MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE PEOPLE
TAMI BRAND
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST, EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING FACILITATOR, OWNER
Tami’s passions are people and animals.
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Tami grew up in North Vancouver, BC where she got the “horse bug” when her mom took her at the age of 8 to see if she would be interested in horses… she loved them and has been immersed in their world ever since! She began training and showing horses to a National level, winning awards along the way. When she graduated from University, she moved to Alberta and bought her own farm, where she now has Paints and Half-Arabians, spending time and training them daily and sharing her love of horses with her son and daughter.
While going to the University of BC to become an Occupational Therapist (OT), Tami worked as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor for multiple programs. She has over 20 years of Pediatric Occupational Therapy experience in a variety of settings. Currently, she works as an OT with families as well as preschool and school aged children with special needs in a number of school divisions in Alberta.
Tami decided that she needed to spend more time on her farm sharing her passion for helping people and her love of horses. In 2017, Tami became a Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator and now is the proud owner and operator of Silver Horseshoes Development. She is every step in her journey as she shares with others the dramatic positive changes that horses can make in people’s lives.
MEET THE TEACHERS
ASIA
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
Asia, a beautiful 13-year-old chestnut paint, is one of our kindest teachers. She is friendly towards both people and other horses, and loves to receive attention. She has a calm nature that will help anybody feel grounded. Asia was a foal to one of our very own horses and teachers, Magic, and there is a lot of family resemblance in looks and personality. She is an amazing teacher and her energy makes you notice things about yourself that you never would have noticed before.
DUCHESS
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
Duchess is an 18-year-old quarter horse mare. Prior to coming to our farm, she was ridden and shown in multiple divisions. Duchess likes to know who her person is and will rely on them for leadership and respect. She is an independent soul who makes her own decisions and often chooses to be on her own with the herd in the distance. Duchess definitely stands back and assesses the situation, but once she trusts and is connected responds in a quiet, friendly manner.
MAGIC
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
Magic is a 17-year-old Paint mare. She came to us as a two-year-old from the auction. She was a gangly filly with a big head a no hind quarters. As she matured we realized what a beautiful mare she was, and she has been producing stunning babies for many years. Magic got her name from her ability to get to the other side of the fence with no evidence of how or where she did it. She is the head mare with other horses and is a great leader with a kind gentle nature.
REMI
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
Remi may be our oldest teacher, but she is certainly one of our best. She is a 24-year-old smaller quarter horse cross. Remi is a 'been there, done that' horse and most recently was owned by a young girl who rode her in pony club. Her main training is English and jumping, but she really will do anything. Remi is as steady as they come and anyone with the “nervous nellies” will become calm with her as their teacher.
BANDIT
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
Bandit is the Shetland Pony of the herd, who may be little, but, is a big teacher. He is a 7 year old black and white gelding. Bandit came to us from a wonderful family, where he was a companion horse for a very large 17.0 hand horse and a buddy for a little girl. Bandit likes to go for walks around the farm and explore anything he comes across. Because he is so small, he fits just about anywhere. Bandit is highly responsive to his leader’s actions and will be a great teacher for those both big and small.
Teachers In Training
EXCALIBUR
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER IN TRAINING
Before 10-year-old Excalibur joined our family, he had a career as a miniature show horse and breeding stallion. Excalibur is the essence of a miniature horse. He is very tiny, and has a beautiful mane and tail. He is a stallion at heart and loves to trot around his field. Unfortunately, Excalibur has a genetic eye condition which has left him fully blind in his right eye so he relies on his pasture mates for safety. We are currently training him as Excalibur's eye condition mixed with his frisky personality will make him a special teacher to work with.
DAPPLE
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER IN TRAINING
Dapple is our other miniature rescue horse. Mist is her best friend and they have stuck together through thick and thin. Despite the obstacles life has thrown her way, Dapple is a caring and very protective miniature horse. She is always very present in the moment, and loves to give hugs after receiving scratches.
Over The Rainbow Bridge
MIST
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
Mist was one of our miniature rescue horses. We didn't know much about her past, but her and Dapple have been through a lot. Between malnourishment and overgrown hooves, Mist overcame many challenges. She is a very calm horse, and we gave her the nickname Eeyore for being so relaxed. She gave her love to anyone and everyone, and always was a truly best friend. Mist will be missed by horses and humans alike.
CASEY
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHER
The first love of my life, Casey was born to my first Arabian mare in 1995. He has been my GQ boy ever since and has really taught me everything! He was a 24-year-old purebred Arabian gelding when he passed over the rainbow bridge. Casey had a lengthy show career in hunter pleasure, western pleasure, halter, show hack and dressage winning numerous championships! He retired from showing and learned to live as a “horse” out in the field which he took to fabulously. Casey continued to have a great attitude, and no one would ever think he was as old as he was when he galloped around the field kicking up his heels. Casey will be greatly missed.