An Overview or Equine Assisted Therapy &
Equine Assisted Learning

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs incorporate horses in an experiential setting for psychotherapy, personal growth and learning. It is a collaboration between trained and certified professionals working with the clients and with horses to achieve specific goals. Sessions are intense and effective, often resulting in breakthroughs much more rapidly then other therapies or learning situations.

horse work EAT and EAL are experiential by definition. Clients learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then discussing feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This processing component allows clients to truly integrate their experiences with their lives. Though many experiential learning programs are effective, EAT and EAL bring a new dimension by using horses, which bring their own unique energy to the session.

Turning Breakdown into Breakthrough…™

Rancho Bosque is an Approved Provider
for continuing education units

Upcoming Workshops and Seminars

Oct 24-25 Introduction to EAT COURSE CLOSED
Jan 9 & 10 Intermediate Level EAT
Feb 6 & 7 Training the Trainers
Mar 6 & 7 Cancer Wariors-Enhancing Survirorship

View Course Descriptions

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Rancho Bosque Exporting Equine Assisted Therapy Program

Drs. Allan and Jane Hamilton, and Samantha Biffar conducted Equine Assisted Therapy and Equine Assisted Learning Seminars this summer at the Irish Racing Academy and Centre of Education in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. Each two day seminar had 30 participants working with ex-racing thoroughbreds to learn the exercises and techniques that can be employed in standard EAT and EAL sessions. The seminars focused on “hands-on” training in both individual and group settings and made for a unique and powerful learning experiences. As one participant put it, " I wish nothing more than to continue attending your lectures and observing your work and approaches to the multitude of challenges in EAL & EAT.

On July 3, the Rancho Bosque crew presented a demonstration for the Irish Parliament, and as a result, both programs will be recieving government funding. Rancho Bosque will continue to play an integral role in establishing and expanding EAT/EAL in Ireland, and will be conducting more seminars in the summer of 2009.

A member of the Irish Parliament gets hands on experience while attending Rancho Bosque Seminar

" I would just like to send a big thank-you for coming to Ireland to help us. Your team were all so friendly and relaxed .I found the four days so helpful and feel it has helped me to communicate better with people and horses"

-- Ireland EAT/EAL participant

The Power of Horses

Romeo Horses are social animals that have complex relationships within their heard. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. The size and power of the horse can be intimidating to many people, and afford the opportunity to overcome fears. Horses are also a divine mirror reflecting what human body language and energy levels are telling them. With all these qualities and traits, horses provide endless opportunities for metaphorical learning.

EAT and EAL are not horseback riding programs. Instead, sessions use ground activities with the horses which require the participants to develop or apply skills. Much of the program focuses on non-verbal communication, and learning to be completely present in the situation. Participants learn creative thinking and problem-solving, while developing assertiveness, leadership, teamwork and relationship skills. The immediate feedback nature of working with horses builds confidence while participant rapidly progress through their goals. obsticles

Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning at Rancho Bosque

Rancho Bosque prides itself of having the brightest, most engaging, and professionally educated EAT staff in the country. Our course directors, trainers, and senior staff all have decades of personal and professional success before coming to the ranch, and bring diverse experience with them. The best endorsement we have for our clinics is the number of customers and clients that come back for more!

All the EAT & EAL programs are under the direct, personal supervision of Allan Hamilton, MD, Jane F. Hamilton, Ph.D., Lex Deines, the RB’s ranch manager and Samatha Biffar, RB's trainer and riding instructor. Each RB course offering comes with written syllabus and course materials (refer to individual course offerings for syllabus and course outlines) that participants will receive for study during the course of the seminar. Quite simply put: the RB achieves the highest educational and therapeutic value of any equine-assisted therapy and equine training program in the country. Our mission: to help you to become empowered, to transform your personal breakdowns into breakthroughs, and help you fulfill your heart’s deepest dreams.

jump No experience with horses is needed to participate in any course! Even if you’ve had bad experiences with horses, do not hesitate to enroll in any of our courses. Often, the attendees with little or no experience have the greatest insight.

We have programs specifically designed for:

counselors and medical professionals
continuing education
leadership and team building
personal growth
cancer survivors and families
horse people

view our complete course listings

Equine Assisted Learning in the News

Read the transcript of a September 9, 2008 National Public Radio (NPR) report on Equine Assisted Learning applied to the corporate environment: Horse Sense: New Breed Of Executive Training by Jim Zarroli

An Overview or Equine Assisted Therapy & Equine Assisted Learning