Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
At Conner Trails, we offer Equine-Assisted Learning as a modality in our programs. A growing body of published scientific studies and data shows that not only do horses help us with our emotions, but interacting with them has a beneficial physiological effect on heart rate variability, blood pressure, overall cardiovascular health, and the nervous system.
What do horses teach us about connection?
• A herd is necessary for survival.
• There is safety in numbers, another member of the herd is always looking out for the good of each member.
• The best learning comes from the wisdom of others.
• Mean what you say, say what you mean.
• Clear boundaries are important
• Be present, let it go - horses aren't very concerned about the past or the future.
• All sessions are facilitated by a licensed educational professional and an equine specialist.
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING: WHAT IS IT NOT
It is as essential to identify what our program is NOT as it is to determine what it is, as there are many different equine activities, each with a different purpose. We hope the information below helps distinguish those activities and enhance understanding of our program’s intent and limitations.
As an equine-assisted learning program, we do not offer equine-assisted psychotherapy. Equine-assisted psychotherapy must be provided by a mental health professional and is designed to address mental health and emotional issues outlined in a treatment plan tailored to the individual.
Even though our program does include mounted work after 12-13 weeks, students and parents/guardians need to understand that it does not provide riding lessons. Further, when a student reaches a point in the program where mounted work begins, it does not mean all future sessions will include mounted work. We have learned that students must understand this fully to manage expectations and avoid disappointment and setbacks.
As an equine-assisted learning program that offers mounted activities, it is also important to note that we are not a therapeutic horseback riding (adaptive riding) or hippotherapy program. Adaptive riding provides horseback riding lessons to those with disabilities. Hippotherapy utilizes the horse's movement to enhance an individual's treatment goals as set by a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech-Language Pathologist who is present during the service.
Our team believes all other activities can significantly complement our E.A.L. program, depending on the student, so we have provided community information available upon request for your ease. Please be aware that our provision of such data does not constitute an endorsement of said services or offerings, and we encourage you to conduct your due diligence on any particular program to assess if it is the right fit for your child.
[1] Search Institute, www.search-institute.org; Peter C. Scales, et al. “Contribution of Developmental Assets to the Predictions of Thriving Among Adolescents” Applied Developmental Science 4 no. 1 (June 2010): 27-46. [2] Fry N.E. (2013) Equine-Assisted Therapy: An Overview. In: Grassberger M., Sherman R., Gileva O., Kim C., Mumcuoglu K. (eds) Biotherapy - History, Principles, and Practice. Springer, Dordrecht. [3] Intl. J. Appl Basic Med Res. 2015 Aug; 5(Suppl 1); S58-S65; Williamson, Margaret F., and Roberta L. Watson. “Learning Styles Research: Understanding How Teaching Should Be Impacted by the Way Learners Learn Part II: Understanding How Learners Prefer to Receive Information.” Christian Education Journal 3, no 2 (November 2006) 343-61.