New So. Indiana Farm Specializes in Equine Assisted Learning & Team Building for Businesses

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a grand opening announcement on Facebook for a new barn that looked intriguing. As someone who's part of the equine community in the tri-state—I board a horse at Double M and my daughter shows him regionally and in 4-H—a new horse-related business definitely caught my interest.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but the promise of snacks, giveaways, and the chance to see some adorable horses was enough motivation for me to check it out. Plus, I love supporting the equine community.

Carey Springs Farm in Elberfeld, IN

When I arrived at the farm near the Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area off Boonville-New Harmony Rd., I was blown away by its beauty. Inside the barn, I met some new four-legged friends: HotShot, Coach, Sam, Ty, and Henry. There was even a meditation labyrinth and a covered arena behind the barn.

Dr. Cathy Carey, a respected educator and former administrator, created this space to teach life skills like trust, respect, honesty, and communication through horse partnerships. She’s blended her passions for team development, leadership coaching, and horses to make Carey Springs Farm a hub for equine-assisted learning. The farm's serene setting is perfect for experiences that promote personal and professional growth.

What Happens When You Sign Up for a Workshop with Carey Springs Farm?

I’ve participated in plenty of team-building exercises over the years, and I can honestly say the most impactful ones have been highly interactive and away from the office. When companies approach Carey Springs for team-building activities, the first step is to complete personality assessments. Once participants arrive at the farm, they’re matched with a horse—no riding involved. They even have a mini horse named Henry, making it accessible for everyone.

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Participants tackle obstacles and play games both individually and as a team, working alongside their human teammates and a 1,000-pound horse that, well, obviously doesn’t speak English.

But that's not to say you can't communicate with your horse. In fact, recent studies from The Institute of HeartMath show that a horse's electromagnetic field is five times larger than a human’s and can influence our heart rhythm. Horses tend to have a "coherent" heart rhythm, which is linked to feelings of calm and joy. This coherence helps us recover from stress, highlighting the significant emotional and physical benefits of being around horses.

Horses also mirror the personality and mood of those they work with, so participants must remain patient and calm while thinking strategically. It’s challenging but a lot of fun, and these exercises reflect how we deal with situations in a work environment.

For more information about Carey Springs Farm, visit www.careyspringsfarm.com or contact info@careyspringsfarm.com.

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