STABLE THINKING PROGRAM
What is Equine Assisted Learning -- EAL
STABLE THINKING LLC is an equine assisted experiential learning opportunity that promotes the development and enhancement of life skills. Through interactions with horses, participants navigate activities while they work towards achieving a goal that is established during our intake process. Horse activities are used as metaphors to promote the exploration of learning.
EAL sessions are generally two hours. Half-day sessions are also available for corporate workshops or larger student groups.
Program Options
- Communication (Verbal and Non-Verbal Skills);
- Decision-making and problem-solving;
- Critical Thinking;
- Self-awareness and empathy;
- Assertiveness;
- Equanimity;
- Resilience and the ability to cope with challenges;
- Attitude and emotion.
- Corporate Team Building
Professional Facilitators
Professionals with a variety of experience and backgrounds utilize the principles of experiential learning, coaching, personal development, and relational learning to enhance individual or team development.
Important Information
EAL is NOT a riding program. Why is this important:
- Ground-based work is safer than riding;
- Participants are more able to guide their own experiences as they are not concerned about riding technique;
- Goals can be accomplished in a faster manner.
EAL Activities
- Life's Choices: "choosing a horse" activity is an in-depth way to see what behaviors participants gravitate to and why.
- Back-Me-Up: Working as a team, participants try to get a horse to walk backwards. Through this group activity we explore problem-solving and communication.
- Horse Observation Activity: watching horses in a herd, individuals learn the dynamics of groups, how each individual in a group interacts with the entire "herd" of humans, and what it means to be part of community.
- Life's Obstacles: the obstacle course activity teaches participants the importance of listening to instructions, overcoming life's obstacles and body language.
- Mindful Grooming: grooming an animal teaches connection and camaraderie with another living being.
Sample Program
- Circle-Up: participants arrive and are greeted for registration and snacks. We use the talking circle process for introductions, animal safety guidelines, and program expectations.
- Farm Tour: a short tour of the farm will be offered so everyone can meet our goat family, learn the land boundaries and barn rules.
- Guidelines and Safety: participants discuss the importance of animal safety and are provided any safety tools necessary for activities.
- Horse Assignments and Grooming: participants are provided a chance to meet the horses and talk about the activities they will be participating in.
- EAL Activity: depending upon the needs of the participants, each will be engaged in a relevant activity that meets their needs/goals.
- Discussion: time to process the activity is provided.
- Closing: participants meet in circle to offer good-byes.