Equine Assisted Learning

Equine Assisted Learning, Mindfulness, Life Skills, and Leadership

At Starry Meadows we have discovered the therapeutic and restorative powers of horse interaction and nature. The unique ranch setting allows interaction with horses and nature and has provided this benefit for several of our clients. Sometimes simply being out in nature on our extensive trails through 40 acres of forest by yourself, or interaction with the herd or with or on a horse is enough to make the day or situation much better.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

EAL is an experiential (EXPERIENCE IT!) learning approach which promotes the development of usable life skills, improved academic achievement, gained confidence, improved social interaction, personal growth, problem solving skills, exploration, leadership and coaching. All of this is facilitated by involvement (on the ground or in the saddle) with one or more horses.

The Experience is facilitated initially by an equine professional who has training and qualifications that allow the equine professional and participant(s) to work safely, develop knowledge and skill in experiential learning methods and interaction with horses.

Ultimately the EAL session is designed to be a safe environment that offers a chance to learn life skills either through ground or mounted interaction with the facilitator and the horse.

EAL sessions can be on an individual or on a team basis and can be facilitated by a knowledgeable equine facilitator or a team of facilitators.

Each session can be customized to be a planned session with specific goals or one in which the horse takes the lead or a combination of both. While improved horsemanship is a typical outcome of the session it is not the primary intent of the session. The primary goal is the learning and development of life skills through experiential learning in volving a horse.

Successful examples to date include:

· Group/Team interaction with horses

· Summer Horse Day Camp

· Family outing with horses as the focal point

· Individual sessions with horse and facilitator to grow life and social skills.

· Special needs clients interacting (on the ground or in the saddle with horses)

· Walking the trails or utilizing our mindfulness trail

Other opportunities

· School programs

· Leadership Training utilizing the principles of LeadeReliability

· Mental health facilitated by a Mental Health Specialist involving EAL interaction

For more information or to schedule your session please contact us.