish to come back again and thats all I have to say. Thank You.'' Male Teen Participant
        • ''(In the beginning of the program), I was scared even though I went last year, and the horse I got use to me, so I bet they were scared too? I felt okay (at the end of the program), Im not scared, Im used to them. The horses are friendly. I feel happy around the horses. I have a smile when I am around them. I learned a lot about horses, like how to groom them, running, walking, saddle them, face your fear AND I learned how not to be scared of the horse, having good respect. Having a good talent.'' Female Teen Participant
        • ''I felt kind of nervous about being around the horses (in the beginning). I felt good (at the end of the program) also a little bit scared of riding the horses, but now I know that horses need a lot of things. (The change I noticed in myself was) how I react around the horses and how I did things with the horses and how I get along with the horses. I learned a lot about horses. I learned that they need a lot of handling.'' Female Teen Participant
        • ''I was intimidated by the horses, not scared but just intimidated when I heard that they buck people. I wasnt intimidated by the horses towards the end I knew the horses reacted the way I would react so toward the end I was more comfortable about being around the horses. I notice not to be scared of animals because some react towards you the way you react. I learned how to be able to be comfortable around horses, how to clean and comfort a horse, how to saddle a horse and how to get on a horse and I learned about forgiving, empowered, contented and self-confident.'' Male Teen Participant
        • (In the beginning of the program), I felt like the horses were gonna run away when I walked to them. (At the end of the program), I felt like the horses trusted me more every time I came there and I like the horse Honey because of its color. I learned how to brush the horse, clean its horseshoes, put on the saddles, and the thing you steer the horse with, and to ride the horse and make the horse go reverse.'' Male Teen Participant
        • ''In the beginning of the program) I was interested in just riding the horses , didnt know what to think. I felt really awesome (at the end of the program) excited, happy, glad, it was an awesome feeling to work with the horse. I have learned how to groom when I worked with my beautiful Sage. (Changes I noticed in myself was) I felt really good when I was riding Sage at EAL, me and her connected real well when I was handling Sage well when we went through the pylons. I felt awesome when I was first riding Sage I thought I was the best at that time.'' Male Teen Participant
        • ''This program is truly an inspirational way to connect the students with different types of spirits they may deal with as young adults. Confidence is a tool that will help these young people throughout their life, time achievement and challenges. Thank you staff for an awesome time, and keep up the good work.'' Cowessess Staff Chaperone during program.
    • Summer 2010
      • Coming Soon