Children and Horses

Horses have a special way of reflecting the feelings and energy around them, helping children learn about themselves in a natural way.

Benefits of Horse Time

Through guided interaction, kids build confidence, learn to communicate without words, and understand how their emotions and energy influence others — including their horse.

These experiences nurture self-awareness and empathy that carry into everyday life. Whether your child needs support with anxiety, social challenges, or self-esteem, our horses and caring facilitators provide a safe, inspiring space for growth and connection.

Activities can include:

reflective grooming, learning horse communication
taking a horse for a walk on the trails or into the forest
being with the herd in the pasture
feeding the herd

Youth in need of additional supports

For certain youth—those navigating complex family situations, involvement with child welfare, grief, or inter-generational trauma—horses offer a safe and non-judgmental presence. They respond to honesty, energy, and intention rather than history or labels. The farm is a place where youth can experience emotional safety, respect, and connection.

Programs are developed in partnership with organizations and agencies to complement existing supports for youth.
Together, we co-create meaningful goals such as building self-esteem, emotional regulation, communication skills, and healthy boundaries.
Each program takes place in a land-based, experiential setting that honours both culture and relationship.

Through consistent, ground-based activities like grooming, feeding, leading, and herd observation, youth practice trust, cooperation, and problem-solving in real time. These experiences have been shown to:

Strengthen self-confidence and coping skills
Improve social functioning and emotional well-being
Provide a valuable complement to counselling, mentoring, and cultural programming

A series of private sessions to meet individual goals can be arranged to align with available time and resources. Group sessions are also a possibility. Please contact us to arrange a consultation.

Children and youth with disabilities

For children and youth with disabilities—whether intellectual, developmental, or physical—horses bring a special kind of equality. They don’t see labels, diagnoses, or differences; they respond instead to presence, energy, and intention.

Horses naturally level the playing field by meeting each participant as they are in that moment. A child who moves, thinks, or communicates differently is welcomed by the horse with the same curiosity and acceptance as anyone else. This encourages inclusion, participation, and genuine connection.
Through simple yet meaningful interactions—such as grooming, leading, or feeding—children experience success and belonging that reach beyond their disabilities.

Each moment spent with a horse offers opportunities to build communication skills, emotional awareness, and a deeper sense of confidence.

Our programs ensure that every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of partnership, the pride of independence, and the calming comfort of being truly seen and understood by these incredible animals. There is no riding involved and no horse experience necessary. Horse Discovery qualifies for Passport Funding.

Read testimonials.

Collar of Duty Kids Filmed at Horse Discovery

Watch two of our clients as their stories are told by Collar of Duty - Kids, by Summerhill Media Inc. and aired by AMI Accessible Media International and TVO Kids.

Episode 1: Sam’s journey
See show how animals are making the world more accessible. Watch how Shaemus helps Sam push past their challenges of living with POTS, Autism, and ADHD,and reach their goal. If you’ve ever wondered how a horse can be a physiotherapist, this is your chance to find out!

Watch now

Episode 2: Claire
Start at 9 minute mark

Meet 10 year-old Claire, a girl on the autism spectrum who has gained confidence and self-regulation skills through FEEL Sessions at Horse Discovery.

Watch our miniature horse, Zorro, choose to work with Claire and agree to be led. This is not always the case with strong-willed Zorro!