The Equine Team

(the teachers)

Spirit

June 10th 2003 - is a block horse gelding. He's the property greeter and loves to say hi to everyone. Spirit seems to have found his place with teaching adults! He's an amazing teacher and participates in our adult programs.

Mohawk

May 1996 gelding. Mohawk loves water and then loves to roll in the dirt! He is proficient at scratching his belly on the ground - real treat to watch!! He really loves the attention from the kids.

Sage

Sage is a loving and gentle addition to the Little Oasis herd. She is a 2002 registered Appendix who is super athletic, energetic, and excited to work in the EAL program. Sage learnt the program in 3 weeks, observing over the fence - a quick study! Sage has a gentle approach - she is kind and fair.

Coby

Coby is a 2003 AQHA gelding that jumped into my trailer when I was in Alberta saying "I want to do this work!" This lovely soul belongs to a kind, generous woman who is happy to share this gentle being with us. Coby loves attention, and will eagerly follow humans at will. He has a loving curiosity and is happy to teach any human he comes into contact with.

Stiletto

Stiletto is a big beautiful percheron/quarter horse. She is a kind sensitive mare and loves working with people. Her loving yet assertive nature make her a great teacher.

View Our Former Staff

Retired Equine Teachers

Why Horses?

In a horses world, the rules are clear, easy to understand and consequences are dealt with swiftly. Nature provides them with astute senses and instincts. Horses can discern the difference between a calm non-threatening approach and anxious, nervous energy or a threatening body posture.
Their survival depends upon it!

Horses require strong leadership and are willing to follow, but only after they find respect and trust. If we provide contradictory behaviour, they will question and challenge our authority to lead.
Horses respect the stringent outline of the hierarchy.

In a horse's world, team work is respected and expected. Horses respond favourable to positive stimulus and respect FAIR consequences. They are tough and steadfast dance partners; they don't judge, but they don't forget. They don't let you cheat and their feedback is honest.

Horses are in the present moment; they do not judge.

“I believe that horses bring out the best in us. They judge us not by how we look, what we’re wearing or how powerful or rich we are, they judge us in terms of sensitivity, consistency, and patience. They demand standards of behavior and levels of kindness that we, as humans, then strive to maintain.”
~ Clare Balding