Involving Horses As Remedial Partners
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING
This is a new field in which horses are used to enable emotional growth and learning.
It is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviours and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists and human development courses around the world. However, EAL has the advantage of utilising horses, dynamic and powerful beings.
The focus is not riding or horsemanship. Activities take place purely on the ground. Each session involves setting up activities with the horses which will require the individual or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence and attitude are all examples of the tools utilised and developed by EAL.
EAL is a powerful and effective approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, young people, families and groups. We use EAL to address many human development needs including behavioural issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.
By working with individuals and groups, particularly young people, from all walks of life, they can be enabled to liberate themselves from their defence mechanisms to emotionally grown and learn. The HARP Partnership sees their future mental and emotional well being as key to making a difference.
There is a very small number of people using horses for equine assisted learning and psychotherapy. Whilst it is big in the U.S., it is in its infancy in the UK. Most groups in the UK are focusing on corporate and rehab care. Whilst riding for the disabled has been a proven effective therapeutic tool for many years, this new approach has far more possibilities for healing.
We have been taught by EAGALA and OK Corral Series
THE PARTNERS
Aurčle Hedley - Licensed practitioner of EFT and Meridian Therapies, Bowen Therapist,
Classical Homeopath and EAGALA 1
Jeni Russell – NLP Practitioner, Equine Behaviourist, EAGALA 1
David O’Malley - London City and Guilds 7071/2, 9 years DT teaching, EAGALA