Unmounted EAS Summit 2026
September 23-25
The Future of EAS, Together.
Join a gathering dedicated to the growing field of unmounted equine-assisted services.
This in-person or online summit brings together practitioners, organizations, students, and emerging professionals from across Canada and beyond to connect, learn, and explore the future of horse-centred, relational, non-riding practices.
Open to all certifications, training backgrounds, and modalities, this inclusive event creates space for meaningful conversations, shared learning, and global perspectives on unmounted EAS. With both in-person and virtual options, the summit is designed to foster connection, collaboration, and the continued evolution of this unique and expanding field.
Register for the Summit!
Membership included with registration.
Join a gathering dedicated to the growing field of unmounted equine-assisted services.
This in-person or online summit brings together practitioners, organizations, students, and emerging professionals from across Canada and beyond to connect, learn, and explore the future of horse-centered, relational, non-riding practices.
Open to all certifications, training backgrounds, and modalities, this inclusive event creates space for meaningful conversations, shared learning, and global perspectives on un-mounted EAS. With both in-person and virtual options, the summit is designed to foster connection, collaboration, and the continued evolution of this unique and expanding field.
WHICH TICKET TYPE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Choose in-person if you want to fully immerse yourself in the community, conversations, and shared experience
Choose virtual if you need flexibility while still wanting to be part of the conversation, learning and dialogue
Choose Group Bundle for a discounted rate of $1384 for 5
Two Ways to Participate
In Person $346
Group Discounts! $1384 for 5
This is the fullest experience of the summit—designed for those wanting depth, connection, and presence in community.
Set at the beautiful Heart Lake Farm on Vancouver Island, this gathering offers an immersive opportunity to slow down, connect, and learn alongside others who are actively engaged in unmounted equine-assisted services (EAS) work across Canada.
In-person participants will have the opportunity to:
Be part of a live, in-person gathering at Heart Lake Farm
Connect directly with practitioners, professionals, and emerging leaders
Attend live presentations and two panel Q&A sessions
Experience the energy of gathering in community over 2.5 days
Enjoy provided lunches and snacks in a shared setting
Receive access to a consent-based participant contact list
Receive 1-year membership
An invitation to a post-conference online reflection meeting.
This is more than a conference—it is an opportunity to immerse yourself and share experiences.
Virtual $156
We recognize that travel, accessibility, schedules, and distance can impact participation, and we are excited to offer a virtual option for those who want to be part of this growing conversation from wherever they are.
Virtual participants do not have to be live, post-Summit you will receive access to recorded keynote presentations, selected summit sessions, reflection materials, and opportunities for online connection throughout the gathering. During the Live Summit- We will have opportunities for you to engage if you are able to!
Virtual participants will have the opportunity to:
Learn from keynote presentations and selected summit sessions
Engage with ideas and conversations
Connect with a growing network of practitioners, professionals, and community members from across Canada and beyond
Access specific summit materials and resources in a flexible and reflective format
An invitation to a post-conference online reflection meeting.
We are grateful to welcome participants both near and far into this growing community of unmounted EAS practice.
Summit Schedule
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12:00pm-5:00pm
Arrival and Heart Lake Farm Tour
Welcome From Together In Stride
Guest Speaker : Amanda McFarlane. In this presentation, Amanda will draw on nearly two decades of experience in community-based brain injury services, systems advocacy and cross-sector collaboration. She will explore what equine environments can teach us about creating more responsive and human-centered systems of care.
Guest Speaker: Brianne Bennet: Partnerships For Purpose. This session explores how equine professionals can protect the integrity of the field without creating unnecessary division, fear, or competition. Bri Bennett, LPC, is the founder of Partnering for Purpose, a professional development, mentorship, and community platform created to support equine professionals and organizations in building sustainable, purpose-driven equine-assisted services. Bri is a double-certified Equine Specialist through PATH Intl. and EAGALA and a PATH Intl. Education Partner.
Community Gathering: Impact & Connection Evening
Refreshments & Light Snacks
Shared Experiences: EAS Impact Stories and Highlighted Community Partnerships
Guided Networking
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9:00am-4:00pm
Morning Welcome
Guest Speaker: Stronger Together: Connecting the Equine Industry for a Sustainable Future by Liz Gagel, Executive Director of The Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association. Speaking to years of experience in EAS.
