It is an unmounted program that partners kids and adults with the innately intuitive horse to teach character & life skills. Equine-Assisted Learning is a powerful, professional and effective approach proven to have a positive impact on individuals of all ages. The goal is to provide hope and healing to kids (and adults) that suffer from substance abuse, behavioural issues, attention deficit disorder, eating disorders, physical emotional or sexual abuse, depression, anxiety and relationship problems. EAL programs are a powerful journey of learning and understanding for those who participate. Horses in the program are effective teaching tools; immediately responding to what participants do. Trained facilitators look for "teachable moments" that the horses identify. The horse does the teaching; facilitators are there to offer explanation and provide guidance as they work through to a solution. In a horses world, the rules are clear, easy to understand and consequences are dealt with swiftly. Nature provides them with astute senses and instincts. Horses can discern the difference between a calm non-threatening approach and anxious, nervous energy or a threatening body posture. Their survival depends upon it! Horses require strong leadership and are willing to follow, but only after they find respect and trust. If we provide contradictory behaviour, they will question and challenge our authority to lead. Horses respect the stringent outline of the hierarchy. In a horse's world, team work is respected and expected. Horses respond favourable to positive stimulus and respect FAIR consequences. They are touch and steadfast dance partners; they don't judge, but they don't forget. They don't let you cheat and their feedback is honest. Horses are in the present moment; they do not judge. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquility to troubled souls, they give us hope." ~ Toni Robinson
