Frequently Asked Questions

What are your Covid-19 Protocols?

Along with the rest of the world, we are easing off of our Covid protocols. We still ask that those who are sick remain home and take care of themselves. Hand sanitizer is always available and, those who wish to wear masks may do so.

We’re happy to say that the steps we took over the past 3 years were effective… not a single person contracted Covid from being at Symatree!

What kinds of people does equine assisted mentoring (EAM) help?

There really seems to be no limit to the benefits of EAM. Clear communication and positive teamwork are at the heart of every successful human interaction and make for a joyful experience.

Because horses are willing to work with people, and because their survival depends on effective teamwork and clear communication, they are especially well-suited to teach those skills to us.

EAM has clear benefits for families, at-risk youth, sports teams, adults experiencing life transitions, youth groups, corporations and small businesses, and those who are simply looking to reach out to another living being. All participants must have sufficient physical mobility to move safely around horses on the sand in the arena or on the uneven terrain in the paddocks. As well, all participants must have sufficient cognitive ability to understand the rules required for keeping themselves safe. 

Is equine assisted mentoring (EAM) therapy?

EAM is a highly engaging process where horses do the teaching, and participants find themselves learning valuable life skills that transcend the arena. EAM is all about the participant's journey so facilitators play a supportive, but unobtrusive, role. EAM provides many benefits but it is not formal therapy. We do welcome counsellors, social workers and therapists to come and observe their EAM clients at work.

What is equine assisted psychotherapy?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a mental health professional and a horse professional working with clients and horses to address treatment goals. EAP can be conducted one-on-one or in a group setting. ​

How many participants do you take in each group?

We run programming for individuals, couples, families and groups. Our focus is small groups of up to 10, as that gives participants the best experience… large enough to develop camaraderie, small enough for individualized learning.

We also host workshops and functions for larger groups and, as our 10-acre nature space gets developed through 2023 and 2024, we’ll be excited to offer awesome spaces for your family, organizational and business gatherings.

Teen Online Experience Answer: What’s your role in the herd?

Did you get mostly A’s? You’re a Herd Boss! As a Herd Boss, you’re the one who makes the rules to keep everyone safe and happy. You keep watch over your herd-mates, scout out the best grasses, settle disagreements, and protect the herd from danger.

Did you get mostly B’s? You’re an Enforcer! As an Enforcer, you’re the one who makes sure everyone is following the rules. You listen carefully to the herd boss, make sure everyone remembers their job, and watch carefully for potential danger.

Did you get mostly C’s? You’re a Caretaker! As the herd’s Caretaker, you’re the one who makes sure everyone is feeling happy. You help new herd members feel safe and welcome, you make sure everyone gets enough hay, and you take care of the younger members of the herd.

Did you get mostly D’s? You’re a Jokester! As the herd’s Jokester, you keep everyone’s spirits high by inviting your herd-mates to play! You make sure that everyone gets a daily dose of fun… exploring new sunbeams to nap in, splashing in puddles and putting on a show by kicking up your heels!

Teen Online Experience Answer: Which Symatree world do you belong in?

Did you get mostly A’s? Sounds like you’re a fit for Canterberry!Canterberry has a mix of all types of ponies. You have a good idea of what youwant and you aren’t afraid to get it, but you also pay attention to what otherswant, and try to find solutions that work for everyone. Horses in Canterberrycan get on each others nerves sometimes, but at the end of the day, everyone knows and accepts each other for who they are!

Did you choose mostly B’s? You are a bold and intrepid adventurer – the kind of person who would trot their way into Pony Flats! This paddock has some ponies with some really big personalities. Ponies here are usually ready for some excitement, but if they’re feeling like they need their own time, they’ll definitely let you know! Things in Pony Flats don’t always run the smoothest, but when they do, it’s a recipe for some amazing adventures!

Did you choose mostly C’s? You belong in Matadapis! Matadapis is a paddock full ofstrong souls. They are the friends you can count on to help you out during atough time. You would get along well with the proud horses living here! Making sure that everyone gets what they need, the horses in Matadapis will find proactive solutions to different problems, and are always ready to work together. Just like you, these horses will welcome newcomers and try their best to make a place for everyone to get along!

