What is Equine Assisted Learning?
Though you may be unfamiliar with the term, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is exactly what it sounds like! Horses and people navigate a number of developmental activities specifically designed to build up valuable skills and even connect teams of people in ways that human teachers can’t.
Other common names for this type of program include horse therapy or equine-facilitated experiential learning. No matter what you call it, you are in for a treat!
Horses as Teachers
Enter the classroom… A.K.A the barn. Here, we are students and the horses are the teachers and it’s time to get to work.
It’s well known that horses and people have a unique connection, we can see this far back in our histories. Not only is our relationship with horses utilitarian but it is also deeper, on a more personal level with a connection embedded in our souls. Horses (and other animals) have a unique ability to heal the parts of us that need a little extra support when given the opportunity.
Just like any good teacher, horses provide immediate and honest feedback… just not with words.
Non-Verbal Communication Experts
We have yet to find a horse that speaks any human language so we rely heavily on body language and other external cues to understand the message they are trying to send us. Horses have no reason or motivation to lie to you or give mixed signals so their feedback is always in direct response to a stimulus.
In other words, horses have the ability to guide us toward a resolution without using a single word, immediately. Impressive, eh?
What You Can Expect
In the classroom (barn/stables), participants engage in activities and exercises alongside horses. These activities vary greatly but you can count on some hands-on learning and certainly some trial and error as you begin to connect with and trust your partner. Horses give instant responses which require an instant reaction and it’s in this process that trust is formed and communication skills are developed.
It’s all part of the learning process!
EAL is for Everyone!
I have been fortunate enough to personally experience the bond between humans and horses. Because of this experience, I’ve grown so passionate about fostering this relationship with others. I’ve witnessed so many people experience breakthroughs in their own personal and professional development following EAL programs.
No matter what your background, you can experience the benefits of EAL - the outcomes of which:
Boost self-esteem and confidence
Prioritize healthy relationships built on trust
Increased problem-solving abilities and better boundary setting
Develop leadership and communication skills
Inspire lifelong love and appreciation of horses
I encourage you to explore what it means to have a relationship with another living being and take in all the lessons that horses have to offer us. It’s through this relationship that horses and humans work together to bring about change for the better.