Spur Valley Horses • Therapeutic Programs
Healing Through
Horses
At Spur Valley Horses, we believe healing doesn’t always happen within four walls — sometimes it begins in the quiet presence of a horse.
Through our collaboration with Michael Niezen, MPCC, Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling, alongside Emily Dumaresq, we offer a grounded and meaningful approach to mental wellness in the East Kootenays.
This program creates a space where individuals can slow down, reconnect, and experience personal growth through guided therapeutic work with horses in a safe and supportive ranch environment.
Therapeutic Experience
A Different Kind of Therapy Experience
Horses offer honest, immediate feedback in a way that feels grounding, natural, and deeply human.
Honest Reflection
Horses are incredibly intuitive animals. They respond honestly to human body language, emotional energy, and intention — offering immediate, non-judgmental feedback.
Greater Self-Awareness
This allows participants to gain insight into their emotions, communication patterns, and personal boundaries in a way that feels natural and deeply impactful.
Outdoors, Not Indoors
Unlike traditional therapy settings, sessions take place outdoors — where the combination of horses, fresh air, and open space creates a powerful environment for reflection, grounding, and connection.
Program Overview
What to Expect
All sessions are ground-based — no riding required. Each experience is guided, intentional, and designed to meet participants where they are.
Participants Will
Engage with horses through guided therapeutic exercises
Build awareness through observation and connection
Explore emotions and patterns through facilitated reflection
Experience a calm, supportive, and welcoming environment
Session Options
Individual Sessions
One-on-one therapeutic sessions led by Michael Niezen.
Group Sessions
Co-facilitated sessions focused on shared learning and connection.
Team Building
Designed for organizations to strengthen communication, leadership, and trust through experiential learning.
Who This Is For
Support for Where You Are
This program is designed for individuals seeking support, clarity, and meaningful change — regardless of where they are in their journey.
Each experience is guided with care and adapted to the individual or group. No prior horse experience is required.
Potential Benefits
What Participants Often Gain
Each experience is unique, but many participants leave with a stronger sense of clarity, confidence, and connection.
Reduced Stress
A calmer nervous system and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.
Emotional Regulation
Improved ability to recognize, process, and respond to emotions.
Confidence & Awareness
Greater self-awareness and a stronger sense of personal confidence.
Communication Skills
Clearer communication and healthier relationship patterns.
Calm & Connection
A deeper sense of grounding, presence, and connection.
Outcomes vary for each individual. This program is designed to support growth, not replace clinical treatment.
Meet the Facilitators
Guided by Experienced Practitioners
This program is supported by experienced facilitators who bring clinical insight, equine knowledge, and a grounded, compassionate approach to every session.
Facilitator
Michael Niezen, MPCC
Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling
Equine Assisted Psychotherapist
Fort Steele Counselling
Facilitator
Emily Dumaresq
Equine Assisted Practitioner
Fort Steele Counselling
A Space to Slow Down
With the land.
With the horses.
And with yourself.
Book Your Session
Begin with a Conversation
All sessions are facilitated and managed directly through our licensed therapist, ensuring a safe, professional, and supportive experience from the very beginning.
Phone
(236) 614-0110Insurance & Coverage
Sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through extended health benefits, depending on your provider.