Individual or Family EAL Sessions

EAL individual sessions are provided to individuals, couples, sibling groups and/or families on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Goals are discussed on an individual basis and EAL horsemanship activities are curated to help clients reach those goals. Most often, EAL sessions are designed to build “muscle memory” around life-skills such as self-advocacy, effective communication, empathy, boundaries, problem-solving and more by way of developing a relationship with horses.

Group EAL Retreats and Workshops

Group EAL retreats and workshops are personalized to the organization, corporation or community group where dynamics around communication, leadership, team-building and self-care practices can be explored by completing activities with horses. To learn more or schedule a retreat for your business, school, group or organization, please contact us.

Reading-at-the-Ranch

Reading-at-the-Ranch is open to students of all ages and aims to encourage reading and communication skills, public speaking and community literacy, as well as foster a connection with animals. Participants may bring a book of their own, select one from our library, or even bring schoolwork that they might need help with and read to one of our therapy horses or donkeys! Volunteers assist with this program by introducing participants to the animals, reading to or with participants, and leading group reading circles. Click here to learn more and RSVP!

MIND/FULL Workshops

Our MIND/FULL workshops are nature-based and equine-facilitated retreats intentionally designed to hold space for full minds in trying times. Promoting self-care, self-discovery, self-awareness, self-advocacy and more, MIND/FULL workshops offer unique, safe, inclusive and non-judgmental opportunities for tweens+teens to find the support they need and want as they navigate the challenges of day to day life, big moments and/or traumatic events. Click here to learn more and reserve a spot!

JR.EQ EAL Programs

JR.EQ. EAL programs are for tweens and teens, ages 10-17, who already have experience with horses and equestrian sports. These programs are centered around creating inclusive, educational experiences built on the foundation of the horse-human connection and aimed to meet the individual emotional, social, psychological and physical needs of all participants. Clients in this program are pursuing horseback riding lessons and/or equestrian competition goals while concurrently navigating family situations (i.e. divorce, illness of a parent), trauma (i.e. loss of a friend to suicide, school shooting), mental health diagnosis, or learning disabilities.

• LEARN. Our mindful and non-traditional approach to an otherwise traditional equestrian setting, allows for the development of innovative riding, vaulting and driving curriculums within a supportive environment for participants to LEARN and grow into strong, balanced, intuitive and thoughtful partners for their horses and each other.

• CONNECT. For those riders looking for more time with horses, our CONNECT program allows participants to be matched with a therapy horse, selected specifically for their goals and have more independent learning time, ultimately developing a deeper connection.

• BELONG. For those participants who have entered into a long-term relationship with horses through ownership or adoption, we develop educational opportunities that equip those families with tools they need to fully BELONG to and understand the Lifecycle of the Horse™.

• REACH. A variety of educational clinics, workshops, summer camps and other experiences throughout the calendar year that allow participants to REACH and focus on their growth and development as compassionate equestrians.

• EXPLORE. For older teen participants, EXPLORE provides vocational opportunities to get involved on a bigger scale through internships, working student roles and part-time employment opportunities within the organization.

• GIVE BACK. Hands-on opportunities to engage young participants in philanthropic endeavors and to GIVE BACK through gifts of service (volunteering) and fundraising.

Why should I sign up for EAL?

If you are seeking a unique and effective way to explore non-clinical life-skills such as leadership, relationships, self-advocacy, self-care, boundaries, communication, conflict resolution, problem-solving, empathy, trust, self-awareness and more, EAL is a great fit! If you are looking for clinical services, please learn more about equine-facilitated psychotherapy or one of our eco-therapy programs.

How often should I schedule EAL sessions?

As often as desired! We have clients who attend weekly, every other week, monthly or even on an as-needed basis.

How long is each regular EAL session?

Typically 45-60 minutes, depending on client age and request.

How long are EAL workshops and retreats?

Workshops and retreats are scheduled individually per request, and typically range from 90 minutes to up to 6 hours. If you are interested in planning a retreat for your family, group or workplace, please contact us and we can send you a packet of information that outlines all details!

What types of activities will we do in EAL sessions?

Activities may include, but are not limited to: equine body language and non-verbal communication, herd dynamics, haltering and leading, working at liberty {round pen}, ground work exercises, horsemanship fundamentals, grooming, parts of the horse, feeding and nutrition, basic first aid and daily care. EAL does not include mounted work with horses.

Will we be riding horses?

No. Equine-assisted learning includes a variety of groundwork activities that team participants how to have a relationship with horses from the ground, both on-line (using a halter/lead rope) and at liberty (horse is loose). Equine assisted learning is very different than riding lessons. If you are looking for a therapeutic riding program for children, please click here.

How is EAL different from EFP/EAP?

The goals of EAL are non-clinical, as they would be in equine-facilitated psychotherapy. EAL sessions are not considered clinical therapy sessions, and may not be facilitated by a therapist. As defined by PATH Intl., “equine-assisted learning [EAL] experiences are carefully created activities that promote human development in an experiential format. Equine facilitated learning may be conducted by an educator, therapist, equine specialist or therapeutic riding instructor. Experiential learning refers to a style of learning that occurs when a person is interacting with the environment, including the people, animals and situations involved." 

Is prior experience with horses a requirement?

No prior horse experience is necessary. Most of our clients have never been around horses, and many admit to having a fear of horses. We will meet the needs of every individual who participates so they can feel safe and understood throughout the process at all times.

Does insurance cover EAL?

We are not able to bill insurance for EAL, as it is not a ‘clinical’ service. In some instances, Equuvation can offer scholarship to cover EAL sessions. Scholarships are not guaranteed and are based on a completed application and available funds. Some EAL programs are the result of grants, non-profit partnerships and other fund-raising initiatives.

How much does EAL cost?

Individual sessions range from $35-$50. Group/family sessions and corporate retreats are quoted at the time of request based on the number of people, length of time, and other activities that may take place.

Does EAL take place year-round?

Regular EAL sessions are scheduled ongoing during our Spring and Fall Semesters. We do not have EAL sessions during our Summer or Winter Semesters; however, retreats and workshops may be scheduled during the Summer Semester. Weather and sick policies always apply.