Animal Assisted and Equine Facilitated Wellness services offering individual & group sessions plus training and professional mentoring programs.

Care for the Caregiver

Restorative care for parents & caregivers through partnering with animals

  • Do you have a child who doesn’t want to rest? Who gets into trouble at school or just doesn’t fit in?
  • Are you overwhelmed with finding ways to support them?
  • Do you feel deflated and exhausted in trying to figure it out?

At Empowered By Horses and Friends we have over 15 years experience working with neurodivergent children. We have listened to their parents and caregivers share their love and frustrations, and their feelings of being at wits end. We hear you. 

EBH&F believes in the adage that healers must heal themselves first. And so with parents and caregivers. Through self compassion and acceptance we can empower ourselves as caregivers to more effectively support our kiddos. 

Animals are experts at taking care of what is important for their own health and well-being. During our 2-day retreat we practice wu wei, the art of sitting in stillness with horses; we learn how to self-regulate so that sheep approach us; and we somatically explore our inner experience. Together we develop effective strategies to care for ourselves in times of need. 

With others who share your lived experience we will identify triggers and develop self care plans but also laugh and cry about this big adventure called life. 

Join us in this joyful discovery of our inner resources where we explore rest and relaxation as forms of a radical renewal of Self.

The program details:

  • Two full days (12 hours total in-person)
  • Experiential activities
  • Tuition is $600 plus tax. 
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Bringing the children to the Anam Cara Farms for a day of mindfulness and connection was a truly heartwarming experience. As the children and family services coordinator at the Abbotsford Hospice and Grief Support Society, I’ve seen the impact of loss firsthand, but witnessing these young hearts engage with the farm animals and find solace in their presence was profoundly moving. The gentle nature of the horses seemed to provide a unique kind of comfort, helping the children process their grief in a serene environment. It was a day filled with moments of reflection, laughter, and stillness. I am deeply grateful to have been part of such a meaningful experience. One of the children mentioned it was one of the “funnest day’s ever.” The children were supported throughout the day as different difficult conversations took place. Overall, the children left with a beautiful reminder of the stillness found in nature and the importance of cherishing the memories of loved ones

Rebecca Flaman

Empowered by horses is an amazing program. My daughter has attended this program with Mary Waldolf and I have seen great benefits in my daughter’s willingness to have social interactions. The amazing part is my daughter very much looks forward to going to see Mary and interacting with the animals. Mary makes this a warm, friendly and fun session that provides so much fun and the development of social skills and social connection. I cannot recommend Mary and this program enough!

Shaun McRae

Both of my children receive services from this place, seeing Mary and Jonathan. Both are amazing! They check in with me to make note of any struggles or concerns and plan their time accordingly. Both kids enjoy going here and working with the animals. I will add that any time my kids are in an appointment and I’m waiting, staff are friendly with a smile and wave. I would recommend their services.

Naomi Kragh