River Haven Farm

06/09/2024

**Hiring Opportunity!**

Our friends at Urban Horse Project are looking to hire a driver! If you or someone you know loves horses and enjoys driving, this could be a great opportunity (it may even include some work in their wonderful programs or other things to do around the farm). Check out their post for more details and how to apply. Let’s help them find the perfect fit!

Urban Horse Project is hiring! We need a driver to bring our horses to our programs, starting late September. This job may include additional work in our programs or with our horses if interested. Info is in the attached posting. Please share!!

19/08/2024

Who needs sunshine when you’ve got an indoor playground where the fun never stops!

07/08/2024

A Heartwarming Day at River Haven Farm

We had the immense pleasure of hosting a special group of seniors from The Residences at Belvedere. This time with the seniors was a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community and share the magic of our farm with some very special guests.

The day began with a warm welcome and introductions to our gentle, loving horses. The seniors enjoyed interacting with the horses, experiencing the calming and therapeutic presence these magnificent animals offer. The joy and smiles on their faces were truly heartwarming.

After spending some time with the horses, we also visited our blackberry bushes. The seniors had a fantastic time picking fresh, juicy blackberries, enjoying the sweet taste of summer right from the source. It was a delightful experience filled with laughter.

We wrapped up the visit with lunch, where everyone gathered around to share stories. The sense of community and connection was palpable, making this day truly special for everyone involved.

At River Haven Farm, we believe in the power of nature, animals, and community to bring joy and healing. We are grateful for the opportunity to host such a wonderful group and look forward to more heartwarming visits in the future.

Thank you to The Residences at Belvedere for allowing us to share this beautiful day with you.

31/07/2024

We are thrilled to share Crossroads Hospice Society's heartwarming post about their recent visit to River Haven Farm! We had the honor of providing essential grief support to young grievers. Witnessing the healing power of our equine partners in action was truly inspiring.

Grief can be an incredibly challenging journey, especially for young hearts. Through our unique environment and programs, guided by a clinical counsellor, we offer a safe and supportive space where those deep in grief can express their emotions, find comfort, and begin to heal. The bond between humans and horses can be a profound source of solace, and we are grateful to be a part of this important work.

Thank you, Crossroads Hospice Society, for entrusting us with such a vital role in your mission. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

12/07/2024

☀ Feel-Good Friday ☀

"It affected my leadership (the gentle discussion around our fears as fledgling leaders), my self-compassion (the experience of being received by your team with no judgment when I came heavy with grief), my patience for others and myself (the team-building exercises in the arena that challenged me to use unfamiliar skills), my perception of my weaknesses, flaws, and wounds (the intimate, unexpected, and life-changing encounter with a beautiful horse), and ultimately the deep embrace of my role (my purpose each day)."

We are incredibly grateful for these heartfelt words. At River Haven Farm, our mission is to create transformational experiences that touch lives and inspire change, both for teams as well as each individual team member. We believe that by fostering growth within each person, we can elevate the entire team, creating a more cohesive, compassionate, and effective unit.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

09/07/2024

05/07/2024

📸✨ Behind the Scenes at River Haven Farm! 🐴🌿

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of an Equine Facilitated Development Program? It's not just about the workshops and the incredible experiences with our horses—it's also about the dedication to their care, especially their nutrition! 🥕🍏

Here’s a peek into one part of our daily routine:

🌟 Balanced Diet: Our horses enjoy a carefully balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients to keep them healthy and happy. From low sugar hay and a variety of supplements (plus a slice of apple or carrot here and there), we ensure they get all the vitamins and minerals they need.

💧 Hydration: Clean, fresh water is a must! We keep a close eye on their water intake, especially during hot summer days.

🍃 Supplements: We incorporate premium supplements to support their overall health, including joint support and digestive aids (a big THANK YOU to Mad Barn for their team of nutrition experts to help us with that!!).

🌱 Herd Time: Regular herd time in our pasture is crucial. Our horses spend ample time together allowing them to munch on grass, which is great for their digestive systems, and grooming each other (not to mention the regular episodes of the zoomies).

🩺 Regular Check-ups: Routine vet visits and health check-ups are part of our commitment to their well-being.

🐴 Happy Horses, Happy Clients: The better we care for our horses, the better they can connect with and support our clients. Their well-being directly influences the effectiveness of our programs.

At River Haven Farm, we believe that the foundation of successful equine facilitated development lies in the holistic care of our equine partners. Their health and happiness are at the heart of everything we do. 💖🐎

***Drop a 🥕 or 🍎 and get a completimentary behind the scenes tour! ***

04/07/2024

"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from." This quote from T.S. Eliot emphasizes the cyclical nature of beginnings and endings, suggesting that every new endeavor starts with a step through a metaphorical gate.

