Equine Assisted Learning
The Equine Assisted Learning Program is no longer available.
What is Equine Assisted Learning?
Horses and people have had a special relationship for thousands of years. As Winston Churchill said, "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
Our Equine Assisted Learning program takes advantage of this bond to help children dealing with mental and emotional challenges learn how to maintain a connected, healthy relationship with others. A horse is the perfect partner in this work because of its clear and simple communication style and non-judgmental nature. A horse is always honest in its responses, so the child is able to tell when their actions lead to positive results or the opposite. This fosters an atmosphere of learning and growth for both child and horse.
At Horses for Healing, we use a series of ground based exercises to guide the child and horse through a series of challenges. In order to complete the exercises successfully, the horse and child must work together as a team. In the process, the child learns valuable skills such as problem solving, decision making, and critical thinking. This experiential approach also fosters creativity and helps the child develop confidence.
Who Can Benefit from EAL?
EAL is about developing personal skills to lead a full and productive life, so virtually everyone can benefit from it! Our current programs focus on children dealing with the emotional and psychological stresses of today's world. This includes:
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Social Anxiety
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Trauma & PTSD
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At Risk Youth
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Anger Management
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Poor Communication Skills
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Poor Relationship Skills
Depending on the circumstances, a group setting may be optimal for one child while another may benefit more from a 1-on-1 mentoring relationship. Schools, group homes, or other service providers may prefer to work with HfH staff to tailor a program specific to the needs of their children. Contact us to find out more about the many possibilities.