Equine-Assisted Services
(Misatim ki kiskinawi makonaw ehkwa kÍkéyikonaw).
"Learning and healing through the spirit of the horse."
Experience healing and growth through horse-assisted services.
Tansi
Welcome
At Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch, we offer equine-assisted learning and services designed to foster personal and professional growth. Our workshops and counselling services cater to individuals, families, and groups seeking meaningful connection with horses.
History behind the name...
Yellow Thunder Horse
The ranch was established in 2020 and named after the owner's late grandson Osawastim Piyisiw, which means Yellow Thunder Horse in Cree. To honour him, the ranch was founded and offers learning and healing through the spirit of the horse.
What is Equine-Assisted Services?
Why horses?
The heart of the human-horse relationship lies in a deep and meaningful bond. Horses, being naturally social and empathetic creatures, are adept at interpreting human emotions through cues such as body language, heart rate, and vocal tone. They reflect our feelings, matching calmness with calmness and reacting to anxiety with caution. Horses respond to your genuine internal state rather than any façade you put on. Through interacting with them, you will learn effective communication, mutual respect, and forge a true connection. This journey encourages you to be mindful and centered gradually making emotional regulation an effortless part of your life.
Programming and Counselling Services
Kiskinwahamakosiw Youth Program (Building Block Program)
This 13-week Building Block Equine Assisted Learning Program has a learning objective for each lesson. This successful Youth Leadership program was developed by Cartier Farms and consists of the following:
- Developing Relationships
- Basic Skills Development
- Learning About Self
- Interactive Negotiation Skills
- Common Sense
- Communication and Body Language
- Empowerment Through Trust/Respect
- Observation and Assertive Skills
- Listening vs. Hearing
- Having Choices/Making Decisions
- Plan, Team and Project Development
- Team Building
- Graduation & Demonstration
This program can be offered in six weeks with sessions twice per week.
The maximum is 12 participants per lesson/session. Each lesson will be approximately 1.25 hours in length.
A personalized program that includes land-based teachings, culture and language can be developed to meet your group's needs.
Refreshments and healthy snacks are available during every session.
Cost: Contact the Ranch for a quote and customized schedule for your organization or group.
Other Interactive Programs we can accommodate
- Ladies Night
- Men's Night
- Date Night
- Family Day
- Learn to Ride
- Learn to Rope
- Treaty Day
- National Indigenous Day
- Elder Groups
- Trauma Workshops
- Grief Workshops
Cost: Contact for a personalized programme and quote
Indigenous Equine-Assisted Counselling
Offering six-week counselling sessions using the Medicine Wheel concept through an Indigenous lens.
Sessions are open to individuals and couples.
Cost: Contact for more information.
Team Building Workshop (6
hours)
We offer an interactive and fun team building workshop with the objectives of learning better communication, collaboration and cooperation!
Sample agenda:
- Opening Prayer
- Introductions
- Ice Breaker (fun & interactive)
- Safety and Handling
- EAL Exercise (specific to Team Building)
- Traditional Hand Games
- Lunch (provided)
- EAL Exercise (specific to Team Building)
- Health Break
- Seven Sacred Teachings &/or Traditional Family Kinship & Roles
- Closing Prayer
Cost: Contact for a quote. (minimum 6 participants)
Leadership Workshop (6 hours)
Learn communication, empathy, confidence, and acceptance. Let the horses teach you these powerful attributes!
Sample agenda:
- Opening Prayer
- Introductions
- Ice Breaker (fun & interactive)
- Safety and Handling
- EAL Exercise (specific to Leadership) Traditional Hand Games
- Lunch (provided)
- EAL Exercise (specific to Leadership)
- Health Break
- Seven Sacred Teachings & Leadership Roles
- Closing Prayer
Cost: Contact for a quote. (minimum 6 to a maximum of 12 participants)
Children Birthday Parties & Pony Rides (3 hours)
We host birthday parties for children ages 10 and under with fun activities and pony rides. Safety is important to us, therefore, when children ride the pony or horse they must wear a helmet. Parent(s)s or legal guardian(s) of birthday child must be in attendance and assist with the activities.
