Our Philosophy
All things are connected in the great circle of life - Chief Seattle
The magic of horses available for all
Equine Pathfinders Foundation was created to improve the wellbeing and success of individual children, youth, adults, and families, and the larger communities where they live, play, and work. Equine Pathfinders Foundation partners with organisations and their clients to achieve this purpose.
We also work with funders to underwrite programmes that allow many of those who otherwise could not engage with our horses and create positive change. It is the moving experiential nature of our work and its documented results that continue to bring people and funding to what we do.
We adhere to the standards of their professions and are personally and professionally committed to transmitting a high degree of cultural competence in their lives and in their work.
Herd Life - what a horse needs to thrive
In her book, A Lifetime of Soundness, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Hiltrud Strasser says that “most of the common health problems and lameness afflicting domestic horses are a direct result of man-made violations of their natural lifestyle, and can be prevented or cured through a removal of the cause and a return to natural lifestyle.”
In nature, horses are in virtual constant motion, foraging for food, moving to water, staying ahead of predators.
Conventional horse keeping has horses alone in stables when they much prefer to be out with the herd in wide open spaces where they can see predators coming. They are stood on soft bedding when their natural lifestyle is a preference for hard ground and virtually constant movement.
Browsing grasses and feeding hay at ground level, is the natural way for horses to eat - it keeps the respiratory system working properly.
Mother Nature designed horses to move ten to fifteen miles a day in the wild. When stood in one place to eat in a stable or small paddock their movement is severely restricted.
When horses are covered in rugs it confounds their natural ability to control their own internal body temperature. Shoeing eliminates the natural flexing of the hoof. The hoof in its natural state is designed to both cushion impact and pump blood through the hoof and back up the leg, taking load off the heart, providing a better circulatory system and better overall health. Bits in their mouth cause pain and interferes with the digestion/breathing process.
Sixty million years of genetics have embedded within the horse psyche that being with the herd means safety. Being away from the herd creates fear and emotional stress. Being in a stable or alone in a paddock does not replace the herd or give a horse a feeling of safety. Nor does it allow the opportunity for movement that makes for a much healthier, happier horse.
The Impact Horses Have On Humans:
Healing and Transformation
Horses have a profound and scientifically-backed effect on human well-being, particularly when it comes to stress reduction, emotional healing, and personal growth. When a person is under stress, the body produces high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This puts the body into a constant “fight or flight” mode, which, over time, can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and difficulty regulating emotions. For individuals who have experienced trauma, PTSD, or prolonged stress, these elevated cortisol levels can keep them in a state of heightened alertness, often without them even being aware of it.
The Healing Power of Horses
When we interact with horses, something remarkable happens on a physiological level. Horses emit a stronger electromagnetic field than humans, and their presence can have a calming effect on the human body. As a person steps into the horse’s field—whether through direct interaction or simply being in the same space—their body begins to shift. Blood pressure decreases, the heart rate stabilizes, and the overall feeling of tension and stress starts to melt away. This immediate physical response helps create an environment where healing can begin.
In addition to lowering cortisol levels, being around horses triggers the release of "happy hormones"—dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. These hormones are linked to feelings of happiness, connection, and relaxation. Oxytocin, known as the "bonding hormone," increases during human-horse interactions, fostering a deep sense of connection and trust. This chemical release helps to counteract the effects of stress, replacing the anxiety-driven pathways with those of calm, joy, and positive connection.
Neurological and Emotional Shifts
Horses have a unique ability to help the brain form new neural pathways. As we begin to associate positive, calming experiences with the horse's presence, the brain begins to rewire itself, reinforcing these new, healthy connections. This can result in the starvation or "reprogramming" of trauma-based pathways, helping individuals release deeply-held emotional blockages and break free from past trauma. This process fosters emotional resilience and creates new pathways for healthy emotional responses to life’s challenges.
The impact of horses on the human body and psyche is nothing short of transformative. In environments where humans and horses are allowed to connect authentically, healing begins at a profound level—emotionally, mentally, and physiologically. This is why the therapeutic approach with horses is so powerful, and why the presence of horses can be such a transformative experience for those seeking relief from stress, trauma, or emotional pain.
By interacting with horses, individuals can experience a deep sense of peace and grounding, which supports their journey toward healing and wholeness. Whether through equine-assisted intervention or simply spending time with these majestic animals, horses offer a unique and profound form of healing that touches both the body and the spirit.
Praise Based Learning
Horse-Inspired Learning: A Pathway to Growth and Transformation
At Dune Lakes Lodge Horse-Inspired Learning Centre, we are deeply committed to exploring and harnessing the power of praise-based learning through our unique and transformative interactions with horses. This approach focuses on using positive reinforcement to foster trust, collaboration, and growth—not just in horses, but in people as well.
