EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY
OSI-CAN is proud to provide Equine Assisted Therapy Programs across the Province in partnership with qualified providers, aiding in the recovery of Occupational Stress Injuries (OSIs) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
In Northern Alberta, we are partnered with Y-Knott Ranch, whom also provides Equine Assisted Therapy through their Y.I.E.L.D (Y-Knott Integrated Equine Learning Development) Program. Please call (780) 898-7864 to contact them.
In Central Alberta groups we have partnered with Equine Reflection https://www.equinereflection.com/
In Southern Alberta, we are partnered with Prairie Sky. Please call (403) 966-4431 or learn more about them at
If you're a Military member or First Responder looking for support through equine therapy contact the Alberta, Provincial Coordinators at osicanask.ab@gmail.com or call (587) 635-2877.
By Ron --- OSI-CAN Equine Therapy Testimonial:
"One of the largest hurdles for myself in dealing with an Occupational Stress Injury as a Peace Officer in the Law Enforcement world is finding the ability to know if I can trust my own emotions, or even know what they are. The Trainer is there to help you understand that even if you do not trust yourself, you can trust the horse to know where your heart and head is at.
In the beginning, when it came to try riding my first instinct was to approach getting on the Horse like I was responding to a ‘Code’ at work. I do not know what my Trainer saw but she encouraged me to take a step back, and she was right! After taking time to know ‘my’ horse Aida, by brushing her and cleaning hooves and leading her through a course or a game of ‘Horse Hockey’ (not kidding, that is what it is called) I am slowly understanding what the Trainer meant. Really trusting others while also admitting you need them is a lot easier when trusting something whose needs for interaction are … simpler. I have a long road ahead, but OSI-CAN and Aida are becoming the difference between counting on others and knowing that the others are there is what means you can count on yourself!!."
British Columbia Resources
Mental Health Helpline 24/7:1-877-303-2642
CMHA Distress Line 24/7: 310-6789
(HELP)
For Community Resources Call 211
BC Provincial Coordinator: 250-251-1653
osican.bc@gmail.com
The target demographic of OSI-CAN are but are not limited to: former and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Allied Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Frontline Protectors --- which include Municipal Police Services, CN Police Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection Services, Hospital Trauma personnel, Nurses, Social Workers, Coroners, Indigenous Emergency Management, Emergency Communications Specialists, Victim Services Personnel, Wildland Firefighters, Corrections Officers, “Volunteer” First Responders, Conservation Officers, Aboriginal Emergency Services personnel, Tow Truck drivers who clean up accident scenes and their spouses/partners. This demographic was chosen due to the commonality of experiences they share through the service they provide to the country and community. We have a special interest and support volunteer first responders as they are not eligible for programs such as Workers' Compensation.
OSI-CAN Target Demographic
Our mission is to inspire hope and contribute to the continuous well-being and recovery process of Veterans and Front Line Protectors across Canada.
We seek to empower and encourage them to strive for recovery through peer and professional support while creating greater public awareness.
We at OSI-CAN do not see PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Disorder, we see it as an Injury you can recover from. If you are suffering from the symptoms of an Occupational or Operational Stress Injury, then a PTSD or PTSI diagnosis is not required to get our help