Helping Children, Youth, and Families Build Confidence Through Horses
Sometimes children struggle to find the right words.
Sometimes they feel anxious, angry, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of themselves.
At MeadowView Reins, our Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programs use guided interactions with horses to help children, youth, families, and groups develop confidence, emotional regulation, communication skills, leadership, and self-awareness.
Many families come to MeadowView Reins after trying other approaches that didn't quite fit their child. Horses offer a hands-on, experiential learning environment that allows children to learn through doing rather than simply talking.
No horse experience is required.
All sessions take place at our ranch in Big Lake Ranch, BC, serving families from Williams Lake and throughout the Cariboo region.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an educational and coaching-based approach that uses interactions with horses to help participants develop valuable life skills.
Unlike traditional riding lessons, Equine-Assisted Learning focuses on personal growth, communication, self-awareness, emotional regulation, confidence, and leadership.
The lessons learned beside a horse often transfer directly into everyday life, helping participants navigate challenges at home, school, work, and within relationships.
Our programs may benefit:
Children struggling with confidence
Children experiencing anxiety or big emotions
Youth working on emotional regulation
Neurodivergent children and youth
Children navigating family changes such as separation or divorce
Youth experiencing bullying or social challenges
Families seeking stronger communication and connection
Individuals looking to build leadership and life skills
Corporate and community groups seeking team-building experiences
Every participant is unique, and sessions are customized to support individual goals.
Unlike traditional riding lessons, Equine-Assisted Learning focuses primarily on ground-based activities and interactions with horses.
Activities may include:
Grooming and horse care
Leading exercises
Obstacle challenges
Team-building activities
Problem-solving exercises
Communication activities
Reflection and discussion
No riding is required.
Each session is designed around the goals and needs of the participant, family, or group.
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Through guided activities, participants often develop:
Increased confidence
Improved emotional regulation
Better communication skills
Greater self-awareness
Stronger boundaries
Improved problem-solving abilities
Increased resilience
Enhanced leadership skills
Many participants leave sessions with practical tools they can apply in everyday life.
Horses are highly sensitive animals that naturally respond to the energy, emotions, and communication of those around them.
Because horses do not judge, criticize, or carry expectations, they create a unique environment where participants can learn, grow, and build confidence in an authentic way.
The relationship between horse and participant often creates powerful learning moments that are difficult to replicate in traditional settings.
We understand that many families are looking for meaningful programs that support their child's growth, confidence, communication, and emotional development.
MeadowView Reins has successfully worked with families who have accessed Autism Funding to participate in Equine-Assisted Learning programs.
While funding approval decisions are made by the funding agency, we are happy to provide documentation and support families through the application process whenever possible.
If you are considering using Autism Funding for Equine-Assisted Learning, please contact us to discuss your child's goals and determine whether our program may be a good fit.
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We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the growth, confidence, and connection that can come through working with horses.
Some families face financial barriers that make participation difficult.
If cost is preventing your family from accessing Equine-Assisted Learning, please contact us to discuss available options.
Donate to the MeadowView Reins Pay It Forward Fund
Your donation helps provide Equine-Assisted Learning opportunities for children and youth who may not otherwise be able to participate.
Donations help support:
Children experiencing financial hardship
Neurodivergent children and youth
Youth facing emotional or social challenges
Families navigating difficult circumstances
Every contribution, large or small, helps create opportunities for growth, confidence, connection, and hope.
Together, we can help more children experience the life-changing lessons horses have to offer.
Equine-Assisted Learning sessions at MeadowView Reins are facilitated by Meagan Bruneski.
Meagan is an EAL Canada Certified Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator with a Bachelor of Science in Movement Science. Her academic background included research focused on post-traumatic stress and coping mechanisms, helping shape her understanding of resilience, personal growth, and the challenges many individuals and families face.
In addition to her EAL certification, Meagan has worked as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, life coach, and recreation professional. She brings together evidence-based coaching principles, experiential learning, and the unique wisdom of horses to create meaningful learning opportunities for children, youth, families, and groups.
As a mother, coach, and horsewoman, Meagan understands that every participant's journey is different. Her goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where individuals can build confidence, develop life skills, and discover their own strengths through connection with horses.
No.
No horse experience is required, and many participants have never worked with horses before.
Not necessarily.
Most Equine-Assisted Learning activities take place on the ground. The focus is on personal growth and learning rather than riding skills.
No.
Equine-Assisted Learning is an educational and coaching-based approach designed to help participants develop confidence, communication skills, emotional regulation, leadership, and self-awareness through guided interactions with horses.
Many families choose Equine-Assisted Learning because of its experiential, hands-on nature.
Programs are customized to the participant and may support goals related to communication, confidence, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and social skills.
Contact MeadowView Reins to discuss your goals and determine whether Equine-Assisted Learning may be a good fit for you, your child, your family, or your organization.
