What is EAL?

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) has many of the same approaches and goals as EAP, but is less focused on deep psychotherapy and more focused on building pro-social skills. This therapy is often conducted in groups and is very effective in promoting healthy relationships, personal responsibility, confidence, creative-thinking, problem solving, leadership and teamwork.

These innovative therapies are linked to far-ranging success in the development of positive mental health and well-being.

Who is EAGALA?

Founded in July 1999, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is a non-profit organization developed to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism in the fields of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). EAGALA is committed to setting the standard of professional excellence in how horses and humans work together to improve the quality of life and mental health of individuals, families and groups worldwide.

EAGALA’s certification program trains professionals in EAP and EAL. The EAGALA Model provides a standard and structure for providing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy/Learning sessions. Practicing within a model establishes a foundation of key values and beliefs, and provides a basis of good practice and professionalism.

Toni and Taylor Mattson are EAGALA Certified Equine Specialists. Amy Pranger is a Level 1 EAGALA Trained (ES) and Carol Gordon, Sylvia Piekarz and Tonya Hughes are Level 1 EAGALA Trained Mental Health Professionals.

EAGALA - EAP/EAL Published Articles

Check out the incredible EAP/EAL articles at the EAGALA Organization site

Why a Horse?

No one who knows horses can deny that they have a full range of feelings, attitudes, preferences, and personalities. It’s easy to assume that horses are less intelligent than humans, because they don’t hold board meetings, play the stock market, or score well on the SATs. Horses display their intelligence, logic, and intuition in many ways that we don’t recognize because we speak a different language.

Just like us, horses feel fear, anger, grief, relaxation, happiness, and affection. They play, fight, and communicate in relationships which share many of the same dynamics of our own:

Trust, Respect, Boundaries, Mutual Support & Affection

Far more than most people know, horses are social and emotional animals in that they react and respond. A gelding in the field will call enthusiastically to an approaching friend. A mare whose foal dies will grieve. A horse abused by a human will develop fear and distrust.

Just like us, horses are motivated to seek relief from pain, fear, and emotional pressure. They seek creative solutions to meet their needs, and like us, if they cannot find successful solutions they will express that pain outwardly.

Horses too, can experience depression, anxiety attacks, attachment disorders, behavioral issues, post traumatic stress, learned helplessness, and emotional shutdown. They can also demonstrate and teach such healthy behaviors as honest communication, trust, healthy boundaries, leadership, patience, assertiveness, affection, and nurturance.

Pairing a person and a horse with similar backgrounds, feelings, and behaviors creates a powerful non-threatening mirror in which a client can see themselves with compassion, understanding, and objectivity. By relating their horse’s experiences with their own, a client is able to get in touch with their feelings, “own” their behaviors and beliefs, and explore new choices. Learning empathy for the horse is the beginning of looking on themselves with the same acceptance and unconditional love.

To be trusted by a horse, you must be trustworthy; to be respected by a horse, you must first give respect. As prey animals horses are brilliant observers of nonverbal communication, and like humans, react negatively to disrespect, impatience, and lack of self-control. Even our most veiled intentions are easily detected by horses and responded to accordingly. The lesson learned by the client is that by taking responsibility and making new choices, the horse responds in a more positive manner.

There are infinite possibilities to include horses for emotional growth. The greatest benefit is that through learning with the horses, positive behaviors are not only taught, but experienced. It’s a unique encounter where clients are able to immediately integrate the learning they have directly experienced.

How EAL Works

EAL is also experiential learning and refers to a type of learning that occurs when a person is interacting directly with people, animals, and their immediate environment. It is learning by doing - a here and now experience with great emphasis on goal setting.

Through the trial and error process of completing an activity with the horses, clients learn and practice new strategies that can be transferred to achieving their goals outside the arena. Many pro-social skills are related to EAP, such as improved; responsibility, compassion, integrity, problem solving, communication, esteem, patience, confidence, well-being and wellness.

Horses can inspire people to live in a positive, meaningful and connected relationship with those around them. A horse is an incredible therapist.