At River Haven Farm, it all begins at the gate. Just as the entrance to the pasture marks the threshold to a transformative journey with our horses, so too does it symbolize the first step toward self-discovery and growth for our clients. In equine-facilitated development, the gate is more than just a physical barrier; it is a metaphorical passage to conscious leadership and cohesive teamwork.

As you step through the gate, you leave behind the familiar confines of the office environment and enter a space where horses become your co-facilitators. Interactions foster trust, communication, and authentic connection. Our workshops are designed to help corporate groups navigate challenges, enhance collaboration, and cultivate leadership skills in a natural and supportive setting. The gate is just the beginning; beyond it lies a world of potential and possibility, waiting to be explored.

Know a corporate group ready to walk through our gate? Please share!

03/07/2024

*** Unbridle Leadership Potential at River Haven Farm ***

Imagine stepping into a world where the tranquil presence of horses guides you towards becoming a better leader, a stronger team, and a more conscious individual. Welcome to River Haven Farm – where personal and professional growth meet nature.

At River Haven Farm, we specialize in Equine Facilitated Development, offering unique workshops designed for corporate groups. Our vision is to cultivate conscious leadership and enhance teamwork through the profound wisdom of horses who guide us toward connecting deeply with ourselves and each other, fostering an environment of trust, empathy, and effective communication. Each workshop is a journey of self-discovery and collective growth, set against the serene backdrop of our farm steeped in the beauty of nature.

Are you ready to transform your leadership and team dynamics? Send us a DM to BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY TOUR to meet our herd and discover the potential of your next corporate event in a one-of-a-kind setting all culminating in an unforgettable and unique experience for your team.

20/06/2024

Celebrating the Summer Solstice at the farm!

The longest day of the year teaches us about the power of persistence and the impact of shining light on those around us. Effective leaders know that growth and success come from nurturing others and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

This solstice, take the time to reflect on your leadership:

🔸 Lead with generosity and purpose
🔸 Create a culture of learning and development
🔸 Elevate others to reach their full potential

Let the energy of the solstice inspire you to lead with empathy and drive collective success for your team. ☀️😎

27/05/2024

Inhale . . . exhale . . . open your heart . . .

Good morning, beautiful souls! There is no better way to greet the day than by centering yourself with a few moments of mindful meditation. Clear your mind. Transform your leadership and performance. Boost your mood and productivity. Enhance your focus and decision making. Reduce stress. Be present.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

🕉️ Namaste 🕉️

16/05/2024

For mothers who have lost a child the pain is indescribable. But through compassionate support, healing becomes possible. Being in the presence of compassionate souls and our gentle equine guides, as well as others who are experiencing this profound loss, offers solace amidst the storm. Our grief support workshops are led by a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Equine Facilitator and participants are held in a safe space of warmth and healing.

Find solace and strength amidst understanding hearts at our workshop, Whispers of the Heart, May 26. For more details and to register, visit our website.

15/05/2024

Exciting news from River Haven Farm . . . announcing our Yoga and Equine Therapeutic Retreat this July!

Be a part of a unique and life changing weekend with yoga, equine assisted therapy, breath work, meditation, sound bath, nutritious meals and more…

Experience profound healing in the serene environment that Pitt Meadows has to offer surrounded by the beauty of mountains, water and healing lands.

Register today to receive early bird pricing ($200 discount) PLUS a 60 minute 1:1 equine guided session and additional gift (value of $150)!

DM us “Align” for more details!

14/05/2024

Big thanks to Duplo-Canada for the super customer service!! Both Teo and I are relieved to be getting his new special order kicks in time for Miryn Davis' visit next week. 😅

25/04/2024

As Mother's Day approaches, we acknowledge the bittersweet emotions it may evoke for those of us who are grieving the loss of a child. In this tender time, we invite grieving mothers to join us for "Whispers of the Heart" a day of healing through the gentle companionship of horses offering solace and support. Together, let us navigate this journey of healing, honoring the love and memories we hold dear.

For more information and to register, click on the link below:

https://www.riverhavenfarm.ca/our-story

19/04/2024

We’re beyond thrilled to announce the launch of our BRAND NEW WEBSITE!! Our new website authentically represents River Haven Farm and the transformative power of what we do. It isn’t just a virtual space; it’s a reflection of our commitment to healing, growth, and connection. Through the stories of our incredible horses and the experiences of those who’ve walked through our gates, you’ll see firsthand the profound impact of equine-assisted activities.

