Equine-Assisted Learning
EAL
Since June 2022, I
have been leading the Equine Program within our Therapy Department at LIV
Village, Durban.
We partner horses with children offering individual therapeutic sessions as well as a dynamic and engaging life-skills program for small groups and families.
Connection, self-reflection and building trust are some of the core principles which enhance the emotional healing of our children who have experienced trauma. Our therapeutic sessions help develop skills such as self-confidence; emotional regulation and responsibility. Dysfunctional patterns of behaviour transform into successful ones as the children learn more effective and positive ways of relating to themselves and interacting with others.
Through strategically designed team exercises, our Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) program develops life-skills in a practical and experiential way, with the horse as the teacher! As groups navigate obstacles and challenges, the program facilitates conversations and experiences with the goal of equipping participants in areas such as communication, problem-solving and leadership.
EAL Scenarios
Why Horses?
The horses' natural herd instincts make them ideal for this kind of work. As prey animals, they are constantly surveying their environment to assess whether it's safe or dangerous. Horses have a strong flight sense and seek out leadership as a matter of survival. They are highly intuitive animals with the ability to tune into a human's body language and emotions. They are always evaluating us as we partner with them- telling us whether they feel safe or confident and if they trust us enough to follow us. Their honest behaviour and reactions cause them to give instant feedback in a non-judgemental way.
If a team lacks clear communication, the horse will reflect their confusion. If they are frustrated or distracted, the horse will show disinterest. If team members are not strong in their leadership, the horse is unlikely to follow.
...And they will communicate this without saying a word!
Horses consider us as part of their herd when we work together, and the key priority of the herd is safety. The horses let us know what's going on in the herd (team) and that feedback reflects how effectively the groups are communicating, cooperating and leading.
The way the horse responds will often communicate more to us than a human conversation ever could. These unique interactions are the core of EAL. By reflecting on them, we can gain valuable insight which leads to self-awareness and self-development.
All the tools and behaviours we need to be strong leaders to our horses are the same tools we need to be strong leaders outside of the arena.
EAL experiences are relatable to real-life situations, environments and relationships.
Benefits of EAL
Communication Skills
Listening and articulation; understanding body language; recognising different communication styles.
Trust & Respect
Empowerment through recognising that trust is earned and you build respect; the value of mutual trust and respect as it relates to relationships.
Boundaries
Recognising and respecting boundaries - personal, social and physical boundaries.
Problem Solving / Plan development
Identifying, prioritising and selecting alternatives for a solution; adapting a plan to implement a solution.
Appreciation of others
Every team member has a valuable part to play; understanding how individuals impact teams/relationships.
Choices & Consequences
Decision making; recognising the impact of choices and consequences; accepting responsibility for personal actions and decisions.
Self-reflection/ Self-awareness
Understanding personal feelings and character; opportunities for self-development.
Negotiation Skills
Understanding the negotiation process to work towards finding 'win/win' solutions.
Teamwork
Learning to cooperate and effectively work together to find success.
Highlights
Family Bonding
EAL sessions promote bonding within the family unit. Foster mums and their children come together and experience something completely different outside of the home. These sessions help to develop communication and trust. Families gain confidence in one another and within themselves, whilst having lots of fun!
"You're a great leader", was one of the many encouragements shared in these family groups.
Teamwork
Learning about 'self' as part of a team. Our groups have learned the importance of working with one another; embracing individual strengths as well as respecting all team members (including the horse!)
Communication
Are you listening?
Active listening is a skill that can be learned as we practice to become more engaged in hearing and responding. Our teams develop their ability to listen and understand one another.
Fun
EAL is hands-on and lots of fun!
What we learn with pleasure we never forget
Alfred Mercier
For a closer look at our Equine Department, please click here.
Follow us on facebook: EquiTherapy at LIV Durban
Equine-Assisted Learning: An experiential learning approach to life-skills and leadership development
Certified Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator: Dreamwinds EAL centre, Ontario, Canada
Licensed partner of Cartier Farms, founders of the Building Block™ Equine-Assisted Learning Certification Program©