Sample agenda:
- Safety and Handling
- Scavenger Hunt
- Seven Sacred Teachings
- Lead Pony/Horse Rides
- Crafts & Free Play Time
- Birthday Meal & Gift Opening
Cost: $250 for 4 children. $25 per child thereafter up to a maximum of 12 children. (Price may be subject to change which depends on the number of children, and type of meal. You supply the cake. Call for more information).
Basic Horse Handling (3 hours)
This program will teach you the basics of horse handling and safety. There is no riding involved.
Sample agenda:
- Introductions
- Safety and Handling
- Parts of the Horse
- Horse’s Body Language
- Grooming and Grooming Supplies
- Health Break
- Tying and Leading
- Catching Your Horse
Cost: $100 per person (1 to 4 participants per session)
* Programs are offered Monday to Friday, but weekend bookings can be arranged if preferred.
We are closed on civic and statutory holidays.
* Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances or emergencies may require changes to scheduled times or dates. We will do our best to reschedule at a convenient time. Please note, a cancellation policy applies for no-shows or cancellations.
* Pricing may vary based on customized programs or if travel is required to provide services outside of Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch in Whitewood.
* A deposit of 50% is required for all programs at time of booking, with the remaining balance due on or before completion of the program or workshop.
* We strive to accommodate all budgets and will make every effort to ensure no one is turned away.
For more information, please contact Lois (Chooch) Taypotat (306) 735-1380 or at yellowthunderhorseranch@gmail.com
Cancellation Policy and Testimonials
NO SHOW AND CANCELLATION POLICY
NO SHOW AND CANCELLATION POLICY
NO SHOW AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the frequency of missed sessions (no shows) and late cancellations, we are implementing a No Tolerance Policy for cancellations. This measure is necessary to ensure fairness and maintain the smooth operation of our programs.
Please keep in mind that a significant amount of preparation is required for each session. This includes planning activities, reschooling the horses, setting up equipment, and, during winter months, loading horses and transporting them to an indoor arena.
- If an individual, group, or family misses or cancels a session without just cause within 24 hours of the scheduled session, payment for that missed session will still be required.
- If the Ranch needs to cancel session(s), we will reschedule the session(s) or provide a credit on a future invoice. A minimum of twenty-four (24) hours’ notice will be given for any such changes.
- If an individual or student anticipates being away for an extended period (such as a family vacation or school commitments), no charge will apply for the missed session provided at least seven business days’ notice is given for the dates they will be absent.
- For individuals, students, families, or groups who have paid for or prepaid a deposit for programming at previous pricing, those programs will continue at the agreed rate until completion. After the program concludes, participants will transition to the new pricing effective January 1, 2023.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the Ranch (306) 735-1380.
To book programming, or for inquiries please call or email yellowthunderhorseranch@gmail.com
We thank you for your continued business and support!
TESTIMONIALS
NO SHOW AND CANCELLATION POLICY
NO SHOW AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Team Building Workshop Testimonials
"I loved the entire day! Thank you so much for making me think outside the box! Can't wait to do it again!"
"Will recommend to any organization."
"Very good facilitators!!"
"Time well spent."
"I'm grateful to have the time with co workers away from the school, spiritual walk was a good healing."
"Opened my eyes to communicate much better."
"Very impressive, really enjoyed the day. Awesome facilitators. Very happy with the outcome."
"The workshop helped me look at myself and my level of communication."
"I would so highly recommend this to every dept in our band office and school."
"Very supportive, no judgement, welcoming."
"Such an amazing experience."
"It was very effective."