💻 Dive into our updated site to discover:

~ Insights into our unique approach to equine-assisted learning and therapy

~ Meet our herd of gentle, intuitive therapy horses

~ Learn about the programs and workshops we offer

🌿 Immerse yourself in the magic of River Haven Farm. Let’s journey together towards healing, empowerment, and renewed hope. With each hoofbeat, we’re making a difference in the lives of those we serve. 🌟

19/04/2024

We're beyond thrilled to announce the launch of our BRAND NEW WEBSITE!! Our new website authentically represents River Haven Farm and the transformative power of what we do. It isn’t just a virtual space; it's a reflection of our commitment to healing, growth, and connection. Through the stories of our incredible horses and the experiences of those who've walked through our gates, you'll see firsthand the profound impact of equine-assisted activities.

💻 Dive into our updated site to discover:

~ Insights into our unique approach to equine-assisted learning and therapy

~ Meet our herd of gentle, intuitive therapy horses

~ Learn about the programs and workshops we offer

🌿 Immerse yourself in the magic of River Haven Farm. Let's journey together towards healing, empowerment, and renewed hope. With each hoofbeat, we're making a difference in the lives of those we serve. 🌟

26/03/2024

One year ago today, our hearts were touched by the most incredible little gelding. Meet Chance - the horse who embodies the true meaning of resilience, second chances, and forgiveness. We named him Chance because he represents the opportunity for a new beginning, a fresh start, a second chance at a good and loving life.

Discovered alone in a field and severely underweight, Chance found his way to our farm in a tattered blanket, hooves in need of a farrier, and a whole bucket of uncertainty in terms of his health. Our cast of caregivers started Chance on the path to recovery.

This sweet little Arab pony, initially believed to be 20, turned out to be closer to 30! Despite his age, he's proven to be stronger than ever, defying the odds stacked against him. Chance has transformed into the vibrant and spirited “Grandpa” of our barn.

Despite the hardships he endured, he's opened his heart to us. He's formed strong bonds with his herd, becoming an integral part of our mighty little equine community.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we're filled with gratitude for everyone who played a part in Chance's journey - from the rescuers who initially took him in (J&M Acres Horse Rescue), to the veterinarians (Horizon Equine Veterinary Clinic) and his many caregivers who nursed him back to health, to all of you who have supported us along the way. Thank you!

Today, we rejoice in knowing that Chance's story is one of triumph, hope, and the power of second chances. Here's to many more years of happiness and love with our beloved beautiful Chance. You are safe.

26/03/2024

First aid training with the River Haven crew!

The health and safety of our clients and staff is our number 1 priority. Thank you to for helping us with that and for a fun filled weekend of learning!

31/01/2024

Another salient post from The Horse's Truth with Angela Dunning. Having a comfortable and deep connection to your inner intuitions is a gift. Listen, make that connection, and lean into it. There is so much wisdom in that space.

“Our gut feelings signal what is safe, life-sustaining, or threatening, even if we cannot quite explain why we feel a particular way. Our sensory interiority continuously sends us subtle messages about the needs of our organism. Gut feelings also help us to evaluate what is going on around us.

If you have a comfortable connection with your inner sensations—if you can trust them to give you accurate information—you will feel in charge of your body, your feelings, and your self.

The price for ignoring or distorting the body’s messages is being unable to detect what is truly dangerous or harmful for you and, just as bad, but is safe or nourishing. Self-regulation depends on having a friendly relationship with your body.”

Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps The Score, p. 96-97

Image by Marie Charouzova licensed via Shutterstock.

25/01/2024

River Haven Farm is looking for CERTIFIED EAL FACILITATORS to join our team on a contract basis. The position entails providing a wide variety and size of groups with training relating to conscious leadership, team building, engagement, and mental health and wellness. Our groups range from half day workshops to multiday retreats. Having a mental health designation would be an asset but it is not necessary for this position.

Also, if you are a MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL who would like to bring Equine Facilitated Wellness to your practice, let us know!

DM us with your contact details and we will be in touch. We look forward to exploring the possibilities with you.

14/01/2024

We often hear the question, “Why horses?” The answer is The Subtle Realm so eloquently described by The Horse's Truth with Angela Dunning below. Well worth the time to read.

The Subtle Realm

When around horses we quite naturally enter “the subtle realm”. And, if we do so consciously and with intention then we can enter ever more deeply.

The Subtle Realm is where our usual physical five senses become gently expanded and we start to access our “extra-sensory” capacities: Our intuition, empathic capacities, energetic sensitivity, gut feelings and hunches, and even at times at the level of psychic inter-species communication.

Everything within ourselves and between us and the horses and other people, becomes softer and more fluid. Intuition takes a more prominent role instead of our planning, logical reasoning part of our brain being in charge. We shift from being much more left-brained into our right hemisphere where we begin to make deeper connections, both within and around us. Emotions can flow more freely too, offering up their wisdom and insights into the true depths of our longings, feelings and desires.

