Discover the Transformative Power of Equine-Assisted Learning
At Naturally Healing Bristol we believe in the extraordinary potential for growth and learning through unique and innovative experiences. One such transformative journey we offer is through Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), an experiential approach that involves interactions with horses to facilitate personal development and growth.
What is Equine-Assisted Learning?
Equine-Assisted Learning is a dynamic and effective form of experiential education that combines horse-related activities with tailored learning objectives. It is not about horse riding; instead, participants engage in ground-based activities such as grooming, leading, and problem-solving exercises with horses.
The Power of the Horse-Human Connection
Horses are remarkable creatures known for their sensitivity and intuition. They respond to non-verbal cues, providing immediate and honest feedback. This unique quality makes them powerful partners in the learning process, as they reflect our emotions and behaviours, creating a mirror for self-discovery.
Key Benefits of Equine-Assisted Learning:
- Enhanced Communication Skills:
Develop clear and effective communication through non-verbal cues.
Improve interpersonal skills and build trust.
- Leadership Development:
Hone leadership qualities by leading and guiding a horse through various activities.
Gain insights into authentic leadership styles and approaches.
- Emotional Intelligence:
Increase self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Learn to interpret and respond appropriately to emotional signals from others.
- Team Building and Collaboration:
Foster teamwork by engaging in group activities with horses.
Strengthen collaboration, cooperation, and problem-solving skills.
- Stress Reduction and Well-Being:
Experience the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses.
Learn stress-management techniques and promote overall well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Equine-Assisted Learning?
Equine-Assisted Learning is suitable for individuals, groups, and organisations seeking personal and professional development. It is particularly beneficial for:
More on horses as mirrors to the soul:
Horses possess a unique ability to almost see into your soul, bringing forth your deepest thoughts and compelling you to think deeply about yourself.
The Mirror Effect
Horses are astute observers, attuned to both verbal and non-verbal cues. Their keen sensitivity allows them to reflect your emotions and intentions, creating a powerful mirror effect. Engaging with a horse is like holding up a mirror to your inner self—revealing aspects of your personality, communication style, and emotional state that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Deep Self-Reflection
In the presence of these magnificent creatures, participants often find themselves engaged in a process of deep self-reflection. Horses, with their non-judgmental nature, encourage individuals to explore their authentic selves, bringing to the surface thoughts and emotions that may have been buried or overlooked.
Uncovering the Unspoken
Horses have an uncanny ability to uncover the unspoken and make visible the subtleties of human interaction. They respond to genuine emotions and intentions, prompting individuals to confront and address underlying issues. This process of uncovering the unspoken fosters personal growth, emotional intelligence, and a deeper understanding of oneself.
Healing Through Connection
The horse-human connection goes beyond mere observation—it is a source of healing. As participants interact with these gentle giants, a sense of trust and connection is established. This connection can be particularly therapeutic, providing a safe space for individuals to explore their emotions, heal from past experiences, and move forward with newfound clarity and resilience.
Prices
| Individual Session | Family or team-building sessions* |
|---|---|
| Standard 2 hr sessions £90 Extended 3 hr session £120 | Standard 4 hr session £200 *Minimum age of children 6 yrs |
Session Description
Prior to your session, I will send you a questionnaire to establish your desired learning objectives or goals for working with the horses.
Standard Session
- Relaxing in nature to regulate your nervous system
- Observing and meeting the herd
- Establishing a connection, grooming and making friends
- Groundwork in the arena leading the horse through a series of obstacles
- Assessing the learning
Extended Session
Everything in a standard session plus another modality* to help further with the learning.
*I offer a number of healing modalities which can very effectively be combined with Equine -Assisted Learning including Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Kinesiology, Sound Healing, Reiki and Relaxation therapies.
Full Day Tailored Retreats for relaxation or a deep dive are also available on enquiry.
No previous experience with horses is necessary.
Your energy connection with the horses is better when you are doing groundwork with them.
Sessions last between 1 ½ and 2 hours.
Many people come who have been fearful of horses. However, we allow you to make friends with the horses first and when you feel comfortable enough to handle them, we walk alongside you so you always have us as support.
You will need to have loose clothing, strong flat shoes or boots, no open-toed footwear. You will also need outdoor clothing depending on the weather for that day.
No. If the rain is very heavy, we can do some work in the stable, but other than that we wear waterproofs outside and that has its learning advantages.