TESTIMONIALS
NO SHOW AND CANCELLATION POLICY
TESTIMONIALS
Other Testimonials
"When my partner and I first came to equine therapy, we didn’t know exactly what to expect. We had tried traditional counseling before, but somehow we kept falling into the same patterns of communication and misunderstanding. The idea of working with horses felt different—less about talking at each other, and more about learning to connect in a new way. From the very first session, we were surprised by how intuitive the horses were. They seemed to pick up on our energy, our tension, even the things we didn’t say. When one of us was anxious or frustrated, the horse would respond—sometimes by backing away, sometimes by standing still until we both calmed down. It was humbling, but also incredibly healing. Through guided exercises, we learned to approach the horses (and each other) with patience, clarity, and calm. When we worked together to lead or groom a horse, we had to cooperate without competing, listen without interrupting, and trust without control. Those same lessons started to show up in our relationship at home. Equine therapy gave us a space to grow emotionally without judgment—to be fully present, to let go of defensiveness, and to rebuild our connection through empathy and teamwork. The horses didn’t care about our arguments or our history; they simply reflected back the energy we brought into the moment. That reflection helped us become more honest with ourselves and more compassionate toward each other. Today, our relationship feels stronger, more grounded, and more peaceful. We still have challenges, but we handle them with greater awareness and respect. Equine therapy didn’t just help us communicate better—it helped us understand each other in a way we never had before. I’m deeply grateful for the experience and would recommend it to any couple/individual looking to reconnect—not just with each other, but with themselves. Chooch and her team were amazing! I would highly recommend Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch."
Our Team
Lois (Chooch) Taypotat, Owner/Indigenous Equine-Assisted Counsellor/Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator
Chooch is a proud member of the Kahkewistahaw First Nation and the owner of Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch. She is a certified Indigenous Equine-Assisted Counsellor through Elkdog Consulting & Counselling, as well as a certified Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator through Cartier Farms. Chooch is a member of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation and holds certifications in Red Cross Psychological First Aid – Self-Care & Caring for Others, First Aid CPR-C, and AED. Presently, she is completing her Criminal Justice–Corrections Diploma with Lethbridge Polytechnic and plans to transfer into a degree program. She graduated from Lakeland College with a diploma in Business Administration and is a certified Lands Manager. She also holds a Food Safety & Handling certificate from the Canadian Institute of Food Safety.
Raised on her family's mixed farm, Chooch has a lifelong background in raising crops, cattle, and horses. Coming from a rodeo family, she began riding at an early age, competing in goat tying, barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping. With over 40 years of experience working with horses, she has recognized the unique healing abilities these animals possess. Fulfilling her lifelong dream to own a ranch, Chooch is dedicated to helping others develop and grow, sharing her passion and commitment so that others may experience the healing spirit of horses.
Tammy Taypotat, Ed. Psych.
Information forthcoming
Terrance Aisaican, RMT
Information forthcoming
Shawnee McGuffin, Wrangler
Information forthcoming
Louis Taypotat, Elder
Louis is a well respected leader and elder of Kahkewistahaw First Nation. In his lifetime, Louis worked in the federal community pastures, and started his rodeo career in the early 60's competing in the prairie provinces and into the United States achieving many Calf Roping championships. To carry on his rodeo and ranching way of life, he supports, mentors, promotes, and teaches his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Louis has received awards for his dedication and building of the sport of rodeo.
Louis also served the Kahkewistahaw First Nation for 35 years which he began as a Councillor and later as Chief. For many of these years, family have shared him with the people of Kahkewistahaw. His heart is always with his people and to ensure the Nation progressed. Under Louis’ leadership, there are many successful ventures on the Nation lands. He was also honored to have the First Nation Rodeo & Equine Centre named after him.
As a leader, Louis possesses strong values and compassion for his people. He is an advocate for treaty rights and protection. He practices his Cree language, culture and traditions, which is incorporated into his leadership ability as a visionary. Louis is an advocate of education and training. He is always willing to share his traditional and cultural knowledge and spirituality with those that want to listen.
FAQ
How can horses help me if I am scared or nervous around them?
