Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning program that uses horses as teachers. Participants learn effective communication and collaboration skills by means of interacting with their human partners and equine teachers to solve a series of enjoyable, and often challenging problems. EAL is an effective approach to human development that encourages individual and team growth. Exercises are developed to encourage self-confidence through validated, hands-on experience, they are powerful, positive and collaborative. A 1200 pound teacher that not only takes them on a journey of self-discovery but teaches the ropes of better communication, collaboration and understanding of coping skills.
At Spirit Winds Ranch we offer a 4, 6, 8 or 12-week course that partakes once/twice a week (2 hours each time). Students are taken through 12 different EAL exercises with a horse by their side. Together with the horse, we take students on a journey of self-discovery, they teach the ropes to better communication, collaboration and stronger awareness and understanding of coping skills. The courses can take place in groups or individual sessions. We are such believers in this program that we will offer a 1 session test drive class.
EAL and Kids
Which kids would benefit from these workshops? There are a lot of pressures on children these days and the tools to give them coping skills are often limited. We have found the ones that thrive in these programs generally struggle with:
- Communication (verbal and non-verbal skills)
- Lack of confidence and low self esteem
- Being bullied
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood control
- Paying attention and listening
- High Energy and ability to self-modulate
We have seen kids thrive in our workshops in the following ways.
- Increased confidence
- Stronger communication (verbal and non-verbal)
- Willingness to participate in activities
- Improved listening
- Shift in attitude
- Smiles- We see lots of smiles
We recognize that everyone has different needs, at Spirit Winds Ranch, we are happy to take our experience and custom design our courses to help with providing a well rounded experience to support those needs. Contact us and we can take it from there.