Equine Assisted Learning (EFL), also referred to as Therapeutic Horsemanship, is an experiential learning approach that involves partnering with horses to support therapeutic interventions. By engaging in these interactions, participants have the opportunity to cultivate life skills, enhance emotional well-being, and foster a greater sense of self-awareness. Equine Facilitated Learning is beneficial for individuals facing various challenges.

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• Adults – mental health, addiction recovery, neurodivergent, learning difficulties, families in crisis and more.

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• Young People – young people with anxiety or depression, children experiencing challenges with mainstream education, learning difficulties, neurodivergent, at risk of offending, challenging behavior, teenagers in care, young carers and the traveling community.

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The Key benefits clients experience from EFL are;

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•  Learning new skills

• Increased confidence

• Reduced Stress & Anxiety

• A feeling of belonging and working as a team

• Better communication skills

• Improvement in concentration and focus

• Relaxation

• Connection with nature

• Empathy towards other living beings

• Improvement in other physical skills

• Improved relationship

• Empowerment through choice.

• AND MORE!

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*Equine facilitated Learning is not therapy. Practitioners who run these sessions are not therapists. Their backgrounds are coaches, teachers and alternative practitioners. 

 

Why Horses?

 

"Horses are prey animals that live in the present moment, without shame or embarrassment for their needs, acting on natural impulses and drives. Like us, they are comprised of a nervous system, a unique personality, emotional and biological needs, including a need for social contact (herd mammals), and a life history.

They are honest, transparent and sensitive creatures that are highly aware of their surroundings and have developed the ability to read and respond to situations and social dynamics by paying attention in a particular way to their senses and surroundings.  Unlike us, they do not live in their heads and instead live in tune with their bodies and body sensations without panicking about them, bracing against them, or trying to fight them.  They have the ability to allow what wants to happen in their bodies with grace and ease." Sarah Scholte Equusoma

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Referrals

Referrals are accepted from various sources including GPs, CHAMS, Private Referrals, NHS, Schools, Local Authorities, Children in Care, and other external agencies.

 

The referral process typically takes about 7 days, provided there is availability within our service. If there is no availability, we will either refer you to another suitable service or add you to a waitlist.

 

To initiate the referral process, please contact the center and either speak with Jenny or request a referral form via email. Once we receive the completed referral, we will match it with the most suitable facilitator to meet the client's goals and outcomes. 4. An intake pack containing comprehensive information will be sent out, and upon receiving it, we can develop a person-centered plan to help the client achieve their desired outcomes and goals. While we have set programs, these are customized to the individual and may vary based on their specific needs.

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Outcomes

We pride ourselves on delivering a profession service and we aim to monitor outcomes and progress of all our clients. Outcomes from our Equine Facilitated Learning sessions include an improvement in the following:

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• Reduced stress and anxiety.

• Improved ability to set and attain goals.

• Improved social interactions

• Improved confidence and self-esteem

• Improved focus and concentration

• Greater ability to self-regulate 

• Improved Self awareness

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