Horse and peer supported trauma recovery & wellness that’s effective and completely different.
We’re passionate about serving those who serve others.
Please watch this video to hear from other public safety personnel:
“When they approached me with this program, Above & Beyond, I was thinking: this thing with horses, shovelling clouds and rainbows, whatever… I decided to give it a shot... Best decision I’ve ever made. In my entire life, this is the best decision I have made. Ever.
”
No riding, no trauma talk, and no need for a mental health diagnosis
very Small group format, maximum 5 participants
Delicious farm-to-table lunches prepared by Chef Aquila while at our scenic farm
Support that is confidential, effective, and completely different
We welcome you whether you're deeply struggling, or just looking for some additional wellness tools
“Lionheart”, pastel by Kim McElroy, is an important image in the work we do, helping us have the courage to feel and the willingness to act.
It’s no secret that maintaining wellness is one of the most difficult parts of the job as a first responder, public safety personnel, and/or military. So much so, that many of you have already gone on leave, or resigned.
We wouldn’t want to see you to step away from your job if you don’t have to. You desired to be of service and have a career working for the greater good, but the personal sacrifices of the job have taken their toll.
We can help you return to that career (if you choose), and stay in it to benefit from the retirement and rewards that you wanted and deserve. That’s why we created this program. You can keep your job and heal.
Or perhaps you’ve already stepped away. Whether you’ve retired, resigned, or are just not sure what to do, this program can help you move forward.
Access wellness tools with a new perspective that will transform your life and give you the sense of calm and peace you’ve been looking for. Explore all of this in a confidential, protected, and beautiful space with some of the best teachers and healers of all: Horses.
No horse riding, and no horse experience required.
who this program is for
Above & Beyond recognizes a wide spectrum of first responders.
This program is open to you even if you’re no longer in the field.
This includes:
Military & Veterans
Police Officers
Paramedics
Fire Fighters
Dispatchers
Correctional Services
Special Constables
Border Service Officers
Emergency Room Staff (Physicians, Nurses)
Social Workers
Funeral Directors
Programs will be available depending on funding availability and requirements.
Foundations of this program
Above & Beyond is strongly rooted in Polyvagal informed principles, and was created in collaboration with Dr. Rebecca Bailey and the Polyvagal Equine Institute (PVEI). It is also rooted in Connection Focused Therapy and Trainings, HeartMath research and bio-feedback, Eponaquest Worldwide certifications, and Linda Kohanov’s The Five Roles of a Master Herder. All aspects of our programs are created to help regulate the nervous system, and increase a sense of embodiment, empowerment and wholeness. This is accomplished through a combination of human/human, and horse/human experiences. Protected spaces, that are confidential, trauma informed and inclusive, allow participants to experience the safety and connection that we need and deserve to heal and grow. This program is always offered in partnership with a mental health professional.
Apply for this program and join our waitlist
If you want to participate in Above & Beyond, please apply by clicking the button below.
Joining our waitlist for this program does 2 very important things:
Ensures that you will be the first to be notified when a program opportunity becomes available.
Helps us secure funding to make more programs available.
Next Program
monday April 22nd - Friday April 26th
9:30am - 4:30pm
This will be a 5-day intensive, and is being sponsored by the Heroes Equine Learning Program, and will be offered with Lea Merkley, Registered Psychotherapist (Q).
Have questions? Contact us - we’d love to hear from you.