The horses in our program are evaluated and schooled. We make every effort to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected. Sessions may be customized to ensure your comfort level. You may find that as the session(s) progress that you will feel comfortable around the horse(s) and overcome your fear to the point that you will be able to touch them. Previous horse experience is not required, and there is no riding involved.
Will I benefit from your program, if I am experienced with horses?
We are certain you will benefit! In your experience with horses, you are already familiar with their behavior and the feedback they offer you when you work with them. The experience may help you to understand horses on a deeper level and help you with your personal and professional development.
Do I get to ride a horse?
There is no riding of the horses involved in Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programming. It is handling and leading the horses through a set of obstacle courses to learn certain objectives.
However, riding lessons can be arranged. Contact the Ranch for more information.
What should I wear around horses?
Appropriate clothing is recommended for the weather. Open toed and crocs are not allowed. If you have inappropriate footwear, we have boots that you may borrow for the session. Helmets are required to be worn if under the age of 18.
In the winter months, we have lessons in an indoor arena, but you still have to dress for the weather.
What happens in a session?
All lessons and sessions take place on the ground with a certified equine-assisted learning facilitator, assistant, and horses or ponies. The sessions can be customized to the specific needs of the individual participant or the group or organization. Sessions are with the horses that include exercises with halters, lead ropes, tethering, and equipment such as poles, pylons, hoola hoops, tarps, and other obstacles that you and the horses navigate through and over, subject to the objective of the exercise. The work with the horses and the individual or group involves body, emotion, and mindfulness through reflective sessions, journaling, body scans, and grounding. There is no riding the horses. We encourage the participants to take a spiritual walk with the horse.
What professional training do the YTHR facilitators have?
Chooch is a certified Indigenous Equine-Assisted Counsellor in the Medicine Wheel concept and a certified Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) facilitator. She has a lifetime experience with horses. Chooch is also a member of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation. She has her Psychological First Aid through the Red Cross, is completing her Criminal Justice-Corrections diploma, has her Business Administration diploma, has worked for years in Lands & Resources, and plans to finish her Reiki levels and Animal Reiki.
Tammy is an Educational Psychologist with over 35 years in the education field, teaching or in the capacity of an educational psychologist.
Our Elder Louis is a well-respected leader across Canada who committed most of his life to the people advocating for protection of the Indigenous Treaty rights, knowledgeable in culture and traditions.
There are other experienced team members that assist with the workshops. This depends on the needs of the individuals or groups.
We are all committed to continuing education and training and helping with your personal, professional and spiritual development.
Is the Ranch open year round?
Yes, we are open year-round. We offer our services near an arena near you subject to availability in the Fall or Winter. We will adjust for weather conditions such as very cold, snow, high winds, or heavy rain. There are times where we may have to postpone and reschedule, but we will make it work!
We also board horses, provide a Horse Motel, and an RV electrical hookup if you need an overnight camping spot.
What is the Building Block Program™?
It is a proven Equine Assisted Learning Curriculum of objective-based exercises. The Cartier partnership spent 10 years researching the lasting benefits of EAL and hundreds of hours developing a user-friendly, flexible, teachable curriculum that others could learn and implement at a facility of their own. Each exercise builds on the skills of the last and is carefully designed to deliver on specific learning objectives through interactive group engagement with horses.
Is there research to validate this program?
There have been 2 independent studies conducted to validate the effectiveness of the Building Block Program™. The first was done with Cartier Equine Centre Partnership in 2013 with the Universities of Regina, Saskatchewan and Calgary. Cartier Farms EAL Centre has continued to pursue 3rd party validation to inform program improvements and development. A more recent study in 2016 by McMaster and the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan showed that EAL outcomes supported the 4 stated objectives including building relationships, learning about self, positive self-concept and client life skill development.
Who is Cartier Farms?
Cartier Farms EAL Centre is in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and is owned and run by Gayle Cartier, Daryl Cartier with Janice Boucher and Roger Boucher. Formerly known as the Cartier Equine Centre, these are 4 of the original CEC partners and the founders of the Building Block Curriculum. Gayle & Janice are the true masters of EAL and have been running programs since 2000. They created the Building Block Program™ with the CEC partnership to help others learn how to run this valuable program and bring it to their own community.
