Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL)

The horses (and burros too!) in Heart to Wild Heart have been carefully selected and trained to be facilitators to your learning process. While they do assist the human facilitator at times and vice versa, they also facilitate on their own. The equines are allowed to interact with humans in the safe ways they choose by interacting and expressing themselves to participants in natural, spontaneous ways. We do not have pre-determined, specific activities with pre-determined specific outcomes to our sessions and workshops. Rather, the horses and I create space for you to experience the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits of being with the horses so that you can benefit from their Wisdom and great big hearts in whatever learning topic you choose, and in a way that is unique to you. There is no riding. All interactions are on the ground, so you do not need any prior equine experience to participate and benefit. The HERD (Human-Equine Relations Development) Institute's model of EFL focuses on relationship and connection with the horses as co-facilitators to this experiential learning, rather than on any specific and repetitive activities. The horses simply enhance our learning and growth just by being the powerful, intelligent, sentient beings they are. Add custom guided meditation and therapeutic art to your experience to really deepen your connection with yourself and others, further enhancing your unique, authentic experience and process. EFL is a great way to explore your own beliefs and desires, habits, intentions, and experiences.

Horses are superb listeners and offer nonjudgmental support as you navigate change in your life, whatever that may be. They can read our emotions and offer their own input. Their great big hearts help to lead us to our own wisdom. Being in their presence offers numerous health benefits including stress reduction, improvements in our breathing and heart rate. For all of these reasons, horses help us reach an optimal state of being where we can develop new understanding that remains with us for a lifetime.

A typical EFL session lasts one hour and consists of safety discussion, grounding, interacting and connecting powerfully with an equine(s) while exploring your chosen topic, and wrapping up in a way that honors your learning experience and helps you integrate the experience going forward.

Use the contact form below if you have any questions or book your appointment in the store.