Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a powerful and effective approach to experiential learning that includes purposeful interactions with horses. Learning objectives of an EAL program vary widely and are dependent on the goals of the individual or group as well as the expertise of the facilitator.
At Hope Haven, our facilitating team includes a Recreation Therapist and Certified Equestrian Instructors who have additional training in the field of EAL. Our amazing herd of horses complete this team as they work with the facilitators to help participants through the process of personal growth in the areas of social-emotional and life skills development.
Personal development goals through the use of EAL may include:
- Empowerment
- Interpersonal Skills
- Self Awareness
- Empathy
- Confidence and Leadership
- Building Positive Relationships
- Establishing Boundaries
- Emotional Regulation
We offer 3 options of EAL programming; Private, Group or Pop-Up Groups. Please refer to the full descriptions below to see what best suits your needs.
Private EAL
Purpose - To work towards individualized social-emotional or life skills goals
EAL Facilitator - Our Recreation Therapist uses EAL as the primary programming tool however often times other forms of therapeutic modalities may be of benefit as well. For more information on other tools our Recreation Therapist may consider and why, click here
Length of Session: 1 hour
Duration: follows length of the season (ie. Winter is 11 weeks in length)
Cost: $50 per session
Upcoming Private EAL
Group EAL
Purpose: Goals are determined based on the unique characteristics of each group. See descriptions of upcoming courses listed below.
Group Size: Ranging from 4-12 participants
EAL Team: 2 facilitators and multiple horses assisting in the experiential learning process
Length of Session: 1.5 hours
Duration of program: group specific, ranging from 4-12 weeks
Cost: $35 per session
Upcoming Group EAL
Pop-Up EAL
Purpose: To gather a group of a specific population for an individually occurring session. Often these sessions will have repeat offerings in the future.
Goals of sessions are specifically chosen based on the population. See full descriptions of upcoming offerings below.
Group Size: Ranging from 4-12 participants
EAL Team: 2 facilitators and multiple horses assisting in the experiential learning process
Length of Session: 2 hours, includes snacks
Cost: $40 per session
Upcoming Pop-Up EAL
To Register
- Call: 519-986-1247
- Email: program@hopehavencentre.org
- Note, this is not a billable service under extended mental health benefits as it is not facilitated by a mental health professional, nor is it deemed a clinical treatment.
Contact
545747 Sideroad 4A, RR #2
Markdale, ON N0C 1H0
(t) 519-986-1247
Directions
Located on Sideroad 4a between
7th Line and 9th Line.
Benoit Dube - Executive Director
execdir@hopehavencentre.org
Kim Reain - Development Officer
partnerships@hopehavencentre.org
Robyn Allen - Program Manager & Physiotherapist
program@hopehavencentre.org
Michelle Lemire - Volunteer Coordinator
volunteer@hopehavencentre.org
Emma Houser - Program Administrator & Instructor (PATH Int. CTRI, EC Instructor of Beginners)
ehouser@hopehavencentre.org
Danielle Rose - Equine Manager & Instructor (PATH Int. CTRI, EC Competition Coach)
drose@hopehavencentre.org
Ann-Ida Beck - Instructor (CanTRA CTRSI, PATH Int. CTRI, EC Instructor of Beginners)
abeck@hopehavencentre.org
Gillian MacNeill - Instructor (CanTRA CTRII, PATH Int. CTRI)
gmacneill@hopehavencentre.org
Heidi Bramson - Instructor (Path Int. CTRI)
hbramson@hopehavencentre.org
Shannon Speer - Recreational Therapist & Equine Assisted Personal Development Coach
sspeer@hopehavencentre.org
Gretel Stanish - Property & Barn Manager, Instructor (Path Int. CTRI, EAPDC)
gstanish@hopehavencentre.org