What is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)?
EAL is an experiential learning program where people work with horses to learn skills.
Our program is modeled after Cartier Farms Equine Assisted Learning Program in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Cartier Farms has developed a Building Block style curriculum that has been proven effective through a pilot study and a research study (you can read the studies here). These studies have been done directly with and about the Cartier Farms program- there is much more research out there on the effectiveness of using horses (in general) and the huge benefits they can offer us. Our EAL program is groundwork only, which means you will not be riding the horse. The horse will be seen as part of the team during exercises and will guide you with immediate feedback to encourage self-awareness and help you meet the objective.
The neat thing about horses is that they are genuine and non-judgmental. People often find it very easy to connect with a horse which allows them to open up to the learning experience and truly understand what it is they are learning. Horses do not overthink and they live in the moment, reacting quickly to stimulus (whether it is positive or negative). The feeling of success and confidence is also magnified by the sheer size of horses and how they accept the leadership of the human partner once the appropriate skills are met. And those feelings of acceptance, connection and success can have a very positive effect on a person’s mental health.
EAL is
An experiential Learning program
Groundwork only (no riding)
Proven in Research
Building Block style
Objectively Driven
Run by a Certified facilitator
What are some of the objectives?
Developing relationships
Teamwork skills
Boundary development
Problem Solving / Common Sense
Assertiveness
Clear communication
Body Language
Negotiation
Why Horses?
quick to react
honest
look for strong leadership
non-judgmental
body language is key
intuitive nature
innate sensitivity
Other Horse - Related Activities
Equine Facilitated Wellness
Some people use this interchangeably or instead of Equine Assisted Learning. Programs vary greatly between who runs them and which training they have, as there are several different options out there (and currently not a solid governing body). Prairie Instincts, for example, usually runs team-based activities where there is one horse and at least 2 people working together. And always on the ground only. Many other places are focused more on individual reflection and have one horse per person, and some even incorporate mounted sessions in some way. Overall, they are programs with horses; developed for the well-being of people.
Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is speech therapy, physical therapy and/ or occupational therapy that incorporates the movement of the horse to help with specific goals of therapy. This is a mounted program and involves a Registered Therapist specifically trained for this treatment.
Medicine Hat has a speech hippotherapy program! Check out Speech Language Works for more information.
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding is a mounted activity that is typically geared towards people with special needs. Experiencing the motion of a horse is similar to a human gait and can help the rider develop improvement in balance, flexibility and strength. It can also be beneficial for mental health and its a great opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature while having fun!
Animal Assisted Therapy (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy)
You might hear a few different terms or word combinations for this one, but one of the most important features is the presence of a qualified professional therapist/ psychologist. The animals are used as co-therapists with specific goals and objectives.
In the future, Prairie Instincts hopes to offer these services. In the meantime, Medicine Hat has an Animal Assisted Therapy program (with several horses)! Check out Keys to Hope Counselling Services for more information.
Hippotherapy with Speech-Language Works