When working in the arena of human growth and development, horses truly are the bringers of light for they act as both the candle, exuding their own glow, and as a reflection of the brilliance that shines within us all. Herein lies the power behind Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) and Equine Experiential Learning (EEL). Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, as outlined by the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association, is a term describing the synergistic teaming of a horse and a licensed mental health professional, who co-facilitates the psychotherapeutic process with the child. It is an experiential treatment approach that provides the client with opportunities to enhance self-awareness and re-pattern maladaptive behaviours, feelings and attitudes. The majority of EFP sessions take place on the ground, requiring the client to utilize certain skills to work towards a goal set out in each session. Such skills may include, but are not limited to, teamwork, relationship building, conflict resolution, creative thinking, flexibility, open mindedness, interpreting and displaying non-verbal communication, leadership and accepting responsibility. All of these qualities contribute to the balance within an individual child and in turn within their families, schools and communities.

Benefits For Children

Specifically designed interactive equine experiences can promote psychosocial healing, growth and social responsibility through:

• improving self-awareness and self-esteem
• developing trust
• providing training in social skills
• encouraging sensory stimulation and integration
• developing choice-making and goal-setting skills
• encouraging responsibility
• promoting pro-social attitudes through care-giving experiences
• considering the needs and views of others
• sharing responsibility for social and physical environments
• communication
• leadership
• emotional, physical, mental and spiritual wellness
• a developed trust of their authentic voice
• playfulness
• creativity
• laughter

Benefits For Families, Schools and Communities

• improved social climate due to all of the above
• a decrease in the need for long term, reactive interventions
• happier and more socially responsible citizens and environments
• solving problems in peaceful ways while demonstrating empathy and understanding