What is EAL?
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning technique that facilitates personal growth by teaching social, emotional, and life skills through equine interaction.
What does an EAL session look like?
At The HorseKind Project, standard EAL sessions are 1 hour long and can be individual, pairs, or group sessions of 3-12 participants. The time can be adjusted according to group needs and goals. Each session involves a horse interaction facilitated by one of our EAL professionals. One horse or multiple horses may be used in a session. Though there is always a lesson plan, our attentive facilitators will often follow the horse’s lead and adapt the session to suit the dynamics of the horse and participants in the moment. The activities often focus on problem solving, relationship building, critical thinking skills verbal and non-verbal communication, and leadership skills.
Though students can learn horsemanship skills through the sessions, it is usually not the primary goal. Most sessions are focused on the development of life skills. If your interests lie more on the riding and horsemanship side, be sure to check out our Scattered Acres Sport Horses site for more information.
“Horses have a remarkable ability to understand and respond to human emotions.”
-Temple Grandin