Equine Assisted Learning

Most of the skills we have that make a difference in our lives are not taught in a textbook or classroom. We learn them in relationships.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that utilizes interactions with horses to promote personal growth and development. Unlike equine assisted psychotherapy, which focuses on mental health treatment goals, EAL is primarily non-therapeutic and aims to develop various life skills.

No horse experience is required. Please wear closed toe shoes.

What is it?

EAL activities are intentionally designed to foster personal and group development through hands-on, horse-based experiences. Participants gain valuable skills such as:

Verbal and non-verbal communication
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving and decision-making
Leadership, trust, and respect
Self-awareness and self-confidence
Emotional regulation and empathy
Healthy boundary setting

By working alongside horses, individuals naturally develop these skills in a way that is experiential, engaging, and lasting.

Who can Benefit?

Equine-Assisted Learning offers meaningful growth opportunities for a wide range of individuals and groups. While EAL is not therapy, it focuses on learning through experience and can be especially impactful for:

At-risk youth seeking connection, confidence, and coping skills
Individuals pursuing personal growth and self-awareness
Corporate teams aiming to strengthen communication, leadership, and collaboration
Students building social and emotional learning skills in educational environments
People with learning differences or emotional challenges, where the emphasis is on development, not diagnosis

EAL creates a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where participants gain insight, build resilience, and develop practical life skills—with horses as powerful partners in the process.

Activities

Our Work Happens on the Ground—Where Connection Begins
All of our sessions are based on ground-level interactions with horses. Activities may include leading, grooming, feeding, observing herd dynamics, or participating in guided challenges and tasks. These experiences are designed to build trust, communication, and self-awareness—without the need to ride.

How Does it Work?

Equine-Assisted Learning sessions are led by trained facilitators who thoughtfully design activities to meet the unique needs of each individual or group. They guide participants through hands-on experiences with the horses and help them reflect on those moments, connecting insights to real-life situations.
Facilitators ensure a safe, supportive environment where exploration, growth, and learning can unfold naturally and effectively.

Role of Horses

Horses are highly attuned to non-verbal cues and react authentically to human behavior and emotions. This provides participants with immediate and honest feedback, allowing them to gain insights into their own actions and their impact on others.