Equine Assisted Learning

What is Equine Assisted Learning and Why Horses?

About EAL

We know this sounds like a mouthful! What actually is equine assisted learning (EAL)? EAL offers any person the freedom to explore personal development, and emotional regulation alongside horses as their co-facilitators, in a safe, nurturing environment.

A typical EAL session runs for an hour to an hour and a half. Initially we will have discussions about safety around horses, and the Client’s personal confidence and comfort level being in close proximity to horses. We also like to brainstorm together about the Client’s goals for the session and outline what they want to gain from their experience with the horses if they have something specific in mind. This is followed by a slow introduction to the horses through an exercise called “Meeting the Herd at Liberty” which involves observing the horses in their paddock from the gate and if my client is comfortable, mingling with the horses in the paddock. This exercise is designed so that the Client can develop an initial bond with the horses or a particular horse they may feel a strong connection to.

Subsequent sessions then revolve around being with horses, doing with horses and some activities are designed with developing leadership skills in mind.

These activities and exercises all happen at the Client’s comfort level and pace and may include, physical touch with the horse, grooming the horse, leading the horse in the paddock or over obstacles in the safety of the arena. Some Client’s may also wish to engage in mounted exercises with the horses.

Much research over the past few years has proven that nature based learning helps with physical, cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing.

My role as an Equine Assisted Learning practitioner is to offer an opportunity for social-emotional skill building focusing on increasing the Client’s quality of life and improving skills such as:

Leadership and confidence
Improving emotional regulation
Increasing self awareness
Relationship healing and building
Improving social skills
Nervous system regulation and mindfulness

Why Horses?

Horses are highly intuitive, sensitive and powerful animals, their natural herd instincts mean they are always focused on connection and relationships. These attributes lend themselves perfectly to therapeutic work, as they encourage us to consider concepts such as trust, respect, boundaries, power and control, vulnerability, attachment and intimacy.

As prey animals horses are naturally “present,” constantly aware of their surroundings to ensure they are safe. This can provide us as humans, a significant reminder of the importance of mindfulness, as they invite us to live in the moment alongside them. They are also highly perceptive and react to any subtle change in their environment, offering us feedback on our own energy and behaviour to help us increase our self-awareness.

Horses may feel like an intimidating animal to some, understandably so, but their size and power are imperative to the learning experience. They thrive under strong boundaries, heightened self awareness, assertive communication and confident leadership – all qualities that I think we can agree we often feel lack in our human selves sometimes! Most importantly, horses are authentic, non-judgemental and if treated with respect will amaze you with their acceptance, love and loyalty.

Who is Equine Assisted Learning for?

The short answer is everyone!

EAL can be incredibly beneficial to anyone who wants to learn about themselves, improve their emotional and social wellbeing and gain valuable life skills.

EAL can also be wonderful for people:

living with disabilities and can be incorporated into NDIS self-managed plans
as a corporate tool for teams to improve trust and communication
recovering from or experiencing chronic or terminal illness
anyone wanting to expand their knowledge, engage in a therapeutic experience and improve their quality of life
anyone who has admired horses from a distance but either never had an opportunity to expand that connection or too afraid to try.

EAL and Children

EAL is also a wonderful tool for children who need support through life’s early challenges, and I as a practitioner take particular pride in the work I have completed with children and young adults. EAL can be particularly beneficial for children with behavioural and developmental issues to improve and develop their psycho-social skills.

For EAL Learning

We have desinged activities keeping your comfort in mind.