Tryon, North Carolina – Dreamwinds Equine-Assisted Learning Centre, a leader in transformative leadership and team-building programs, has brought its unique approach to the scenic hills of Tryon, North Carolina. With its hands-on equine-assisted learning (EAL) model, the centre is helping individuals and teams develop vital leadership and communication skills through interaction with horses.
Founded by Tracey Evans, a former corporate executive, Dreamwinds’ mission is to provide an innovative learning experience that engages the mind and body, unlike traditional corporate training. Tracey Evans, who left her successful VP of Marketing role in 2012 to pursue a career focused on leadership development, has used horses as her core tool to teach principles of strong communication, authentic leadership, and team cohesion.
“Through my own experience with horses, I realized that the leadership qualities they demand – confidence, consistency, clarity, and communication – were the very qualities I aspired to cultivate in myself as a leader,” says Tracey Evans, Founder of Dreamwinds. “Horses make it personal. They only respond to those who lead with authenticity, and this is a powerful lesson for all kinds of leaders.”
Since opening Dreamwinds in 2012, the Centre has grown from its Canadian roots to a globally recognized hub of equine-assisted learning, serving major companies such as Google, Cisco, and American Express. In 2022, Tracey and her husband relocated to North Carolina, expanding the company’s reach and creating new opportunities for corporate leaders, sports teams, and individuals to benefit from this transformative experience.
At the heart of Dreamwinds’ success is the center’s proven ability to foster connection and leadership in ways that traditional programs cannot. Clients experience immediate, unfiltered feedback from horses, whose natural instincts provide valuable insights into the dynamics of communication and leadership. By engaging with horses on the ground, participants learn to sharpen their decision-making, bolster their confidence, and refine their leadership strategies, all while experiencing the true power of authenticity and presence in leadership roles.
The centre offers customized programs designed to meet specific objectives and to cater to businesses, sports teams, and individuals looking to enhance their leadership skills. From half-day sessions to full multi-day retreats, Dreamwinds’ programs can be tailored to suit the needs of any group. The results are often immediate, and according to internal survey data, 99.7% of clients who participated in Dreamwinds’ programs reported high levels of satisfaction, based on follow-up assessments conducted after each session.
One standout feature of Dreamwinds’ approach is its use of certified facilitators who bring real-world corporate experience to the table. While many team-building programs are run by facilitators with limited real-world experience, Dreamwinds’ instructors have extensive backgrounds in business and leadership. Tracey Evans herself holds an MBA and brings 20 years of corporate experience, offering a depth of knowledge and insight that ensures all exercises are aligned with learning objectives and that the feedback provided is both actionable and relevant.
In addition to corporate team-building, Dreamwinds also specializes in offering programs designed specifically for high school and college sports teams. These workshops focus on building team cohesion, enhancing communication, and fostering leadership among athletes, making it an ideal resource for coaches and sports organizations. In fact, companies such as Coca-Cola and GSK Pharmaceuticals have already seen the benefit of Dreamwinds’ unique approach to leadership development.
Perhaps one of the most powerful testimonials of Dreamwinds’ effectiveness comes from Charlena Gaulin of CIBC, who participated in two leadership programs at Dreamwinds. “The Dreamwinds’ experience is truly transformational and the results profound,” Gaulin shares. “The program leverages the incredible teachers we have in horses who, without judgment, provide immediate feedback, crystallizing our learning about the impact of our behaviors. Courage and authentic leadership were immediate results, and the ROI on the program was not just immediate—it was sustained.”
In addition to leadership and team-building workshops, Dreamwinds also offers certification training for individuals interested in becoming certified equine-assisted learning facilitators. The EAL Certification Program, which is research-backed and licensed by Cartier Farms, is the only program of its kind in North America. This training is a comprehensive course that includes both in-person and online learning modules, as well as ongoing coaching to ensure participants can confidently launch their own EAL programs.
Dreamwinds is also a pioneer in offering lifetime certification and membership to its alumni, providing access to continued education, networking, and an Advanced EAL Certification Program. The program aims to help graduates not only improve their knowledge and skills but also expand their businesses and make a lasting impact on their communities. This emphasis on lifelong learning is one of the key differentiators that sets Dreamwinds apart from other equine-assisted learning centres.
The impact of Dreamwinds’ programs extends beyond just business and leadership. Tracey Evans’ vision for Dreamwinds is to create a space where people can connect deeply with themselves and others, using horses as teachers. As Evans puts it, “My horse taught me more about leadership in just minutes than years of corporate training and an MBA ever could. He held up a mirror that revealed the impact of my energy, my communication, and my presence—something you just can’t get from a classroom.”
As Dreamwinds continues to expand its reach in the United States and beyond, the centre remains committed to helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential through the power of equine-assisted learning. Whether you are an executive seeking to enhance your leadership skills, a sports team looking to improve performance, or an individual wanting to embark on a personal journey of growth, Dreamwinds offers an unforgettable and transformative experience.
To learn more about Dreamwinds and the programs offered, visit www.dreamwinds.com.
For inquiries and additional information about the upcoming Executive Women’s Retreat or customized team-building sessions, contact Dreamwinds at 828-817-6276.
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For additional reviews and feedback on Dreamwinds’ impact, visit Google Reviews and TrustPilot.
