Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs incorporate horses in an experiential setting for psychotherapy, personal growth and learning. They are collaborations between trained and certified professionals working with clients and with horses to achieve specific goals. Sessions are intense and effective, often resulting in breakthroughs much more rapidly than other therapies or learning situations.
Equine programs 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. Rancho Bosques programs incorporated the innovative Neuro-Equine Model, and other components from Allan's book, Zen Mind, Zen Horse.
Turning Breakdown into Breakthrough…™
watch EAT Exercises in action
video copyright Rancho Bosque
Music by Jaquie Gipson
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 divine mirrors, reflecting what human body language and energy levels are telling them. With all these qualities and traits, horses provide endless opportunities for metaphorical learning.
Equine facilitated learning programs 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.
Equine Assisted Learning Teachers at Rancho Bosque
Rancho Bosque prides itself of having the brightest, most engaging, and professionally educated 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 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 course materials that participants will receive for study during the course of the seminar. Quite simply put: 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.
No previous 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.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs incorporate horses in an experiential setting for psychotherapy, personal growth and learning. They are collaborations between trained and certified professionals working with clients and with horses to achieve specific goals. Sessions are intense and effective, often resulting in breakthroughs much more rapidly than other therapies or learning situations.
