EAL is an innovative form of experiential learning where participants develop new insight and learn new skills via relational experiences with horses.

EAL is a fast-growing modality across Australia as well as internationally. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants benefit greatly from EAL services as do children and adolescents.

EAL can benefit everyone, from NDIS participants, those experiencing anxiety, stress, grief and loss to those wanting to explore themselves and begin living the life they want to live.

• Improved social skills
• Empathy and relationship skills
• Distress tolerance
• Confidence and self esteem
• Reducing stress
• Boundary setting
• Promoting movement and activity
• Meaningful connection
• Proven scientific benefits of mindfulness
• Increased attention
• Problem solving
• Connection with nature

Horses are beautiful, intelligent, sensitive and strong beings who can evoke strong feelings in participants or engage participants in the learning process. Calm and healthy horses can assist in co-regulating a participant’s nervous system, can model healthy living and expression of feelings, as well as offering non judgemental safety and trust. Horses can offer unique bio feedback and hold participants in a way traditional learning environments cannot. The natural environment can also contribute positvely to learning outcomes for participants.

” ‘I-Thou Horsemanship’ is an approach to Horsemanship that teaches an understanding of horse psychology, herd dynamics, and training principles that is grounded in ” ‘I-Thou relating’ – a theory and practice based on being-to-being connections that foster a depth of awareness, presence, deep listening, unconditional acceptance and working through challenges with breath and commitment.”
Meg Kirby (2012)