Part 1: Live Stream Keynote Speaker. Dr. Stephen C. Peters is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, neuroscientist, author and internationally recognized educator whose pioneering work has helped define the modern field of equine neuroscience. For more than three decades, he has bridged the disciplines of human neuroscience and horsemanship, helping shape a more evidence-based understanding of the horse's brain and its influence on learning, behavior, welfare, and the horse-human relationship.
Provided Lunch Break
Guided Networking
Research Presentation: Dr. Margaret McKinnon is serves as Professor and Associate Chair, Research in Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, where she holds the Homewood Research Chair in Mental Health and Trauma. Work in Dr. McKinnon’s laboratory focuses on identifying the psychological and behavioural impacts of post-traumatic stress injuries and on translating this knowledge to the development and testing of novel treatment interventions for trauma-related conditions. A licensed clinical psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. McKinnon has a special interest in military, veteran, and public safety populations (including healthcare workers), and has worked with these groups clinically and in her research program.
Guest Speaker:
Panel Discussion
Part 1 of EAS From Around The Globe
Closing Session
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9:00-4:00pm
Morning Welcome
Herd Observation Session
Part 2: Live Stream Keynote Speaker : Dr. Stephen C. Peters is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, neuroscientist and author.
Provided Lunch Break
Herd Observation Debrief
Guest Speaker: “Practical Tools to Balance Our Horses Nervous System Needs” Linda Walker, MPT, BScKin, RCAMPT, Chronic Pain Specialist, CGunn-IMS, Vestibular Therapist, Dip. Equine Rehab, Equine Canada Licensed Coach, Yoga Instructor, UBC Island Medical Program Clinical Educator.
Guest Speaker:
Panel Discussion:
Part 2: EAS From Around The Globe
Closing
Stay tuned as more exciting details are revealed in the lead-up to the event!
Key Note Speaker
Joining via us Live Stream
Thursday and Friday morning!
Dr. Stephen C. Peters, Psy.D., ABN
Dr. Stephen C. Peters is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, neuroscientist, author, and internationally recognized educator whose pioneering work has helped define the modern field of equine neuroscience. For more than three decades, he has bridged human neuroscience and horsemanship, advancing an evidence-based understanding of the horse's brain and its influence on learning, behavior, welfare, and the horse-human relationship.
An internationally sought-after speaker, Dr. Peters presents at universities, veterinary continuing education programs, and professional conferences throughout North America and Europe. He is the author of Horse Brain Science: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship and Horse Brain Science Simplified: A Foundation for Equine Neuroscience, co-author of Evidence-Based Horsemanship, and co-author of A Horse's Life: The Neuroscience of Equine Welfare. His work continues to influence horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, educators and researchers around the world.
Accommodation & Transportation
Heart Lake Farm
6245 Welch Road, Saanichton, BC
Stay in the Heart of Sidney, BC
Take advantage of our special Together In Stride hotel booking in beautiful Sidney, BC. Enjoy staying in one of Vancouver Island's most sought-after seaside communities while attending the Summit.
Your hotel stay includes complimentary shuttle service from both the ferry terminal and airport, so there's no need to rent a car.
Need transportation to and from the Summit farm location? Bus tickets will be available. Please email tam@togetherinstride.ca before August 1, 2026 to reserve your hotel-to-Summit transportation.
Relax, connect, and enjoy a seamless Summit experience from arrival to departure.
Guests can book online using this link.
OR, Guests are also welcome to call the hotel directly at 250-656-1176 and ask for the Together in Stride group rate. We have limited space available and will be first come first serve!
Hotel Amenities Include:
Complimentary hot breakfast
20% discount on lunch and dinner at Dickens’ Public House next door
Free Wi-Fi, basic cable, Chromecast
Fridge and microwave in all rooms
Seasonal heated outdoor pool and fitness room
Shuttle service, max 8 passengers. Our complimentary shuttle operates from 4:00 AM until 9:45 PM and provides transportation to and from the BC Ferries and Victoria International Airport.
