September 19, 2024
Healing with Horses Ranch proudly announces the successful launch of its first corporate equine-assisted learning (EAL) workshop, marking a significant milestone in the Ranch’s growing efforts to offer team-building and personal development experiences to local businesses. The inaugural session welcomed Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and left participants with powerful insights, deep connections, and a renewed understanding of teamwork—all through the healing power of horses.
The half-day workshop featured a unique blend of equine-assisted learning led by our own PATH Intl. certified instructors, a volunteer project, and a guided tour of the Ranch’s therapeutic environment. The Bluebonnet Electric group, comprised of around 40 employees, spent four hours at the Ranch and participated in a hands-on session designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with comments highlighting the therapeutic benefits of working alongside horses and the Ranch’s holistic approach to fostering collaboration. Participants remarked that the experience offered valuable lessons in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving as well as their surprise that a short interaction with a horse developed skills for both the workplace and everyday life.
“This experience has been transformative for our team,” said one Bluebonnet participant. “Walking with horses and working as a group allowed us to see how teamwork really makes the dream work. We left with a new sense of unity and purpose.”
The workshop also supported Healing with Horses Ranch’s ongoing mission to promote the well-being of both people and horses. Bluebonnet employees helped clear trails during their volunteer project, contributing to their company’s ambitious goal of achieving 8,500 volunteer service hours this year.
“We’re thrilled to have hosted such a successful corporate event and to see the impact this workshop had on participants,” said Patty D’Andrea, founder of Healing with Horses Ranch. “Our goal is to create meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth, and equine-assisted learning is the perfect way to achieve that. The feedback we’ve received encourages us to continue developing these sessions.”
The workshop concluded with a lunch catered by local favorite, Good Luck Grill, owned by Shanna Whiteley, Bluebonnet’s Board President & long time friend of the Ranch.
The session’s success reflects the Ranch’s desire to offer corporate programs that promote well-being, teamwork, and resilience to more companies in the coming years. The Ranch anticipates offering more sessions soon as it refines its curriculum to meet the unique needs of diverse teams.