We are capable of picking-up so much more information from within ourselves and in the environment as a result.

The heart softens and also expands, swelling for a time beyond its usual capacities and tendency towards protectiveness. Opening instead of staying closed. As a result, our connections reach a truly sacred level, where time and space are suspended and anything seems possible. And, we enter a raised level of conscious awareness of our body, mind, soul and connection to others.

This realm is not honoured in our culture and so many of us had to quash these capacities as children as neither were they welcomed in our families. Therefore, having opportunities and places where such qualities are not only welcomed but also encouraged is vital for our own restoration and ability to thrive as we now harness these gifts instead of denying them.

Horses naturally inhabit this exquisitely beautiful realm, and if we approach them and their environment in the right way and with sufficient sensitivity and willingness to learn, then we too can be blessed for a time with a sense of deep expansion, inner peace and harmony. It truly is a blissful realm, so quiet and different to the usual din going on in our minds and the outer world. We enter the realm of the horses and in so doing, realise this is also our true realm, it’s just that we humans have long forgotten and forsaken it in the pursuit of one-sided progress.

So, let yourself come back to your original true state and allow the horses to lead you home…

©Angela Dunning
The Horse’s Truth
www.thehorsestruth.co.uk
EFL; Practitioner Support & Writing

To read more articles specifically for equine-facilitated practitioner & personal growth; support my work or access member-only content please visit: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/angeladunning

Author of: 'The Horse Leads the Way: Honoring the True Role of the Horse in Equine Facilitated Practice'.

Image by Fantastyczna Pasja, licensed via Shutterstock

05/01/2024

“Take a deep breath. Keep your body fully in the present and your mind in the recent future. Don’t let the past get in your way.”

~ Linda Kohanov

Happy Friday from the RH team ❤️

30/10/2023

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountain Range in the Sonoran Desert lies a most magical place. A place where horses have broken free from their roles as beasts of burden. They are doing something much more important; they are working on people. At Eponaquest Worldwide, world renown lecturer, author, and trainer, Linda Kohanov, works along side her masterful herd teaching people leadership, personal empowerment, relationship, intuition, and emotional fitness skills. For the past 10 days, I have had the incredible privilege of training with Linda and her herd which has been nothing short of profound. Thank you, Eponaquest, for this amazing journey. I cannot wait to bring the learnings back to our team and clients at River Haven.

24/10/2023

River Haven is looking for equine assistant facilitators (the four legged ones) to play a pivotal role in our equine facilitated workshops and retreats. Do you know a horse that is looking to retire from their competitive position, or perhaps their person is transitioning out of horse ownership altogether? Do they love to connect with people, are gentle with respectful ground manners, and still full of life and curiosity? How about an energetic jokester who loves to figure out obstacles or other puzzles? If they are between the ages of 15 and 20 (give or take a year or two) and would enjoy being very well taken care of on a beautiful equestrian estate in Pitt Meadows, we want to meet them. We are looking to free lease with a view to ownership for the right personality and fit. References available upon request. DM if you know someone or have any questions.

08/10/2023

This photo was taken recently on a beautiful morning during turnout. It was a moment so full of awe and gratitude that we just had to pause and capture it. We are so thankful for this stunning haven and for all of the people who make it the community it is.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at River Haven Farm ❤️

12/08/2023

The willingness to show up changes us, it makes us a little braver each time.
~ Brene Brown

28/07/2023

We had a great visit with our local mayor, Mayor Nicole MacDonald - Pitt Meadows! We are so proud to be a member of this wonderful community!

11/07/2023

Recently a good friend asked us, “How can I help?” We needed a shelter moved from the hay field to the pasture. Quotes from contractors were in the thousands to move it! The next weekend, Pete Schreiber and two of his friends spent their weekend dismantling, moving, and reassembling the massive shelter, all for a BBQ and cold beer. We are so thankful that our beautiful boys can hang out in the cool shade, happy as can be, all day long. The words “Thank you” fall short sometimes. Today is one of those times. Massively thankful!

08/06/2023

Had the honour of participating in the inaugural Conscious Circle at Conscious Lab! What an incredible group of smart, talented, heart-led, conscious female entrepreneurs drawn together by the intention and purpose of holding space for and supporting each other as we pursue our goals to live a more conscious, giving/receiving life. The lovely and amazing Jenna Herbut provides a unique venue within which we can be really raw, beyond authentic, and show up for one another and the betterment of humanity. Collaborations are already in the works, and I hope to bring some of this talent to River Haven Farm to deepen our connection to conscious living and leadership through horses.