Discover, Connect, Achieve Through Our
Fun and Innovative Horse-based Activities
At Strides to Excellence, we specialize in unique horse-based activities designed to strengthen both team dynamics and family bonds. Our leadership and team building programs leverage the intuitive nature of horses to foster connection, growth and joy in a natural setting. Whether you’re a corporate team seeking cohesion or a family looking to deepen your relationships, our tailored experiences provide an unforgettable journey toward unity and excellence.
How Having Fun with Horses Can Improve your Life
It’s not what you learn about horses that makes them important, it’s what they teach you about people. Their reactions are pure, honest and based on the emotions of the moment. They mirror and are direct reflections of the people that handle them. In this way they give us instant unbiased feedback on our body language, relationship skills, and the hidden emotions that control our behavior. This gives an immediate opportunity to practice changing unwanted behaviors or enhancing desired ones.
Enhanced Communication
Equine-assisted learning encourages clear and effective communication, fostering better teamwork and stronger family bonds.
Confidence Boost
Successfully interacting with horses can significantly improve self-esteem and confidence through a sense of accomplishment.
Skill Development
Horses, being large animals with a mind of their own, challenge participants to improve skills like patience, problem-solving and attention to detail.
During our mentally and physically challenging leadership and team building programs, horses provide the one thing all other experiential (learning by doing) programs cannot—the opportunity to interact with a living, thinking, reacting animal that provides constantly changing and evolving experiences.
Team Building isn’t just for Businesses!
Disconnected and Distracted
In today’s world, both business teams and families face significant challenges in maintaining effective communication, strong relationships and overall well-being.
For Teams:
- High pressure environments
- Remote work
- Constant digital interactions
For Families:
- Lack of meaningful interactions
Strained Relationships, Stressed Lives
These issues can have far-reaching consequences.
For Teams:
Poor communication
Low morale
Decreased productivity
Increased conflicts
High turnover rate
For Families:
Feelings of isolation
Lack of support
Breakdown in familial relationships
Reconnecting Through Horses
Horse-based activities offer a unique and powerful solution to these challenges.
Team Building For Teams:
- Activities with horses provide an engaging way to improve communication, build trust, and foster teamwork.
- Working with horses requires clear, non-verbal communication and collaborative effort, helping team members develop essential skills that can translate to the workspace.
Equine Assisted Activities For Families:
- Spending time together in nature while engaging with horses strengthens bonds and enhances emotional connections.
- These activities encourage family members to work together, communicate effectively, and support each other in a nurturing environment.
- The shared experiences create lasting memories and reinforce the importance of spending quality time together.
How Does it Work?
Participants learn about themselves and others by engaging in activities with the horses and then processing (or discussing) thoughts, beliefs, behaviors and patterns. This non-riding program focuses on human skills, not horsemanship skills. Activities are designed to create metaphors to “real life.” Everything that is done with the horses is related to what is happening at home, school, work, in relationships, etc.
By integrating horse-based activities, both business teams and families can experience improved relationships, reduced stress, and a renewed sense of connection and well-being.
Can Horses Really make a Difference?
Founder’s Message
I first became interested in what horses can do for humans when I went to work for a program teaching riding in the early 2000s. One 4-year old boy started it all. He was absolutely terrified when he arrived and took lots of one-on-one attention to get him near the horse. After just a session or two, he was first in line to get “his” horse ready. And he wasn’t the only one.
I began researching equine-assisted learning, taking classes, attending workshops and planning. Eventually I, along with an addition counselor, started a program that served folks with addictions and youth-at-risk. These programs led to team building and private activities for individuals. Over and over I saw so many ah-ha moments. So, yes, I can say that I truly believe horses make a difference and I am excited to be part of the team bringing this unique opportunity to the Rio Grande Valley.
Other Ways to Interact with Horses at the Ranch
Programs for Individuals
Join us for an unforgettable journey into the wonderful world of Equus where horse and human connect at a level that is deep and profound, besides being immensely fun. You’ll work one-on-one with a horse using some of the techniques of the natural horse trainers.
Informative, magical and epic are just a few words to describe this unique and wonderful experience.
Ranch Adventures
Bring your party outdoors to the ranch in Harlingen! We can provide everything for you including a fabulous barbecue meal or you can do everything yourself. Optional activities available include:
- Horseshoe toss
- Learn to rope
- Create a craft
- Scavenger hunt
- Groom a horse
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In fact, the less you know about horses the more they will help you discover about yourself.
Close-toed shoes are a must and long pants are recommended.
No riding is involved in our horse-based activities.
An open, curious mind. Everything else will be provided including refreshments.
