Committed to Excellence

AD ASTRA STABLES

Vision, Mission & Value Statement

Vision: To be globally recognized for Equine Assisted Activity Programs with an environment notably safe, respectful and empowering.

Mission: To deliver top quality, proven Equine-Assisted activities that create longstanding learning and inspire others to be better partners, better people and better leaders.

Value Statement: The core values held by Ad Astra Stables are loyalty, integrity, understanding, honesty, respect and non-judgement. These values provide the foundation of Ad Astra’s path to success.

Ad Astra Stables is Unique

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Ad Astra Stables is unique in that Larissa and Robert are Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Veterans impacted by mental health challenges that include Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) due to an Operational Stress Injury (OSI). The stables are located in a calm, serene, safe environment on the shores of Lake Nosbonsing. 

Ad Astra Stables Service is set apart from the competition through visionary leadership, equine experience, work ethic and knowledge.

Clients choose Ad Astra Stables due to innovative programming, location, quality of service, quality of horses and a strong safety priority.

DELIVERY

Ad Astra Stables Equine-Assisted Learning provides an established curriculum of objective-based exercises utilized to create consistent and predicable outcomes.  This leads to modifications of ineffective behaviours.   With this service, we ensure all details are safe, simple, seamless and handled in a timely manner. Whenever you work with Ad Astra Stables, you can trust that you are in great hands.

WHY HORSES

Horses are tough and steadfast dance partners.  Horses consistently react to stimulus provided by participants.  Some of the joys associated with working around horses are that they do not judge but they constantly assess.  Their feedback is honest and instant.

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Learning to listen what horses have to say is powerful and can sometimes spur the answer to individual change.  By including horses in specially designed educational exercises, facilitators have greatly multiplied the participants rate of success to self discovery.

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Horses can magnify an individual's problem immediately and provide a skilled facilitator with an opportunity to identify an individual's character.  Horses do not over think a participants motive but horses do challenge their behaviour and leadership.

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As facilitators translate a horses non-verbal communication, together they have the ability to walk participants through to finding life-altering changes.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

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• Provides an opportunity to attain immediate, honest and observable feedback with cause and effect situations;

• Improves personal awareness while enhancing verbal and non-verbal communications skills;

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• Teaches empathy and willingness to accept responsibility while developing healthy relationships;

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• Learning to break down defensive barriers and appreciate other team members;

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• Promotes patience while considering the needs and views of others;

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• Provides an opportunity to empower individuals to expand personal comfort zones while building confidence & self-esteem;

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• Challenges participants in a non-judgmental way;

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• Develops personal work ethics, responsibility & appropriate assertiveness;

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• Observe the nature of the horses and realize its importance to social success;

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• Learn the importance of hierarchy and appreciating the value of community;

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• Provides an appreciation of differences and diversity;

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• Engages in discussion & activities to learn more about the horse & themselves;

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• Develops abilities to be smart risk takers and fair minded team players;

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• Encourages impulse control while improving decision making skills; and

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• Provides opportunities to immediately practice new skills.

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AD ASTRA STABLES SERVICES

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) 

This is a learner based educational experience with horses. This is an effective approach to human development that encourages individual or team growth. Participants engage in objectively driven exercises and find themselves learning valuable life skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere while working with horses. EAL has proven to be effective, powerful, positive, educational and creative.

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Horsemanship Program 

What separates the Ad Astra Stables horsemanship method from others is the unique approach to teaching horse owners how to effectively communicate with their horses. As one progresses through horse training levels, they will notice that every lesson is presented in a step-by-step system called the Eight Steps to Success. Each exercise is laid out in the easiest, simplest way to understand, ensuring that the human will know exactly what steps to take and what you can expect your horse to do when teaching a given exercise.

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Offered Soon:

Certification in process for Equusoma human-horse trauma recovery approach 

Trauma-affected individuals are often drawn to horses and alternative approaches in support of their recovery. When talk therapy fails, and when specialized trauma therapies are not available, equine-assisted programs fill a gap for people who are desperate for change and who are drawn to the human-animal bond.

