Heart Lake Farm

Living, learning and healing with horses

WHERE THE HERD

is our heart

Located on Vancouver Island in the traditional homelands of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations, Heart Lake Farm provides space for accessible and inclusive health and learning services in a farm based setting. Our very special horses, goats and chickens have been chosen for their skills and their joy of being partners to us humans.

Our Programs & Services

For the most part, programs and services offered at Heart Lake Farm are delivered by our two partner organizations Together in Stride and Human Nature Counselling Society. A few independent specialists also offer one-on-one counselling sessions and relational horsemanship experiences at Heart Lake Farm.

Learning
with Horses

Equine-Assisted Learning is an experiential learning program that teaches essential life skills such as communication, compassion, teamwork and leadership through group activities with horses. Programs and workshops are offered by our partner Together in Stride.

Therapy
with Farm Animals

Heart Lake Farm provides space for individual, family and group mental health services focused on relationship-building, wellness and post-traumatic growth through the connection with animals and the natural spaces around us. Therapy group programs and individual counselling sessions are offered by Human Nature Counselling Society and some private counsellors.

Bespoke
Experiences

We are home to workshops, research projects, clinics and events as well as regular Alumni Days, where past participants can return for time with their hooved teachers. Please contact us directly for more information.

 

HORSES ARE

remarkable teachers

Why horses? They provide honest and instant feedback, are always communicating and quick to forgive. Being around horses motivates us to be truly present and intentional. We can’t be happy and healthy unless they are as well- through caring for the herd, we learn to care for ourselves.

Certified by:

  • “EAL revealed some interesting food for thought about my own leadership style and how I approach new team members and things that intimidate me.”

  • "The team was fantastic. I felt at ease with them right away. I always felt welcomed and valued - that what we were doing and experiencing was positive. They were so encouraging."

  • “You provided a warm environment, the horses all seemed very content and happy to participate which is very important. The program was well organized and executed, and never failed to surprise us every time.”

  • "I’ve learned a lot about myself and my communication style. There was a big emphasis on teamwork and trust which I really enjoyed."

  • “Spending time with horses and a therapist has helped me learn how to slow down. I am kinder and more observant of those around me. I’ve learned how my energy affects others and am more optimistic about my relationships.”