FAQ

• What is Equine Assisted Learning? Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is a facilitator-guided, experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for personal, educational, or professional growth through the engagement of the person, or group of people, in activities with equine partners. The process includes engagement, reflection, processing & generalization of what has occurred. In more general terms, the horse & person connect through use of a variety of activities or situations as set up by the facilitator. Thoughts, feelings, behavior patterns, areas that need addressing, etc are identified by the facilitator & participant as the participant & horse connect. Horses have the innate ability to sense our moods, stress levels, hesitations, patience or impatience, weaknesses, hurts, anxieties, joys etc. Because horses are highly social animals & are able to communicate emotions & feel empathy, people are able to relate to them. They provide immediate feedback through their body language as to what they are sensing.  It is through the watchful eye of the trained facilitator that these areas can be brought to light for the participant to become aware of & address.​

• What can EAL help with? Stress-reduction techniques, problem identification & solving, mindfulness, self-esteem, confidence, leadership, group dynamics, relationships, communication, mind-body connection, grief, patience, trust, grounding, connection, emotional regulation, boundaries & coping, plus much more. ​

• Who can EAL benefit? People of all ages and stages & all walks of life. EAL is for everyone! ​

• Do you have to know how to ride a horse? No. All activities are ground-based.​

• Do you have to have experience with horses? Absolutely not! That’s why each session is designed and facilitated by an EAL Canada coach.​

• Is there evidence that this works? Yes! Please refer to the articles attached for some fascinating & enlightening studies & personal accounts:

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Horses, Mindfulness and the Natural Environment: Observations from a Qualitative Study with At-Risk Young People Participating in Therapeutic Horsemanship  https://bit.ly/3z0f9Wy

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​Does Equine Assisted Learning Create Emotionally Safe Learning Environments for At-Risk Youth?    https://bit.ly/38YnM9n

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​Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Veterans With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Current State, Challenges and Future Directions  https://bit.ly/3yY8xbp

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