Question 1

What Is Equine Assisted Learning?

Accepted Answer

Equine Assisted Learning is an approach to human development that encourages individual and team growth. Participants engage in objectively driven exercises while working with horses without venturing into Equine Therapy. There is no riding involved. It is all done on the ground alongside the horse. These skills development programs have proven to be a powerful, positive educational program for participants - it is life changing!
 
Our program emphasizes its BuildingBlock™ curriculum of facilitating life skills through positive reinforced interaction with horses. Exercises are developed to encourage self-confidence in participants as they learn valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them via validated hands on experiences. Our curriculums effectiveness has become so renowned that it even was a crucial part of a 5 year university study!

Question 2

Why Work With Horses?

Accepted Answer

By being a prey animal, horses have highly astute senses and are always aware of their surroundings for survival. They react quickly to stimuli from participants.
 
They have a special sense for changes in heart rate from 23 metres away, so they can tell when something is wrong, or when something has shifted in us, even before we do! This awareness allows us to learn more effectively because when horses show signs of change in their body language, it gives us, as facilitators, opportunities to help the participants come to realizations about themselves that will allow them to modify their behaviours.
 
Horses don't lie, which makes them great teachers who offer teachable moments for our facilitators to step in and promote a conscious change in a whole new way!
 
At Hunter Equine Experience, our facilitators and horses help humans make positive changes that stick with them for life. This is because working alongside a horse helps people in successful development of personal and team skills such as communication, problem solving, negotiation and teamwork. Our unique approach of working with horses as teachers makes it much easier to keep participants engaged which can lead to success when learning something new especially while taking part in our objectively driven programs.

Question 3

Is This A Horseback Riding Program?

Accepted Answer

Our programs are all done on the ground, there is no horseback riding involved.

Question 4

Do You Require A Therapist To Be Present? Is This Therapy?

Accepted Answer

THIS IS NOT EQUINE THERAPY. We do not require a clinical professional with us to do these exercises, workshops and programs.

Question 5

Do I Need Horse Experience?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! All of our programs are designed to be done on the ground - alongside the horses as a part of your team. This allows the horses to provide you authentic, immediate feedback as an equal partner or “herd member!”

Safety is our highest priority and each participant will receive a safety orientation.

Question 6

What If I'm Scared Or Don't Like Horses?

Accepted Answer

No worries! If you aren't being pushed out of your comfort zone, you aren't learning. This is an opportunity to overcome fears or preconceived notions. Some of the people who have attended our workshops have started out intimidated. By the end of the program, they have learned more about themselves, they have overcome their fears and walked out with life-altering results!

Question 7

Do I Need Certain Clothing?

Accepted Answer

There is no special clothing requirement to take part in any of our programs. The only thing that we ask is that you wear closed toed shoes for safety while you are working with the horses. That could be running shoes, cowboy boots, or any other footwear that will keep your toes safe. Dress for the weather and leave your favourite clothes at home. The arena may get a little dusty!!

Question 8

Are You Certified & Insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have been trained by and are certified through Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning,(http://www.equineconnection.ca) and backed by The EAL Network (https://www.ealnetwork.com/)a leading organization in this specific skills development program with horses. Additionally, we carry extensive liability insurance through AFFINITY INSURANCE.
 
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Question 9

I'm Allergic!

Accepted Answer

Knowing is half the battle! Just be sure to take an antihistamine before you come. If you don’t know if you are allergic to horses, we have allergy medicine onsite.

Question 10

Are you NDIS approved?

Accepted Answer

We are a NON-REGISTERED service provider.

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