Grand River Ranch - Heather Blouin Episode 10

Horse Tales Podcast

Wow! Can you believe it is Episode 10 already!? It seems like just yesterday I had this crazy idea to start my own podcast as a way to connect like minded people.

One of the people who has helped me on my journey is Heather Blouin, owner and operator of Grand River Ranch. She is my lovely guest on today's show.

Nestled just past Summerside here on Prince Edward Island is where you will find Grand River Ranch. A truly welcoming environment that helps participants feel empowered and provides a real sense of belonging. With a new facility being built under the guidance of the Council for Disability it's no wonder Grand River Ranch was voted in the top three Love Local businesses here on the Island.

Grand River Ranch is a sole proprietorship in its fourth year as an approved NGO and vendor with the Province of Prince Edward Island. The Department of Social Development and Housing refers and supports clients of the Accessibility Support Program (former Disability Support Program) and Children in Care to life-skill based ranch/animal programs. The programs also host those supported by Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, Lennox Island Health Centre and the Jordan’s Principal Program. Programs are facilitated by Heather Blouin BPE, BSW RSW, an instructor with the Certified Horsemanship Association and an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. Memberships include: Prince Edward Island Association of Social Workers, Standardbred Canada, The American Quarter Horse Association and Island Horse Council. The strength based programs are farm focused with the goal of helping people succeed. Successful projects with the Province include Skills PEI and Rural Job Initiative where employees were offered continued employment beyond the programs. While being employed elsewhere as a full-time Social worker, Heather engaged two participants at the ranch. This unique niche resulted in growth of the participants to 45 participants weekly, 12 months of the year. Heather, along with four employees, now handle GRR’s responsibilities. Grand River Ranch’s team has a wide range of both formal education and practical experience in the Human Services and equine industry. Owner/operator Heather Blouin has a degree in Kinesiology and is a registered Social Worker. As a former program manager of a 100 bed youth facility and a former instructor of corrections at the community college level, Heather has the experience and knowledge, as well as the dynamic personality to be able to carry out projects to their completion with proven, measurable results. She has orchestrated a number of long term programming and large scale events. She and her team have over a century of combined experience in the horse industry supported by coaching levels and memberships, certifications, Animal Science at Olds College, Equine programs at the University of Guelph, and University Edinburgh. Staff members trained in Human Services, Project Management and Animal Science also support the successful outcome of the programs delivered. This ensures participants gain quality programming in a safe learning environment. A new accessible indoor facility equipped with kitchen, fully accessible washroom and classroom space to accommodate the Ranch’s popular programs is underway and the completion is prior to this project. Grand River Ranch is located at 113 Grand River Drive. Situated 14 Km west of Summerside, this picturesque location offers a sense of being removed. The Ranch is situated on a 190 acre estate that boarders the beautiful Grand River. Adaptations to both facilities include policies and signage to help ensure our facility follows practices in accordance with the recommendations regarding Covid-19. The budget allows for participants being supported for transportation. The rural location offers the ability to meet the needs of the west prince and Lennox Island locations as well as the North West shore

So much to talk about!

Let's Saddle up!