Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

Many people want to know what it is about horses that makes them so wonderful as supports in the therapeutic and learning process. Here are just some reasons why horses have such profound psychological benefits for humans:

• Horses are highly intuitive, sensitive, and strong animals that, as herd animals, are oriented towards connection and relationship. Their desire to seek connection with humans can teach us about how we are in relationships and explore relational themes such as trust, respect, boundaries, power and control, vulnerability, attachment and intimacy.

• Due to their size, beauty and power they evoke emotions in humans that then become available to explore in sessions.

• Horses model behaviour that is important for human health and wellbeing including good boundaries, awareness, living in the present moment, clear and assertive communication, and different forms of leadership relationships.

• They are highly perceptive and can pick up on subtle changes in humans and their environment and react to these subtle changes. In doing so, they provide feedback to us through their own behaviour which helps us increase our self-awareness.

• Horses are authentic, non-judgmental and offer an acceptance that is different to people.

Some common learning goals that EAL can address include:

• Regulating and resourcing participants

• Offering safe experiences in relationship

• Increase participant awareness

• Increase awareness of patterns that no longer serve the participant well

• Experiment with, develop and rehearse new ways of being and behaving

• Become emotionally connected

• Learn life skills

• For youth, support them to play, express, learn, develop mastery, form relationships, build social skills, increase autonomy, develop self-responsibility, increase emotional intelligence and teach them how to soothe and regulate their own emotions.

• EAL is not therapy for people or horses
  It is intervention for humans but with the horses acting as supports, assistants, and co-facilitators in the process

• It is not an intervention to improve horsemanship or riding skills
  It is an intervention to address the clients own learning goals with there being no riding involved

• It is not restricted to people with horse experience
  It is just as effective for people with little to no horse experience – in fact, the absence of preconceived notions about horses can assist in learning and growth

What to expect depends on a number of factors including the purpose of the session, whether it is individual or group-based, the stage the intervention is at, and what issues or themes have arisen.

You can however expect some of the following:

• Sessions take place in a room, paddock, or round yard (often a combination of these in each session)

• You will be provided with safety guidelines regarding the horses and how to keep yourself and the horses safe

• You will be treated with compassion and respect

• You will be invited to engage in experiences with the horses targeted towards your  learning goals

• For groups: In a group session you may be required to participate and share your experiences and engage in activities with other group members and the horses.

• For individuals: There will be a focus in the initial session on discussing your individual circumstances, difficulties, and goals and a plan for moving forward will be developed.

  • • Prior to your first session you will be required to complete confidentiality and indemnity forms

    • Any information disclosed in sessions and case notes will be kept confidential. If there is any need to disclose your personal information, you will be asked for permission first and will be required to sign a release of information form.

    • You are in control over what you share – you will never be made to share something you do not feel willing or able to share