About Equine Assisted Learning Services
What's Equine Assisted Learning?
An Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is where we blend the presence of horses with transformative learning experiences. We believe in the profound connection between humans and horses and harness it to facilitate personal growth, team building and to build confidence and emotional well-being. Through carefully designed activities and interactions with our gentle equine partners, participants gain invaluable insights into their own behaviors, communication styles, and leadership capabilities. With a blend of empathy, expertise, and respect for both humans and horses, we ensure that every interaction leaves a lasting impact that can be carried into daily life.
What Equine-Assisted Learning Is:
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential education approach that utilizes interactions with horses to facilitate personal and professional development. In EAL sessions, participants engage in structured activities and exercises with horses that promote learning, self-awareness, and skill-building. These activities may include grooming, leading, ground exercises, and obstacle courses, all designed to foster communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. EAL provides a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to connect with horses in a non-riding setting, gaining valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to various aspects of their lives.
What Equine-Assisted Learning Isn't:
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) should not be confused with traditional horseback riding lessons or therapy sessions. Unlike horseback riding, EAL focuses on non-riding activities that emphasize learning, personal growth, and skill development rather than mastering equestrian techniques or disciplines. While EAL can have therapeutic benefits, it is distinct from Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which involves licensed mental health professionals using the horse-human interaction as a tool for therapeutic intervention to address specific mental health issues or psychological challenges. Additionally, EAL facilitators are typically educators, trainers, or equine specialists focused on teaching skills and fostering personal development, rather than mental health professionals providing therapy.
Why EAL?
According to Mental Health America in 2023 Tennessee ranked 41st for mental health care for youth. This means that youth have a higher prevalence of mental illness and lower rates of access to care. Even if care was available, some still have a stigma that hinders their ability to take advantage of it.As an equine-assisted learning (EAL) program, we help individuals develop better communication skills by learning to understand the subtle cues and body language of horses, which translates into improved interpersonal relationships. Moreover, it aids in managing stress and anxiety by providing a calming and therapeutic environment that encourages mindfulness and emotional regulation. Furthermore, EAL can be beneficial for individuals struggling with behavioral issues, as working with horses fosters accountability, responsibility, and patience. Horses offer immediate and honest feedback to human behavior, mirroring emotions and responses, which creates opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth. The experiential nature of EAL allows participants to learn by doing, engaging in hands-on activities that promote active learning and skill-building.
Why horses?
1. Exceptional Sensitivity and Feedback:
Horses are highly perceptive animals, finely attuned to the emotions and intentions of those around them. Their ability to mirror human emotions provides immediate and honest feedback, helping individuals gain deeper insights into their own behavior and emotional state. This natural responsiveness makes horses incredible facilitators for personal development.2. Non-Judgmental Presence:
Unlike human interactions, horses offer a non-judgmental and unbiased presence. They do not carry preconceived notions or judgments, creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their feelings and behaviors without fear of criticism.3. Powerful Catalysts for Change:
The sheer presence of a horse can be both grounding and empowering. Engaging with these majestic animals can break down emotional barriers, foster resilience, and encourage individuals to step out of their comfort zones. The physicality of interacting with horses also adds a dynamic, experiential aspect to learning that is often lacking in traditional programs.4. Building Trust and Communication:
Working with horses requires clear, honest communication and the establishment of trust. These fundamental skills are transferable to various aspects of life, including personal relationships and professional environments. The lessons learned in equine assisted learning often lead to improved interpersonal skills and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.