EmPower U Equine moves to new location and constructs new building with indoor arena

The new indoor arena that is located just five minutes away from Nipawin was built over the course of last winter and is near total completion.

“We have two classroom areas, a little kitchen area, second level viewing spot for parents so they can be comfortable while their kids are in the arena or if a wife is doing a lesson, a husband can come watch,” Dickey said.

The new facility allows them to be open all year according to Harder.

“Not everyone is a winter sport kid, not everyone plays hockey or skis or snowmobiles,” Harder said. “This allows kids to do something so different without being judged. The environment we provide is a safe space.”

There is a wide variety of programs offered at the centre on a regular basis and retreats and special events have been integrated as well.

“We offer a rookie rider program for really little kids, after that we offer a p’tit trot program and beginner for older kids, women and men,” Harder said. “We can teach everyone here.”

Bria and Celeste completed their bronze level of P’tit Trot at EmPower U Equine learning centre. (Submitted photo/Shannon Dickey)

A key market at EmPower U Equine is women, especially those who have had struggles.

“When you come here, we don’t need to know your story, we just want to help you along in your journey and creating a new chapter with our herd,” Dickey said.

A women’s retreat next weekend is sold out with women coming from all over the prairie provinces. The More Joy weekend includes campfires, a barn dance, meals, and accommodations.

“The whole foundation of it is to allow them to see life again in colour,” Dickey said. “For our retreats we invite speakers and work with other people that are ultimately wanting to work towards wellness.”

A women’s retreat was held in the spring and another is on the way in September. (Submitted photo/Shannon Dickey)

Another women’s retreat will be held in January since the one in September is already sold out. Each retreat is held in different seasons and have a different theme making each one unique.

“You get out of it what you put into it and what you need to get out at that moment,” Dickey said. “Horses have instincts that are far greater than ours, they know when the outside of us and the inside of us don’t match.”

Dickey and Harder also work with the Wounded Warriors Foundation for the Wounded Warriors weekend each summer. Injured and ill Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, and first responders get the opportunity to spend an afternoon with the horses while they are at Camp Independence near Tobin Lake.

(Facebook/EmPower U Equine)

A first aid for horses’ program is also available for horse owners to be able to handle an emergency before a veterinarian can get there to take over.

All the programs can go ahead regardless of the elements with the move to the new facility and the pair of women from Nipawin are excited for what lies ahead.

“Putting up the new building had its challenges, especially with COVID but people are starting to know that we are here,” Harder said.

“We are the only ones doing what we are doing. There are other great arenas, ours just has a different flare to it.”

The first block of fall lessons is already booked but bookings are being accepted for the second block.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser

by Angie Rolheiser

EmPower U Equine moves to new location and constructs new building with indoor arena

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