Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a therapeutic and educational approach that involves interactions between humans and horses to facilitate personal growth and learning. This method centers on the unique non-verbal communication that occurs between a horse and a human. It's an experiential form of learning where individuals engage in activities with horses, leading to insights and changes in their behavior or thinking patterns. The process is grounded in the understanding that horses possess an innate ability to reflect human emotions and behaviors, providing immediate feedback and fostering self-awareness in participants.
- EAL Canada
Changing Lives Through Horses
Why Horses?
Horses don’t care what your job is. They don’t care how successful you are. They don’t care what happened yesterday.
They respond to what is happening RIGHT NOW.
How Horses Help
Our horses help you feel better by creating a safe, supportive space where you can slow down, connect, and discover more about yourself. Through working with the horses, you can build confidence, self-worth, and self-awareness while learning new ways to solve problems, communicate, and respond to challenges. Horses are incredibly sensitive to body language and emotions, helping you become more aware of how you communicate and how others experience you. Spending time grooming, brushing, petting, and simply breathing alongside a horse can also be calming and grounding, providing the comfort and connection of safe, healthy touch. Together, these experiences can help you build stronger relationships, develop healthier responses, and feel more confident, connected, and capable.
FAQs
When do we ride?
We don’t. Participants are invited to explore the profound connection between humans and horses beyond traditional riding.
By stepping away from saddles and reins, individuals learn to build trust and deepen their relationships with these remarkable animals, ultimately transforming their approach to interactions both with horses and in their everyday lives. Experience a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as you embrace the wisdom of the horse without the need for a ride.
What if I’m afraid?
Fear is real and we understand all about it. You are never required to do anything that makes you afraid. There is always someone to help you out. The horses need you to be authentic and if you are afraid, they respect that and understand. You can participate from the sidelines until you are ready. (Mary Jean used to be afraid of horses, too, it’s a real thing. :-) )
What do I have to wear or bring?
Wear comfy farm clothes that are allowed to get dirty. Grooming a horse is never a clean job! Depending on the weather you may need to wear rubber boots or running shoes. Make sure they are comfy and good on all terrains. Wearing layers is good for if the weather changes, and a hat is good too. Bring a water bottle.
How can a horse help me?
Horses have an extraordinary ability to connect with people, offering support and companionship that can profoundly impact lives. As participants navigate their personal challenges, the horse serves as both a mirror and a guide, helping them overcome barriers and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Horses don’t judge and always meet you where you are at. They hold space for you and encourage you to become your best self.
Do I need to know anything about horses?
No! In fact you may even gain more appreciation for the process if you’re coming in with a fresh and open mind with no prior experience. We are experienced, trained horse handlers and will guide you through all the safety instructions you’ll need to know for our sessions.
What happens at a session?
Upon arrival you will meet the staff and get a quick tour of the farm. Sessions typically begin inside where we start with conversation and a brief description of what the time with the horses will look like. Then it’s time to gear up and head out to the horses. Once you have completed your assigned task it’s time to come back inside to talk about what you experienced and how that impacted you. There will be a time of reflection and journaling before you go.