At nine years old, Deb Porter knew instantly that horses could help people. Her passion for horses stayed with her as she grew up and began Outreach work with youth, adults and families. Through her work in the community, it became apparent to Deb that maintaining healthy relationships contributes to an individual’s wellbeing. She also knew that horses are great teachers when it comes to learning interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy and appropriate assertiveness. With her background in social services and her passion for horses, she opened Horseworks, an Equine Assisted Learning Centre. The Bridge Youth & Family Services and Horseworks have been collaborating to offer programming to participants. This winter, Horseworks welcomed two groups of 10-12 from our Bridgeway Intensive Live-In Treatment Centre. Horseworks offers up to 10 group sessions, with each focused on a different objective that builds life skills through experiential learning. Topics explored in the sessions include self-awareness, responsibility, vulnerability, trust, leadership and more, all without mounting or riding the horse.