Did you choose mostly D’s? Well, aren’t you a wild one! The wily fox living under the shed might be your best friend here at Symatree! Like our local crafty critter, you have a penchant for entertainment. You have an independent spirit, and while your solutions to problems might not always go the way you expected, they are genuine and sincere. You have a heart of gold wrapped in a cocoon of creativity, and you’re always first in line – even if you don’t know what you’re lining up for!

How many weeks do your programs run?

While our core U-series of programs have set curriculums spanning anywhere from 4 to 16 sessions, we are a dynamic and flexible team. Programs can be tailored to suit your needs in length, content and skill level. Our team will work in concert with you or your organization to create a program that is a perfect match for your goals.

What is the age range of participants?

Our minimum age is 8 years old. There is no upper age limit so long as the participants are able to move and remain safe around the horses.

What are the qualifications of Symatree staff?

We are all experienced horse handlers with a keen understanding of the horse's body language. This knowledge enables us to understand the dynamic between horse and participants which, in turn, provides us with the information necessary to adjust the exercises to fit each participant.

Outside of our equine certifications, our training also includes counselling, transformational coaching and facilitation, animal science, art, health and wellness, kinesiology and business.

We've been running our mentoring programs since 2010 and our psychotherapy sessions since 2016.

What should I wear when I come out?

We try to keep our facility clean, but it is a farm! Closed-toed shoes are a must when working around horses. In the summer, anything you feel comfortable being active in is fine.

In the winter, dress warmly. The arena is insulated but not heated and working with horses is much more fun when you're not distracted by cold fingers and toes!

How big are your horses?

Currently, our largest horse is Max, a 1200-pound Quarter Horse, and our smallest is Finn, a 175-pound Miniature Horse. The other minis, ponies, and horses fit somewhere in between.

Where are you and what is your facility like?

Symatree Farm is situated on nearly 80 acres adjacent to the town of Hazelridge, Manitoba, about 20 minutes northeast of Winnipeg.

In addition to 12,600 sq. foot arena, we have other sheltered areas and enclosed spaces, so participants can be in or out of the elements.

The Dome is up and provides 1200 square feet of fascinating, acoustically enhanced space that has been enjoyed for meditation, weekend retreats, speakers and block therapy. As our collaborative programming grows and matures, it’s uses will multiply.

Coming Spring 2023… a heated classroom space in the arena, enhanced parking and decks, and 2000 trees!

Can I volunteer?

We love when people feel so enthusiastic about Symatree’s mission that they want to join our Volunteer Squad!

The Squad plays a vital role in the running of Symatree and for new and existing volunteers to have the best experience, it’s important that each have a good understanding of Symatree’s purpose and style, and that each be ready.

For many, this means that they go through 8 weeks of individual sessions, as a client, and work through anything that may be holding them back or that could possibly be triggering. We’ve instituted this policy to protect everyone, ensuring that all Squad members are healthy and self-managing.

Symatree is run as a teal organization, based on the same trust and respect that we live every day with the horses (See Reinventing Organizations by Frederick Laloux). It’s important, and refreshing and empowering, that everyone be able to thrive within the greater autonomy that this style of organization offers…

What we do is special and who we are is special!

Where do you get your horses and what is their training?

Many of our horses are rescues, unsuitable for riding yet infinitely wise, rich in life experience, and generous in heart, spirit, and desire to connect. Each of our herd members offers their own personality with their special blend of knowledge, awareness, intuition, energy, preferences, and communication style. As equine mentors, our horses are uniquely suited and trained for mentoring youth, teen, and adult participants in non-threatening, highly-engaging ways.

When do I get to ride?

All interaction with the horses is groundwork-based… these are not riding programs. In very rare instances, mounted work may be part of a client’s program, but that’s always at the facilitator’s discretion and only for the purpose of furthering the client’s growth and their connection with their horse. This is not a riding program… it’s a connecting, growing, learning, empowering program.

Can I come any time to hang out?

Absolutely! Please click on any of the Book a Symatree Experience buttons on our website and sign up for an hour-long experience! Oh look… there’s one now…!