What is Equine Facilitated Learning?
Equine Facilitated Learning as a form of equine assisted movement offering people the opportunity to re-discover an inner settlement, improve quality of life skills and boost overall wellbeing. It can be tailored to meet any individual's always changing needs.
What are the benefits of Equine Facilitated Learning?
Many years of experience worldwide has shown that in sessions of equine assisted education the connection with a responsive and well-trained horse has longer term beneficial effects for the independence of the client in their day-to-day life and therefore is being of significant support to the entire family.
An important common focus outcome of equine assisted learning science is a steady increase of verbal and non-verbal communication skills furthering general community participation.
Assisted interaction with horses supports a slowing down, to be more present and a natural gentleness
arises in participants. It is always a joy to observe our horses responding to a human who is offering a movement of appreciation in their unique expression - something which is possible for us all. There is so much more to us than possible labels suggest.
Equine Facilitated Learning encourages respecting boundaries as well as setting them while building a relationship of trust with a horse and eventually transferring that onto humans.
Who can benefit from Equine Facilitated Learning?
All the mentioned qualities are welcomed by participants of all ages with various stress generating conditions, as well as anyone who wishes to enjoy and discover gentle relationships.
In a horse's life neither judgement nor expectations play any role, they are gauging their environment on the level of harmlessness. Once we realise the benefits of being more open, our horses become interested to engage.
Equine Facilitated Learning is recommended in times of anxiety, shyness, ADHD, trauma related symptoms, as well as autism spectrum disorders, developmental delay, disability, some mental health diagnoses and even depression.
With respect to NDIS goals, we are welcoming participants on NDIS support plans.
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FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions:
Will I ride the horses?
These sessions are focused on building confidence around and relationship with horses, as such they address many building blocks of great horsemanship through hands on caring and various other learning activities while having our feet on the ground. A solid clear communication with the horse on the ground is the very best foundation for later riding.
What if I am scared of horses?
These horses are particularly gentle and well trained, but like all animals they might occasionally have a mind of their own. For your safety the practitioner is always right by your side.
To ensure the sessions are offering a relaxed learning environment, we start very slowly to build your confidence all the while making sure the horse also gets used to their new guest – you!
How much do the sessions cost?
Sessions are priced based on an hourly rate but can be varied depending on your needs.
Please get in touch and we can clarify the details.
What do I need to bring?
The key things to remember to bring to your session:
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hat for sun protection
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closed covered shoes
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loose long pants (light material in summer)
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sunscreen for face and arms
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water for hydration
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carrots for your new furry friend