Welcome to
Our Mission
At Lasting Strides we provide an experience that will impact your life and influence positive lifestyle changes. We are dedicated to offering a place for teens, young adults, and women to find peace, purpose, and renewal.
Why Horses?
Horses are incredibly perceptive and sensitive to our emotions. They cannot over-think a situation and are unable to lie, therefore providing instant and totally honest reactions to their handler's emotions. This allows facilitators a better look into the client's personality, and may bring to light feelings the client themselves were not even aware of.
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Horses are able to teach us so much about ourselves if we are willing to learn how to listen. At Lasting Strides, our horses are valued as teachers and teammates. In all of our programs, participants will learn how to read their body language cues to improve their horsemanship abilities, which we will always relate back to ways they can improve things in their life away from the barn.
Who Can Benefit?
Whether you are struggling with mental illness, overcoming trauma or grief, facing new challenges, or feeling lost and out of focus in your life - we are here for you. Everyone can benefit from the programs we offer, and we are happy to walk alongside you through whatever you are facing. The ranch provides a safe space for healing, growth, and self-discovery - a haven in the midst of the chaos of the world.
Meet the Owner
Jade Dykstra
Owner, Founder (EAL Canada), Certified Equine Assisted Wellness Coach
Jade grew up riding horses and knowing that she wanted to make a difference in her community. She starting Lasting Strides in 2015 after receiving her certifications in the Equine Assisted Wellness field. Since then it has grown to be her full-time commitment, and she works hard to ensure you are receiving the best-quality coaching.
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Jade was certified as an Equine Assisted Learning Coach in 2013 through Higher Trails and Equine Connection. In June 2017 she became a founding member of EAL Canada. She has been working with horses since 2002 and continues her personal and professional development every chance she gets.