There are varying types of Equine Assisted Practices available today, along with a myriad of acronyms attached. It may even appear confusing at times.
It is wise to understand that although many of these may differ in what is offered and the approach that is taken, they all fall under the same umbrella of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).
They all share the common goalset of - in a nut shell - horses helping people.
At Sierrah Acres, we offer Equine Assisted Personal Development (EAPD) sessions and programs in a natural outdoor setting. EAPD is an experiential, therapeutic approach that involves being in the presence of, and working alongside the horse to help uncover truths about yourself. This unique experience provides a safe and calming environment to help address emotional roadblocks, build confidence, self-efficacy and learn new life skills.
Clients will be guided through interactive exercises or activities based on their needs and comfort level, which are pre-determined and personalized through the intake process for each individual.
During this interaction, the horses will do what they do best - which is providing us with their honest, in-the-moment feedback. With full support and the aid of a qualified Equine Assisted Learning Coach this information is translated back to the client.
Being supported with this feedback and a little outside-the-box thinking, a clearer picture of your authentic self will surface. Harnessing this information can create the opportunity for change if it is required, personal growth and a healthy happiness, thus moving forward in the real world.
For many people, Equine Assisted Personal Development can also simply serve as a time for quiet escape and to just "be" - to practice mindfulness in the environment, or the special experience of spending time and bonding with a horse.
“Being must be felt - it can’t be thought.”
The use of horses in therapeutic settings has been in practice for generations. Even dating back to ancient Eygypt, where horses were a critical part of society and when children were taught courage, patience, understanding and responsibility through the care of these great creatures. Throughout history, injured soldiers were paired with veteran horses to speed the recovery of wounds suffered in battle. Next and more commonly known, it has become a therapeutic approach in aiding those with handicaps and physical disabilities. And now more recently, horses along with the guidance of their qualified Equine Assisted Learning Coaches have been proven to offer outstanding results in therapeutic approaches for those with a myriad of emotional and mental health issues.