What is EAL?
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that involves interactions between people and horses, as well as other equine animals like donkeys and mules. In EAL programs, participants engage in various activities with horses to achieve personal and professional development goals. This type of learning takes place in a controlled environment led by a facilitator who guides participants through various activities such as coaching an equine partner through a series of obstacles, using positive reinforcement techniques to train new behaviors, providing care and grooming, and more. The focus is on the learning and personal development that individuals can build through working with an equine partner, rather than horseback riding or traditional equestrian sport such as jumping.
What is the purpose of EAL?
The activities in Equine-Assisted Learning are designed to address specific goals such as improving emotional regulation, self-awareness, teamwork skills, and more. EAL is utilized in wellness-focused and educational settings to address a range of goals and objectives for individuals and groups, including personal development programs, team building activities, leadership training, and mental wellness sessions. EAL is considered a holistic and engaging approach that can be effective in promoting mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
Why are horses effective partners?
The unique and non-judgmental nature of horses makes them effective partners in these learning experiences, facilitating a dynamic and impactful educational process. Horses are sensitive animals that can respond to human body language and emotions, providing immediate and honest feedback to participants, allowing them to gain insights and develop skills that can be applied in various aspects of their lives. Natural horse behavior involves a wide array of nonverbal communication, which make these animals effective learning partners as they readily respond to subtle cues conveyed through body language, emotions, and energy. For example, horses often “mirror” one another’s behavior, as well as that of human partners. This behavior can be captured in EAL sessions where the participant aligns their body language and actions with certain cues and/or that of the horses, then reads the animal’s responses and determines the actions to take to enhance the effectiveness of the communication. In equine-assisted learning, participants’ experience gauging the horse’s response to their nonverbal cues provides valuable insight into their communication styles and their ability to focus on the present moment.
What credentials do EAL facilitators have?
Anyone with experience working with people and horses can serve as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. Although various certifications exist and support the work of EAL Facilitators as equine professionals, the profession is not regulated by a governing body. EAL Facilitators often have a variety of credentials, certifications, and experience that provide them with the skills necessary for this work.
At Equine Connection Center, our lead facilitator holds a Master’s degree in Education with over a decade of classroom teaching and curriculum design experience, as well as the Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator Credential from PATH Intl. Our facilitators also hold certifications such as Equine Specialist from Masterson Method and have backgrounds working with a diverse array of people including veterans and individuals with special needs.
Benefits for People in Equine Assisted Learning
There are many benefits for individuals and groups who participate in EAL, such as:
Improved Communication Skills: Interacting with horses requires clear and effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Participants in EAL often develop better communication skills, as they learn to understand and respond to the subtle cues, facilitated by becoming more perceptive of the body language of the horses.
Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: Horses are highly perceptive animals and can mirror human behavior and emotions. Through EAL activities, individuals can gain insights into their own emotional responses, energy presence, and learn to manage and express their feelings more effectively.
Team Building and Collaboration: Many EAL exercises involve working with others, as well as an equine partner, to achieve common goals. This promotes teamwork, collaboration, and a better understanding of the importance of interpersonal relationships in achieving shared objectives.
Increased Self-Confidence: Successfully engaging with and guiding a large and powerful animal like a horse can boost an individual's self-esteem and confidence. Overcoming challenges in the context of EAL activities, from effectively leading a horse through obstacles or overcoming a fear, can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment.
Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Spending time with horses in a natural and outdoor setting can have many positive effects, from promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and providing a sense of greater mental and physical wellness. The calming presence of horses and the focus required in activities can contribute to overall well-being. EAL in these settings are a form of outdoor experiential learning, where participants are connected with nature and benefit from moving their bodies and interacting with animals.
Benefits for Horses in Equine Assisted Learning
At Equine Connection Center, we have a herd of rescue horses who participate in our EAL programs. Not only do humans benefit, but so do the horses! The horses receive:
Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Engaging in EAL activities provides horses with physical exercise and mental stimulation, contributing to their overall well-being. Although horses do not have to serve a “purpose” or work to be content, many rescue horses enjoy working with people given that much of their lives have been spent in work. EAL activities are often about giving back to our equine partners, such as through offering them light touch bodywork or massage, so this form of relationship building through EAL can be particularly beneficial for rescued equines. Additionally, some of the obstacles used in certain EAL activities are also used in physical therapy exercises for our horses. These veterinary-recommended movements and maneuvers help our senior horses build and maintain healthy muscle mass and also provides some relief from stiffness related to arthritis.
Human Interaction and Bonding: Horses are social animals, and interactions with humans in EAL sessions provide them with positive social experiences. Developing a bond with humans can improve their overall temperament and responsiveness. For horses who have had a less-than-positive experience with humans in the past, this aspect is particularly beneficial as they decompress from any past traumas and learn to trust and associate humans with positive experiences.
Variety in Daily Routine: EAL activities introduce variety into the daily routine of horses, preventing boredom and promoting a more enriched environment. This can be important for their mental health and overall happiness. At Equine Connection Center, all of our animals live outdoors 24/7, with access to shelter on demand. This form of management allows our animals to express their natural behaviors and instincts more readily than more traditional stable management methods where horses might be kept in a stall daily. This management method along with regular activity and handling by our staff, volunteers, and participants helps avoids many of the boredom based, negative behaviors that horses can develop.
Prince William County EAL Program
Equine Connection Center in Nokesville, Virginia offers a transformative journey through Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and unmounted horsemanship. With a commitment to fostering personal and professional growth, the center provides a unique and enriching experience for a diverse range of individuals and groups. Whether you're a corporate team aiming to strengthen collaboration, a student seeking experiential learning for extracurricular or homeschool based curriculum, or an individual on a path to self-discovery, our programs are for you! Contact us today for more information, or book your first EAL session online by clicking here.
