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Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Center to teach leadership and teamwork

 

POLK COUNTY–A new equine-based learning center will soon begin operation in Polk County.

 

Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Center, an established and award-winning EAL company established in Ontario, Canada, in 2012, will soon open at 4517 Peniel Road, Tryon. It will launch its first course later this month. 

 

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential approach to teaching life skills like leadership, communication and teamwork using horses.

 

Dreamwinds will offer leadership and team-building programs for corporate and private groups such as sports teams, networking groups, clubs and other associations.

 

Owner Tracey Evans will have a phased launch online, beginning the last weekend of February. The class will be completed in person March 5-7. The facility plans to begin hosting corporate teams for leadership and team-building events beginning mid-May, with a formal opening planned for this summer. 

 

“Sessions are structured using our objective-based learning curriculum,” Evans said. “Participants work in small groups with a horse to build life skills such as communication, leadership and collaboration skills.”  

 

EAL certification training will still be offered at affiliate facilities in Canada, with four courses planned there, as well as four in Polk County. The new grounds will also house two Airbnbs and a patio space to host events.

 

Dreamwinds has received several awards from the business community in Bradford, Ontario for its service, including Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015, 2017 and 2020, the Award for Business Excellence in 2018, Best New Business in 2014 and 2015, and the Quality Award in 2016 at the Business Excellence Awards.

 

When choosing the new location for Dreamwinds, Evans admired Tryon’s equestrian culture, proximity to the mountains and its climate. She fell in love with the town and its people, saying everywhere she went she felt so welcome and at home.  

 

“We feel truly blessed to be here and call Tryon home,” said Evans. 

 

More information on Dreamwinds Equine Assisted Learning Center can be found at dreamwinds.com