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

The foundation of heart centered horsemanship - live online

  • Are you curious about taking your equestrian knowledge into the wellness field and not sure where to start?
  • Do you desire to partner with horses in a more meaningful way to help support others
  • Do you feel stuck and overwhelmed in taking the next step?

If yes then this program is for you. If you are like me, you grew up with horses, maybe had a gap in your life without them and re engaged as an adult. Perhaps, you have competed for something to work toward or you have enjoyed hitting the trails and exploring new places. 

You know you have acquired so much knowledge and experience but can’t see how to get to partnering with horses in a way that is helping humans. You are right, until now, it has been a bumpy path with no map in sight. 

We are here to help! 

In this live online course you will walk the path toward partnering with horses in a therapeutic and wellness setting. You have a strong foundation and there is value in what you have already learned. You have a passionate desire to do something different. You understand the positive impact horses have had in your own life path.

Often it is difficult to know what is important in taking your passion to a different place. You might question what is important, how do you do it? What does it look like? 

In this online program you will learn some key concepts in considering this field of practice. We will work together to: 

  • Outline all the important skills you already have
  • Explore the unlearning that is necessary to step into this new arena and see horses from this new perspective 
  • Understand the importance of attunement to your horse and yourself. Why it matters.
  • Learn about horse behavior from an ethological perspective and how this applies to working with horses included in learning and therapy. 
  • Understand the nervous system states of you and your horse and why it’s imperative to this work.
  • Identify what new skills you need to acquire 
  • Have clarity on exercises you can do with horses right away to set yourself up for creating offerings. 
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Carla, the wonderful. Carla, the miracle. Carla, who changes souls and lives and teaches love. What else can I say? She changed our lives so much that it is hard to put in words. The pandemic took place, many activities were restricted or closed down. Out of frustration, we decided to check out the farm. My daughter was quite indifferent and I was a typical city dweller. All changed, our world was upside down within 15 minutes of our first visit. The joy and interest I saw on my kid’s face were hard to believe. And then a meticulous journey of healing started. Bit by bit, day by day Carla changed our hearts, our souls, our vision of life and future. The changes in my daughter are hard to believe in. She got more confident, empathic, able to feel herself and others, whether they are animals or people. Anxiety retorted and is not in sight any longer. Kindness and understanding of the world around us came to our lives.I am slowly becoming a different mom and a different person, too. More mature, listening and hearing more.
I will be forever grateful to Carla for our new life. Thank you.

Tanya

You only have to compare the photos of my daughter when she began visiting Anam Cara Farm to work with Carla five years ago and the recent photos to see what a difference coming here regularly has made. Between ages 9 and 14, Audrey has blossomed and matured, gaining calmness, confidence and ownership of her own identity from interacting with all of the animals, especially Gus the sheep, and especially with Carla. The hens trust her to pick them up and collect their eggs; the horses to brush their coats and ride them, and the pigs to feed them snacks and give them scratches and hugs. I know being with Carla and helping to care for the animals is a highlight of Audrey’s week. This farm is grounding and serene and even works its magic on parents. I can’t say enough positive things about this special place and the love and therapy shared by Carla and her animal cohabitants at Anam Cara. Thank you.

Jennifer

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