Horses are incredibly sensitive and intuitive animals, capable of reflecting back the energy, intentions, and emotions of those around them. This makes them exceptional teachers for building strong interpersonal and leadership skills. At our centre, we use praise-based learning—a method where positive actions are celebrated and reinforced rather than focusing on mistakes or failures. This helps create a supportive, motivating environment where both people and horses thrive.
The Power of Praise-Based Learning with Horses
Praise-based learning with horses is grounded in the understanding that animals, much like humans, respond most positively to encouragement, rather than correction or punishment. Horses are incredibly receptive to non-verbal cues and can sense the emotional state of a person, making them ideal partners in teaching us about self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective communication.
By using the praise-based method we help individuals and teams build confidence, strengthen relationships, and encourage growth through positive action. This method allows participants to see the immediate impact of their behaviour, building trust and reinforcing positive outcomes both in their interactions with horses and in their personal or professional lives.
Building Trust and Confidence
Through our work with horses, we explore non-judgmental and authentic connection, allowing participants to build a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Horses naturally require clear communication, respect, and consistency, which are all core elements of praise-based learning. As participants work with horses, they learn how to give clear signals, how to remain calm under pressure, and how to develop trust—all essential skills for effective leadership and personal growth.
In this process, horses serve as mirrors, reflecting back any inconsistencies between words and actions. When individuals practice praise-based approaches, they learn how to be more present, aware, and compassionate in their interactions, both with horses and with other people. This makes horse-inspired learning not only a powerful tool for personal transformation but also a way to enhance teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
A Holistic Learning Experience
At Dune Lakes, the combination of the serene natural environment, praise-based learning, and the profound presence of horses provides a rich, immersive experience. Whether it’s for individual coaching, team-building activities, or group workshops, the learning that takes place here is holistic—engaging both the mind and body. The horses teach by example, offering an opportunity for participants to learn through hands-on experiences that involve physical, emotional, and mental engagement.
Praise-based learning with horses offers a powerful opportunity for growth in areas such as:
- Leadership development: Understanding the importance of empathy, clarity, and consistency in leadership.
- Teamwork: Building collaboration and trust within groups by learning to communicate effectively and with respect.
- Emotional intelligence: Developing awareness of one’s own emotions and the ability to manage them, as well as the ability to read and respond to the emotions of others.
- Self-confidence and trust: Understanding how to build and earn trust, both in oneself and in others.
At Dune Lakes Horse-Inspired Learning Centre, we provide a safe, supportive space where individuals and teams can engage in profound learning experiences with horses. The integration of praise-based learning allows our participants to leave with newfound tools for communication, leadership, and personal development—skills that will not only enrich their time at the centre but continue to serve them long after they leave.
Discover the transformative power of praise-based learning and horses at Dune Lakes, where growth, connection, and transformation are not only possible—they’re inevitable.
Remembering Rhythm: Our Resident Horse Artist
It is with love and deep gratitude that we remember Rhythm, our resident horse artist, who passed over the rainbow bridge in early 2024. Rhythm was more than just a cherished member of our herd at Dune Lakes—he was a true creative spirit. His unique ability to engage with art was magical; with every stroke of the brush, he expressed his fun nature.
Rhythm’s first painting, a vibrant blend of bold colours and dynamic shapes speaks of freedom, joy, and the essence of his character—gentle yet full of energy.
Rhythm’s paintings invited reflection, inspired creativity, and opened hearts to the possibility of communication beyond words. His legacy lives on in the art he created and in the way he touched everyone who met him.
Though Rhythm is no longer physically with us, his spirit and creativity continue to inspire all who visit Dune Lakes. His art remains a lasting tribute to his joyful, free spirit.
Praise-Based Liberty Riding with Misty and Estelle: A Perfect Partnership
When we where riding our horses at Dune Lakes, we proudly showcased the beauty of praise-based liberty riding through the inspiring partnership between Misty, our sensitive and intuitive mare, and Estelle, an experienced rider who built a deep bond with her. In praise-based liberty riding, horses are encouraged through positive reinforcement—praising them for desired behaviours—rather than using force or punishment.
In this approach, Misty is given the freedom to move without a bridle or saddle, and she responds to Estelle’s gentle cues, such as body language, voice commands, and eye contact. This creates a trust-based relationship where Misty willingly participates, choosing to work alongside Estelle based on their mutual respect and understanding.
What made their partnership so powerful is the connection they share. Estelle uses gentle encouragement and praise to guide Misty, and Misty’s fluid, graceful movements reflect the trust she has in Estelle. The beauty of liberty riding is that it’s not about controlling the horse, but fostering a true dialogue between horse and rider. Watching Misty and Estelle work together in harmony is a living example of how praise-based training strengthens the bond between human and animal.
This practice highlights the importance of trust, respect, and positive communication—principles that extend beyond horsemanship into all areas of life.
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