April 3rd - 5th, 2020 The Canine Center for Training and Behavior
will be having their third annual Canine Camp here at Lazy Hills retreat. This wonderful event is a bonding experience between dog owners and their dogs. The Center was founded on a single principle: “You own a dog to make your life richer, more rewarding and more fun.” We at Lazy Hills certainly enjoy all of the participants and their furry friends.
They have a simple three-step approach for both new owners as well as experienced trainers:
- Invest in the relationship- Develop communication techniques and fun ways to gain basic good manners and social skills.
- Keep it interesting- Bring your dog into your life with hiking, yoga, agility training and kayaking.
- Push the envelope- Challenge yourself with their Canine Adventure™ series. L-I-V-E and Vacation with your dog!
You can visit their website for more information on The Canine Center http://www.morefunthandirt.com to find out more information about them!
November - February Equine Day Pass
Come ride our beautiful 725 acres of trails in the majestic Texas Hill Country!
$25 per horse per day, unless you decide to lodge with us, then it is complimentary!
For your horse, we offer stalls (1 horse max $15/night) and runs (2 horse max $30/night).
Shoes/Pads are highly recommended. Also for your horse's enjoyment, we provide a complimentary round-pen, additional obstacle course and wash areas. And for dog lovers, be sure to ask about our pet-friendly lodging. Coggins required for all horses please.
Please call or email the office to make arrangements FIRST! 830-367-1445 or
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Depending on the groups we have on property, this may not be available.
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EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING (available upon request for an additional fee)
What is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)?
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a non-traditional, solution-oriented learning experience that uses horses, not as tools, but as active partners to facilitate the learning experience for the human participants. By examining human and equine behavior and interactions (i.e., how the horses may or may not react to us), we can learn more effective strategies to utilize in our own human relationships. EAL participants are given a task to complete with the horse(s). At the conclusion of the activity, strategies, techniques, and outcomes are discussed. The difference is that participants get instant genuine, honest feedback- from the horses! Horses cannot lie. Their reactions throughout the activities give us a true perspective on how we are projecting ourselves. We consider each horse an individual, a four legged teacher that assists in the learning process. All activities are done on the ground- no riding. EAL is not horsemanship or riding, it is so much MORE!
For participants, the lesson is about why the horse behaves as it does in response to what they bring to the interaction. The demeanor of the participants is reflected in the demeanor of the horse. A positive change in participant behavior brings positive change in equine behavior. We find that the way our clients interact with the horses is very similar to the way they interact with their peers, customers, colleagues, as well as their own families. Our ability to successfully communicate with the horses provides the means of successfully communicating with other human beings. We are all part of our own herd. We must conduct ourselves in ways that enhance the overall quality of life in our human herd.
Why Horses?
There are numerous reasons to use horses in human training programs. EAL provides the one thing that all other experiential programs cannot: the opportunity of using a rather large, living, breathing, reacting creature creating an environment of constantly changing and evolving experiences.
Horses are similar to humans in that they have individual personalities, physical abilities and limitations. Horses also have a full range of emotions (e.g., joy, anxiety, fear and anger). Horses are social beings. They would rather be with their friends.
Horses are very dissimilar to humans in that they are a prey, rather than predator, species. Their prey mentality makes them keenly aware of their environment. They are very perceptive to threats, danger, and changes in people, places and things. They communicate almost totally through body language. They are masters at reading human body language and mirroring that back to the human. Horses are incapable of lying. They are honest, genuine, and completely congruent. Horses don’t care about a person’s position, power, status, or title. They are acutely perceptive, totally honest, and have no hidden agendas. Because of their size, horses are intimidating to many people. This creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. Most of all, horses gives immediate and honest feedback which can show us what we need to improve in order to achieve change and growth.
What are some examples of EAL activities?
In one activity we ask participants to “Catch and Halter” a horse. For someone with horse experience, this should be a simple task. For those who have never been around horses, it can be challenging and can test a person’s problem solving skills, communication skill, and team building skills if the exercise is done with several horses and people. Other activities include getting the horse(s) to negotiate an obstacle without touching the horse or talking to your teammates. Remember, all activities are done on the ground- no riding!
Does EAL require any horse experience?
Absolutely not!
What types of horses are used?
Actually, any equine is appropriate for EAL. Horses, mules, ponies and donkeys all have been used. The only requirement is that they are safe, gentle (i.e., “bomb proof”) and interact easily with humans.
How long does an EAL activity last?
Sessions can be scheduled for two hours, four hours, or a full day. We are flexible regarding times and will work with your organization to meet your needs.
What do we wear?
All activities will be done outside and on the ground. Dress comfortably and appropriate for the weather. No sandals or open-toed shoes.
What about liability?
Absolutely all participants are required to sign a Lazy Hills Retreat waiver of liability/release form.
Is videotaping allowed?
Because we want to create an emotionally safe environment, videotaping is not permitted unless specifically requested for organizational reasons. Lazy Hills may choose to photograph/videotape the event for internal use and marketing purposes, with releases from the participants.
Who should I contact if I have more questions or to schedule an EAL session?
Call the office at (830)367-1445.
“There‘s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man.” ~Winston Churchill