About Grand River Ranch
Grand River Ranch has been a sole proprietorship since 2017 as an approved Non-Government Organization with the Province of Prince Edward Island. The Department of Social Development and Housing refers and supports clients of the Accessibility Program and Children in Care to life-skill based ranch/animal programs. The programs also host those supported by Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, Lennox Island Health Center and the Jordan’s Principal Program. Programs are facilitated by Heather Blouin BPE, BSW, RSW, an instructor with the Certified Horsemanship Association and an Equine Assisted Learning facilitator along with her team. Memberships include: Prince Edward Island Association of Social Workers, Standardbred Canada, The American Quarter Horse Association and Island Horse Council. The strength based programs offered at Grand River Ranch are equine focused with the goal of helping people succeed. Successful projects with the Province include Skills PEI and Rural Job Initiative where employees were offered continued employment beyond the programs. While being employed elsewhere as a full-time Social Worker, Heather engaged two participants at the ranch. This unique niche resulted in growth to dozens of participants weekly and 12 months of the year.
Why Horses?
It is no secret that horses consistently react to stimulus provided by their environment and the participants present in the here and now. Their feedback is honest and instant. The greatest joy associated with caring and interacting with horses is they don't judge but constantly assess. Learning to listen to what horses have to communicate about their comfort level with a person is powerful. This unspoken equine magic is the stimulus for specific psychological and physiological changes.
RIDING FOR OUR BRAND
At Grand River Ranch we believe in having an environment that nurtures; Inclusiveness, non judgement, positive teaching, listening to what the horse has to say and being participant centered. We value and ensure; Confidentiality, navigating conflict, navigating tough conversations and using proper terms and language skills.
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an effective approach to human development that encourages individual and team growth. Participants engage in objectively driven exercises and find themselves learning valuable life skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere while working with horses. EAL is proven to be effective, powerful, positive, educational and creative. The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning's program emphasizes its building-block curriculum of promoting life skills through positively reinforced interactions with horses. Exercises are developed to encourage self confidence through validated, hands-on experiences. Current research has found this experiential form of learning if most effective.
The Benefits of Equine Assisted Learning...
- Improves personal awareness.
- Encourages verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Teaches empathy and willingness to accept responsibility.
- Promotes patience when a team member needs support.
- Immediate honest feedback from cause and effect situations.
- Develops an appreciation for differences and diversity.
- Invites fellowship and fun.
- Inspires impulse control and improved decision making skills.
- Advances ones ability to be smart risk takers and fair minded team players.
- Assists participants their understanding of the benefits of being in a supportive team.
Our High Standards
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Our team follows the Certified Horsemanship Association, Cartier Farms: Equine Assisted Learning, PATH, and the National Farm Animal Care Council. Our practices are based on written policies and procedures to assure that all standards in the key areas are followed: Administrative, Facility, Equine Management & Care, Activity, and Service Related. We welcome any discussion and questions regarding
our Standards as we aim to give the highest level of quality service.
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