Get To Know Us
Life Skills,
Learned Differently.
We Care Equine creates meaningful, curriculum-based learning experiences through guided interaction with horses.
Our programs support individuals and groups in developing self-awareness, accountability, and confidence — skills that directly support learning, behaviour, and real-world decision-making. Led by certified facilitators with a strong background in education, our work helps participants become more grounded, focused, and purposeful in a safe, respectful environment.
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Our Mission
To connect individuals with horses to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive health in a positive and safe learning environment, fostering healing, growth, and resilience through the power of the human-equine bond.
Founder & Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator
Meet Maureen Durda
Hi, I am Maureen Durda, born in a small town, Wanham, Alberta, where I attended school from Grade 1 to Grade 12. After leaving school, I had many different jobs. My still-favourite job and place was working at YA HA Tinda Ranch for 2 years. There I learned so many equine tricks, the beauty of the mountains, riding, training, and overall my heart's place to this day. I am now 62 years old and a little long in the tooth for starting a new career. We Care Equine, under the direction of Equine Connection, has been a lifelong goal. Having horses as the teacher, working with
them, allow them to help others with their journey, and possibly repair some hurts.
I have had three children, lost a little girl between my two boys, and been blessed with three beautiful granddaughters and one grandson. I was a teacher’s assistant from 1985 to 1999, working with special education. In 1999, I decided to get my Teacher Degree, specializing in special education. Completed my degree in 2003 and taught until 2023. In that time, I taught special education for 10 years and landed in a small community school at Ridgevalley. This small school was so special, it reminded me of my little school; the community was amazing, so supportive, and hard-working individuals. I joined the Cranberry Lake Rodeo, East Smoky Gymkhana, and helped out with many other organizations.
In 2023, I moved onto acreage just outside of Grande Prairie, Alberta and decided it was time to revisit my true passion, helping others with horses. Found Equine Connection and received my facility certificate in May 2025. I would like to think I am humble and kind, have a huge heart
and love my equine friends, all 5 of them.
Every horse carries a lesson,
every moment in the arena carries a chance to change.
Curriculum-Driven Learning, Grounded in Experience
We Care Equine is led by a certified Equine Assisted Learning facilitator and a certified teacher with a background in Special Education. Our work is grounded in curriculum-based, experiential learning that supports individuals who want to change, grow, and move forward.
Through structured experiences with horses, participants shift from feeling lost or disconnected to becoming more grounded, self-aware, and purposeful. This work does not focus on riding or fixing problems. Instead, it creates space for individuals to build self-worth, accountability, and life skills through meaningful, hands-on learning.
Equine Assisted Learning captured our heart because it is outcome-driven, respectful, and effective. It meets people where they are and helps them move forward with clarity, confidence, and integrity.