Trauma is truly its own specialty area, and being trauma-informed is an essential part of safe and effective interventions for humans and for equines.

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IT'S A DATE!

Just For Couples

Looking for a fun & unique date idea?

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Surprise your special someone with a session with our horses.

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While working with our horses, you will experience an inner confidence, stretch your communication and leadership skills and evolve into a trusted team. 

A couple that plays together, stays together.

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Includes:

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• 1 EAL Session

• Certified EAL Facilitator

• Use of horses and all equipment

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$100 per couple

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No previous horse or riding experience necessary.  All activities are done safely from the ground.

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CORPORATE TEAM EVENTS

Engage, Energize, & Empower Your Team!

Ad Astra Stables leadership, development & team building events are designed to improve group dynamics and build morale.

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A great team needs trust, candor and includes team members who strongly support each other.

Our proven approach using horses will build character, improve communication and collaboration resulting in a team that is results focused!

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Build your customized event:

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• 1.5 hour - 2 day customized EAL Program

• Certified EAL Facilitator

• Use of our horses and equipment

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No riding or previous horse experience necessary.

All exercises are done from the ground.

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REGAIN THE REINS

You are not alone

Ad Astra Stables was founded to assist Veterans, Military, Police, Fire Fighters, all other First Responders and their families challenged by Post-Traumatic Stress Injury. 

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Trauma-affected individuals are often drawn to horses and alternative approaches in support of their recovery. When talk therapy fails, and when specialized trauma therapies are not available, equine-assisted programs fill a gap for people who are desperate for change and who are drawn to the human-animal bond.

Without trauma awareness and skillfulness, equine interaction programs can unintentionally lead to harmful re-enactments for both two and four-legged participants. This is because trauma can also be present in the horses themselves, and in the facilitators offering the services – whether the service is therapeutic or learning-focused. Trauma is truly its own specialty area, and being trauma-informed is an essential part of safe and effective interventions for humans and for equines.

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Ad Astra Stables provides equine assisted activities in support of those who have served their country and community, as well as the family who supports the person who has served at no cost.

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Includes:​

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• Certified EAL Facilitator (s)

• Certified Operational Stress Injury Social Support Facilitator

• Certified Equusoma Trauma Recovery - Coming Soon

• Use of our horses and equipment

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No riding or previous horse experience is necessary.  All exercises are done safely from the ground.

BUILDING THE FOUNDATION

Developing the Equestrian in You

A 12 week program formed to develop fundamental equestrian skills.  We explore what happens between a horse and human on a molecular level and how it helps achieve the ultimate in connection.  Specifically, boundaries are explored, and confidence is developed in this calm, serene, safe environment.

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Includes:

• 12 EAL Sessions

• Certified Peer Support Facilitator

• Certified EAL Facilitator 

• Use of horses and all equipment

No previous horse or riding experience necessary.  All activities are done safely from the ground. 

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EMPOWERED LADIES PROGRAM

Just for the Girls

Enjoy some much needed girl-time!  Do something different and fun!

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While working with our horses, you will experience an inner confidence, stretch your communication and leadership skills and explore boundaries. Be prepared for some laughs and a few "a-ha"  moments during this fun & reflective program.

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$150 per person

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Includes:

• 4 EAL Sessions

• Certified EAL Facilitator (s)

• Use of horses and all equipment

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No previous horse or riding experience necessary.  All activities are done safely from the ground.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IF I AM AFRAID OF HORSES?

Ad Astra Stables focus is on safety for the humans and the horses.  Safety procedures are taught, enforced and monitored at all times.

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As you learn about horses, your confidence will increase with time and experience.  The horses at Ad Astra Stables will provide immediate feedback to make you feel safe with them.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes that you won't mind getting dirty.  It is recommended that you wear layers dependent on the weather.

Closed toe boots or shoes are mandatory and we recommend wearing ice cleats over boots during the winter.

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE FROM NORTH BAY?

Ad Astra Stables is approximately a 30 minute drive from North Bay.  This is based on good road conditions and no construction.