Equine Interactive Learning (EIL)?
Equine interactive learning (EIL) is a form of teaching in which educators lead learners through a variety of direct experiences that are processed in periods of guided reflection. Simply put, it is learning by doing rather than by reading, listening, or watching someone else. Unlike book learning, equine interactive learning increases skills and knowledge through activities and events. In equine interactive learning, participants are actively engaged in constructing experiences that are uniquely theirs and that have self-generated benefits and consequences.
Equine interactive learning has been compared with Outward Bound and ropes courses. While all three share elements in common, the latter two programs tend to favor individuals with superior physical capabilities. Through Equine Interactive Learning (EIL) participants move forward together through specific activities which provide participants with immediate feedback relative to their communication style and effectiveness. Working on the ground with the horses allows individuals to fully integrate the key components for success including leadership, non-verbal communication, calm assertiveness, and working together for the benefit of the entire team.
Why Horses?
Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction, and caring for the horses naturally affects the people involved in a positive manner.
The benefits of work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication, and healthy relationships has long been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits. The use of horses is growing and gaining popularity with the rise of new approaches in working with the horses, including the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
We are often asked, "Why horses? Why not other animals?"
Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.
Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.
Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the "easy way" are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.
Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, "The horse is stubborn. The horse doesn’t like me," etc. But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.
What is Equine-Assisted Psychtherapy?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a growing professional field of therapy… in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. EAP is a collaborative Therapeutic Team effort between the horses, a qualified and experienced mental health professional and an experienced horse specialist.
EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. EAP has the added advantage over other activities (e.g. ropes courses, adventure therapy) in the way it utilizes horses as dynamic and powerful living beings.
Not all programs or individuals who use horses for therapeutic work practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Firstly, a qualified therapist needs to be involved for it to be considered ‘psychotherapy’ or ‘counseling’. Secondly, the focus of EAP is not about learning to ride or horsemanship. In fact, most EAP practice takes place entirely on the ground for professional and safety reasons.
How does EAP work?
The focus of EAP involves setting up activities involving the horses, which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP. A client session normally last between 1 and 1½ hours. It takes place in a small paddock, a round pen or an arena.
EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and management groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.
- Horse as ‘messenger, teacher & guide’
- Bringing together two professional worlds – horse and psychological therapy
- Collaborative approach – therapeutic team approach
- A short term ‘brief’ therapy
- Experiential in nature
- Activity and Processing
- ‘Being’ and ‘Doing’
- A unique relational dynamic
How is EAP different from traditional therapy?
What Happens?
- Quickly breaks down defensive and aggressive reactions. Masks fall away.
- Challenges clients in non-threatening ways that are open and honest.
- Gives rise to immediate cause-and-effect situations.
- Captivates and holds attention.
- Promotes change from self limiting, dysfunctional patterns to more healthy ones.
- Can be serious and fun all at the same time.
- Can be directive (activity lead) or non-directive (reaction lead) to suit the client or group.
- Gives opportunities for unique experiences to be generalised.
Surprise or not?
We have found that in most cases, the group participants prefer to have some advance notice as to what type of activity they will be participating in. You may choose to give them minimal information in order to keep them guessing or provide them with an information sheet (supplied by TRANSITIONS) that describes the workshop.
What is included?
We include all supplies and equipment needed to lead your corporate team building program and meeting sessions. Our facilitator's pre and post planning time is included except in some situations involving intensive needs assessment survey or interview work.
How do we get the most value out of our retreat?
Thirty days before the retreat, ask participants to provide you with a confidential list of what they think are the most important and difficult questions facing the company. Encourage them to include items from subjects as diverse as target markets, products, customers, internal issues, competitors, etc. We will review the information with you and focus your agenda on the things that your people cite most frequently.
What is EAGALA?
Vision Statement
EAGALA is committed to setting the standard of professional excellence in how horses and humans work together to improve the quality of life and mental health of individuals, families and groups worldwide.
Mission Statement
EAGALA provides education, standards, innovation, and support to professionals providing services in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning around the world.
Values
- Focus on making a positive impact in the lives of people
- Maintain the highest ethical standards and professionalism
- Support innovation while remaining committed to quality assurance
- Ensure the integrity of the EAGALA model through outcomes and efficacy
- Promote a culture of collaboration through sharing information, experience, and ideas
Objectives
- Establish standards of practice, ethics, and safety for EAP/EAL
- Provide trainings for certification in the EAGALA Model of EAP/EAL
- Conduct annual conferences to promote education and networking
- Promote EAGALA as an effective model of therapy and treatment for at-risk populations
- Provide educational, training, and support resources, such as books, videos, tapes, and web sites
- Publish a bi-annual magazine
- Encourage universities and colleges to develop and include the EAGALA Model in their curriculum
- Support the establishment of EAGALA Model organizations around the world
- Conduct and disseminate research on the effectiveness of EAP/EAL
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