Equine Facilitated Learning

Horses in their natural environment live together in a herd. They are prey animals and communicate through body language in an almost empathic way. Natural horse training methods, used by horse whispers, use the horses own communication system to work in partnership with the horse for a greater level of understanding from both trainer and horse.

Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) uses these same methods with a trained horse which allow the child or young person or adult to build a relationship with the horse. Such effective communication offers positive rewards, enhancing self esteem & confidence.

An EFL session involves the person working with the horse or pony on the ground in a countryside environment, developing trust, control, communication and relationships. It takes place within a round pen or barn. This provides an enclosed, safe area where the person and their selected horse or pony can spend time working together and create a bond.

Results can occur very quickly with the person acknowledging the importance of their body postures, gestures, breathing and voice. Once they can use these skills effectively the horse will respond accordingly and the possibilities for further developments increase.

For a child or young person or adult who typically controls very little of their own environment EFL is very empowering. self-awareness and increased self esteem quickly follow and the facilitator builds on this to develop further skills and qualities.

At 'In Harmony With Horses' we aim to develop these skills and attributes in children, young people and adults over a number of sessions with the end result being the person moving the horse or pony through a series of obstacles or long lining the horse or pony single handed in the round pen.