Is there funding available to take the programs or workshops?
We can assist your organization or First Nation with an application for our services.
Contact your First Nation's Prevention or Wellness Services departments.
Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch is a registered Vendor with ISC-Jordan's Principle.
Grants are available under:
Jordan’s Principle
visit
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1568396296543/1582657596387#sec5for
Our Lesson and Therapy Horses
Benny
Benny is an 8 year old strawberry roan gelding. He is a lovable guy that loves attention and snacks. He can be alert and responsive to your feelings. He loves to give hugs and kisses!
Princess
Princess is a three year old black and white paint that stands 39 inches tall. She loves yummy treats. She can be full of energy, depending on the person handling her. She is still very loveable wanting attention.
Hemi
Hemi is an 18 year old bay gelding. He is very gentle and easy to please.
Glen
Glen was donated to our program. He is about 12 years old with a beautiful sorrel color. He is a good riding lesson horse.
Creamsicle
Creamsicle is a six year old chestnut mare that stands 37 inches tall. She loves apples, carrots, and other yummy treats. She is like a child wanting attention and is very astute to the energy of the person handling her. She will kiss you if you show her love and ask nicely.
Buck
Buck went ahead to greener pastures. He was a 5 year old dark bay gelding who was a whopping 42 inches tall. He loved apples and carrots, and kisses. He was mischievous but loved being groomed. He is extremely missed.
Deuce
Deuce was a 25-year-old gelding that went on to greener pastures. He was a retired tie-down and breakaway horse. He was very well natured and a patient teacher. He will be dearly missed.
Suggs
Suggs was a 31 year-old sorrel mare that went on to greener pastures. She belonged to my brother and I was so grateful to have her part of the program. She was a retired tie-down and breakaway horse. She was a patient teacher. She is so greatly missed.
About Us
We are Unique
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
- Our team has over 100 years combined experience in their competencies.
- Chooch is a certified Indigenous Equine-Assisted Counsellor and Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator certified by Cartier Farms who are backed by the Home of the First Independent EAL Research Study in Canada.
- Tammy is an educational psychologist with years of experience
- Our team has over 100 years combined experience in their competencies.
- Chooch is a certified Indigenous Equine-Assisted Counsellor and Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator certified by Cartier Farms who are backed by the Home of the First Independent EAL Research Study in Canada.
- Tammy is an educational psychologist with years of experience working with and assessing children.
- Louis is a respected elder and long time serving leader in his community.
- Chooch is a member of the Saskatchewan Horse Federation.
- Share Indigenous & Cultural teachings.
- Follow up.
- Evaluation by the participants.
- We host children's birthday parties and pony rides.
- We are interactive and fun!
We also offer horse boarding, horse motel services, tipi camping & cookouts!
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
Why Yellow Thunder Horse Ranch?
Give us the opportunity and we will prove to you that the equine program works!
As Indigenous peoples, we are recognized as the “horse people,” reflecting our profound and unique connection with horses.
We are Indigenous, mothers, and grandparents who have endured trauma and are survivors of Indian Residential and Day Schools. As second an
Give us the opportunity and we will prove to you that the equine program works!
As Indigenous peoples, we are recognized as the “horse people,” reflecting our profound and unique connection with horses.
We are Indigenous, mothers, and grandparents who have endured trauma and are survivors of Indian Residential and Day Schools. As second and third-generation survivors, we understand these experiences deeply and are committed to providing compassionate support.
Our programming incorporates Indigenous and cultural teachings, guided by the wisdom of our knowledgeable Elders.
When you engage with us and our horses, you can trust that your safety and well-being are our highest priorities.
We also offer mobile services for groups, including culture camps and retreats. If you are unable to visit us, we will bring our services to a facility near you.
Allow us the opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of our equine program — we are confident it will make a meaningful difference.