Equine Assisted Learning
Horses are instinctive animals with strong evolutionary connections to humans. Horses read and respond to human emotions and our interactions with them can be used to promote learning. A certified EAL Facilitator will guide groups in various activities focused on using specific horse handling/experiential learning exercises to build leadership or teamwork skills.
This program is not considered therapy but rather a fun, educational, and socially engaging experience. It is designed to have participants work on problem solving skills, new ways of communicating, build self-esteem through skills-building exercises, building relationships as well as develop leadership skills. Skills learned include basic horse handling and human/horse synchronized physiology.
Testimonials
“Wow the EAL class was incredible. I had no idea what to expect and it turned out to be profound.
The facilitators were both great. I felt very supported, heard, and gently guided throughout. And their instructions were very clear so it’s on me that I made inferences - and hahaha that was a fantastic reminder about listening. I also loved that the lesson was all about teamwork, and especially communication and problem solving. Having a non-verbal partner, dear Yilden, just added to the presence, awareness and consideration required of my human partner and I. It was a joy when we were in sync working together, and so powerful to watch for cues and come up with solutions when it wasn’t.
The problem solving for me turned out to be a real clue as to how I’m doing after the traumas I experienced at work earlier this year. I normally would pride myself on being able to think outside the box, for my ingenuity and lateral thinking. However after the events I’ve noticed my problem solving to be more fixated and linear and that’s exactly what transpired during the lesson; the same feedback I’m getting from my counsellor but in a tangible way that I’m coming along but still have a way to go. And as I tried to give to my two partners, compassionate patience I learned is also essential to give to myself. Very moving for me.
So as a tool for team building or as part of a healing journey, I’d say this course is invaluable. I’m so grateful for being able to participate. Thank you!”
“This was truly amazing class, I didn’t want it to end. I would of liked to hear more at the end the purpose of this class and why we need to use our common sense when working with/around the horses. The last task my team had was to blind fold two of our team mates and the third separate all the horse brushes into colors…well I decided to blindfold myself and Bliss…this could of went horribly wrong, but my senses told me that Bliss would trust me enough to blind fold her. I let her know what I was going to do, I did it, then talked her through it until the task was done….thankfully she was as calm as a kitten and was puddy in my hands. LOL!
I loved it and want more 😊 The love and attention the horses received was golden. ”
“Thanks for including me in the EAL session. I wasn’t really sure what to expect, or what the goal was before attending. The exercises were interesting, and definitely made us think “outside of the box”. Having a horse as part of the team, makes you realise that any decision must be based on what effect it will have on the team as a whole.”
“Please thank Irene and team for the creative learning experience! It gave me some valuable insights. My most rewarding takeaway was the trust gained with Maeve.(I have had some prior horse experiences that have made me feel nervous and insecure).
Horses are such special team players! Love how Irene integrated them into her program.”