Discovery Equine at Cheam Stables

06/19/2026

At Discovery Equine, horsemanship starts long before kids ever get in the saddle. Mountain Trail training at the Hanging H arena is a masterclass in leadership and focus that no classroom can provide.

“Sending” the pony over the obstacles from the ground requires channeling energy and focus to guide it forward unassisted.

Once the team hits the bigger challenges, the real magic happens. The pony steps over and through every single obstacle, mirroring her calm and deliberate focus.

Navigating these competition-level obstacles takes incredible leadership, patience, and trust. Our young equestrians prove that age is no barrier when it comes to harnessing and practicing these attributes long before the world demands them.

The fact is, the world will demand them; the hope is, they will bravely face that world.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged...” — Joshua 1:9

06/14/2026

Some lessons can’t be taught in a classroom; they are forged on the side of a mountain.

Watching this young rider face a competition level trail course reminds us that true character is built through moments of quiet bravery and absolute trust.

Every steep decent and challenging obstacle demanded not just skill, but immense grit, patience, and a deep, silent partnership with her horse.

Discovery Equine’s mountain trail event is about so much more than navigating a difficult course. It is about participants discovering their own strength, learning to communicate with empathy, and walking away with the lifelong confidence that they are capable to handle the rough terrain of the journey ahead.

Romans 5:3-4a . . . problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us . . .

06/13/2026

Behind every confident young rider is a dedicated team and a trusted pony working hard behind the scenes.

Under the instruction of Debbie Hughes, Discovery Equine staff took to the Mountain Trail course, guiding our incredible ponies and horses through each obstacle to ensure every step is safe, secure, and full of fun for the kids.

Building this bond of trust takes time and patience, but seeing the horses and riders navigate the course makes it all worth it.

We are prepping these steady hooves to guide your little adventurers through their next big breakthrough, proving that great journeys always start with a strong foundation.

06/12/2026

Discovery Equine’s Mountain Trail Event is one of the highlights of the year. Big thanks to TNT Hay sales for supporting the work of Discovery Equine through the donation of enough low sugar Teff hay to keep our horses fed for the next 10 days.

06/11/2026

Discovery Equine horses and ponies all arrived safely at the Hanging H Arena thanks to a great crew of volunteers. Looking forward to 10 days of Mountain Trail Training on the ground and in the saddle.

06/09/2026

Discovery Equine’s, mountain trail training at the Hanging H Arena in Chilliwack is a foundational pillar of our program, serving as a powerful tool for both therapeutic growth and leadership development.

By stepping outside the traditional arena to navigate bridges, logs, and water crossings, our participants enter a dynamic learning environment.

This specialized training accelerates fundamental horsemanship, deepens mutual respect, and teaches crucial life skills like patience, clear communication, and spatial awareness.

For our riders facing unique life challenges—including children with autism, anxiety, in foster care, or disabilities—the trail course offers a safe, predictable space to process big emotions. Navigating physical obstacles builds immense internal confidence, regulates nervous systems, and fosters deep emotional bonds of trust with our horses.

For other riders, this exact same course transforms into a leadership arena. It challenges them to step up as calm, assertive, and empathetic leaders, learning to guide their equine partners through uncertainty with clear intent.

Our horses benefit just as much, developing into calm, thoughtful, and surefooted partners who think through challenges rather than reacting in fear.

For our dedicated staff, the course sharpens training capabilities, teaching skills, and ensures the highest safety standards.

Ultimately, Discovery Equine’s mountain trail training at the Hanging H Arena shapes versatile horses and empowers every child—whether they are discovering their inner strength or honing their leadership potential—to thrive both on and off the trail.

06/08/2026

Firn’s training is coming along. She had her first big hurdle at the mounting block. There was an unusual distrust of the big black box. Eventually, she found rest where she once had fear.

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

At Discovery Equine, we train our ponies to handle the chaos of children because safety is our top priority when preparing them for young riders.

Kids are naturally unpredictable, loud, and full of sudden movements, so we deliberately expose our ponies to a variety of safe, unusual “things”—like flying foam, tossed rings, squirting water, shaking noises, and flapping tarps—all naturally scary for horses.

By normalizing these strange objects in a controlled environment, we dismantle the pony’s natural flight instinct and replace it with confidence.

This specialized desensitization transforms potential spooks into non-events, ensuring our ponies remain calm, focused, and level-headed partners capable of keeping their little riders safe.

01/07/2026

Behind every ride, every smile, and every moment of connection is someone’s support. Your donations big or small make it all possible, from caring for our horses to creating life-changing experiences for kids.

Click the link in our bio for how to help!