Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that involves interactions between individuals and horses to achieve specific educational or therapeutic goals. This form of learning utilizes horses as co-facilitators in various activities and exercises designed to promote personal development, enhance communication skills, build trust, and address emotional or behavioral issues.
Key Principles of Equine Assisted Learning
Experiential Learning in EAL
One of the best things about equine assisted learning is that it is based on the principles of experiential learning, where participants engage in hands-on activities with horses to gain insights and develop skills. Additionally, when participants utilize all of their senses, they see the responsive behavior of the horse, hear the discussion with other participants, feel the soft coat of the horses, smell and sometimes even taste the nature all around them, they are fully engaged. During equine assisted learning activities, so many areas of the brain are working, establishing a strong memory and cementing the learning. The focus is on direct experience with the horses, followed by a debrief or reflection on what just happened, why that happened and how similar issues or experiences show up in everyday life.
Learn Nonverbal Communication from the Masters
Horses are highly sensitive and perceptive animals. We like to say that they have superpowers, but really they have an extremely heightened sensitivity in their sensory systems. They can hear a wider frequency than humans and can see much farther than humans. And their sense of touch is similar to the sensitivity of our fingertips; they can feel a fly on their coat. Their senses of smell and taste are equally amazing. They are also capable of picking up on subtle nonverbal cues, much better than humans. EAL emphasizes the importance of utilizing our senses to develop our nonverbal communication skills, teaching participants to be aware of their body language, emotions as well as awareness of what is going on with others and in the environment around them. Did you know that humans rely strongly on nonverbal communication? Nonverbal communication influences our interpretation of every interaction with others.
Immediate Feedback from Horses During Equine Assisted Learning
Horses provide immediate, honest and non-judgmental feedback to human behavior. Horses can not lie, hide their feelings or manipulate. Their responses are instinctual and their number one need is to be safe, so their reaction is often based on the fight or flight instinct. They are also said to be like a mirror, reflecting what is really going on inside someone. We like to describe it like a human’s behavior is being put up on a big movie screen for all to see. It is clear and can’t be denied. Participants can observe the horse’s reactions and facilitators help guide them to adjust their approach accordingly. This immediate feedback enhances self-awareness and encourages personal growth.
Emphasis on Metaphorical Learning
Many EAL activities are followed by a thorough debrief, where participants draw parallels between their interactions with horses and real-life situations. These metaphors help individuals explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a symbolic context. Participants learn more about themselves, but also about the others around them, who are having their own individual experience in the group setting.
Practice Teamwork and Collaboration with Equine Assisted Learning
EAL often involves group activities that promote teamwork and collaboration. Participants work together to achieve common goals, fostering communication, trust, and mutual understanding. In some exercises, the goal is really not even the successful completion of the task, but rather, to see how participants approach and handle the challenge as well as what learning participants can draw from the experience.
Emotional Regulation
Interacting with horses can help individuals develop emotional regulation skills. Horses respond to the emotional state of participants, providing opportunities for individuals to manage and express their emotions in a constructive manner. This can be particularly impactful for neurodivergent participants or those who struggle with social-emotional skills and connection with others.
Problem-Solving Experience
EAL activities are designed to present challenges or scenarios that require problem-solving skills. Participants must find creative solutions, promoting critical thinking and adaptability. It is amazing to see how some teams are constantly coming up with new ideas or trying new strategies while others begin with one strategy and then, seemingly, give up when it doesn’t work. An effective facilitator will let the group struggle an appropriate amount and then step in when additional guidance is needed.
Building Confidence and Self-Efficacy Through Equine Assisted Learning
Success in EAL activities contributes to the development of confidence and self-efficacy. As participants achieve goals and overcome challenges with horses, they gain a sense of accomplishment that can transfer to other areas of their lives. This is particularly visible in children who gain significant psychological benefit from interacting with and also riding horses.
Safety and Respect
EAL programs prioritize the safety and well-being of both participants and horses. Learning to work with horses also teaches respect for these animals and the importance of establishing trust-based relationships.
Tailored Programming
EAL can be adapted to address a wide range of goals and objectives. Programs can be customized for various populations, including individuals seeking personal development, students, corporate teams, and those undergoing therapeutic interventions. At Horse + Bow, we specialize in equine assisted learning experiences for business teams, leadership groups and equine-based mindfulness activities for stressful professions.
Equine-Assisted Learning is a versatile approach that can be applied in educational, therapeutic, and professional development contexts. The key is the intentional and facilitated interaction between humans and horses to achieve specific learning outcomes.
Next Steps
If you’d like to experience Equine Assisted Learning with your friends, family or coworkers in the Austin, Texas area, please contact us and let’s plan your day!
