Spirit Winds Ranch

Spirit Winds Ranch is located just 20 minutes west of Cochrane, Alberta. Our ranch is a place of communication and understanding, where judgments are not made. We’re a non-riding facility that focuses on connecting with horses from the ground using Equine-Assisted Learning as our foundation (EAL). Our mission here is to offer the opportunity to explore horse-powered connections to at-risk kids and other marginalized groups, which in turn helps to encourage individual and team growth.

What is EAL:
Equine Assisted Learning, is a hands on learner based approach to explore individual and team growth. Students and horses are taken through a collaborative series of exercise to explore problem solving. These exercises are designed to encourage self-confidence and strengthen communication.

We have three type of volunteers:
Program Volunteers: Our group and school program volunteers help to supervise and make sure our programs run smoothly. Each volunteer goes through training [provided by us] and requires a police check before starting.

General volunteers: General Volunteers often work behind the scenes and usually don’t work with the horses directly; they contribute their time and expertise to tasks that are frequently overlooked, but are crucial in the operation of our programs and ranch. A few examples of their tasks would be: gardening, simple repairs, barn clean-up, and even crafts (for our graduation events).

Professional Maintenance Volunteers: There’s lots of projects that need doing around the ranch that require professionals. Help from professional carpenters, painters, and electricians is always appreciated!

Requirements:
-A love for horses, nature, and helping your community
-Completed Police Check if working with the schools
-Have an open mind and a willingness to learn. Spirit Winds Ranch provides training depending on the role.
-Must 18 years or older
-Youth volunteers 16-17 years old are permitted to volunteer with parental/guardian consent. Can only apply for general opportunities due to regulations.

Please visit our website for more information! https://spiritwindsranch.ca/