EAP & EAL Youth Facts

We have found, when we put a child and a horse together:

A child will find EAP more interesting than talk therapy
EAP keeps youth on task and engaged
Children are more willing to attend sessions and interact in the process
Horses provide youth immediate feedback on which behaviors work... and which don't
Sessions create metaphors that illuminate situations that youth encounter in life and help them make changes in attitudes as well as behaviors
Horses provide emotional support and bonds that are helpful in the therapy process
Sessions help both clients and therapists get to the root of the problems much more quickly
Sessions provide clients the ability to express and communicate in ways that traditional therapies do not

Successful Outcomes

A girl who has been sexually abused learns about healthy boundaries and experiences safe touch through grooming a horse
A boy with ADD/ADHD learns sequencing and planning of tasks, the ability to stay focused through equine activities such as grooming and ground work, which requires these types of skills to be successful
A preteen improves his communication and social skills by playing a therapeutic game with his horse
A group of young men learn to cooperate and work together in a equine-based, team-building exercise
A teen girl who is oppositional learns about how she impacts others through trying to clean the hoof of a challenging horse who refuses to cooperate
A group of teens participate in an Equine Assisted Learning session and discuss their interpretations of the activity, the horse’s response and how it relates to them individually, discovering new ways of coping, reacting and behaving
A timid girl learns to be assertive by directing a horse into and out of her space in a groundwork exercise

Special Needs it Helps

Learning Difficulties
ADD & ADHD
Behavioral Disorders
Bulling & Boundary Issues
Absent/Divorced Partners
Depression
Abuse & Neglect
Impusivity
Poor Coping Skills
Post Traumatic Stress
Asperger Syndrome
Grief & Loss Issues
Drug & Alcohol Use
Poor Decision-Making
Issues with Authority
Stress Management
Anxiety Disorders

Forms

Program

Trinity Equestrian Center's Healing With Horses is a member center of NARHA, which provides structured horseback riding sessions to children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. Our instructors are nationally certified in therapeutic riding through NARHA and our volunteers and horses have been carefully selected and trained for their roles. Healing With Horse's mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding and related activities.

What is Therapeutic Riding?

Therapeutic Riding, also known as Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Facilitated Therapy, and Riding for the Disabled, is the use of the horse and equine oriented activities to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals, including cognitive, physical, emotional, social, educational and behavioral goals.

Benefits

Depending on the disability, benefits of horseback riding include improvement in joint mobility, balance and coordination, relaxation of spasticity, increased muscle tone, self-confidence through enhanced self-image, improved learning, concentration, spatial awareness, and motivation to set and achieve goals. Riders also benefit emotionally, through the unique bonds they form with their horses and our incredibly dedicated volunteers. Most important is that riding a horse is fun! From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination and self-assurance while receiving therapeutic muscle stimulation. As a result of carefully planned lessons, poise posture, strength and flexibility improve. A strong sense of responsibility develops as the rider learns to take part in the care of the horses and equipment.

What's the science behind the therapy...? "It's about Neurology and Bio-Physics and how our brain is constantly communicating with our body. The brain is always assessing it's surroundings, making adjustments and compensating. Sometimes thru injury or illness, those assessment and compensation pathways are impaired or changed and don't work right... creating a disability. Those pathways need to be strengthened and rehabilitated.

Why a horse...? It's because a horse has a very unique walking gait. In fact, it's a movement that most closely resembles that of a human. So when you put a person with disabilities on a horse, the movement, motion and rhythm of a horse's walk IS therapy to those damaged pathways and the body begins to change.

It starts with relaxing and strengthening the muscles and improving balance and coordination. Then it begins working on the spirit and attitude. Riders begin to have a sense of empowerment, self-confidence and a renewed sense of ability and hope! Their view of themselves changes...that's life changing." Toni Mattson

The Horse is a Great Equalizer For a Rider

Someone who is unable to participate in other athletics can now participate in equine games and sports.
A person who can't walk gains "legs" and one who is small now has a new "higher" view of life while on horseback.
The immediate gratification of independence and control is accomplished in the therapeutic riding arena.

Riders are encouraged to participate as much as they can in grooming, saddling and guiding the horse. Praise and encouragement are constant from the volunteers. Riders' successes are acknowledged no matter how small.

Additional benefits for the riders while participating in therapy riding classes include: strengthening cognitive and sequential thinking, problem solving, confidence and self esteem building, exposure to positive role models and mentors, and movement toward achieving individual goals set by schools and therapists.

Therapeutic riding also promotes socialization. Instructors, therapists, volunteers, parents and riders get together. Often the social interaction becomes as important as the riding lesson. Friendships are made, acceptable behaviors are reinforced and unacceptable behaviors are discouraged. A human-animal bond develops between riders and their therapy horses as riders discover that the horses are gentle, friendly, accepting, and do not see disabilities.

Disability	Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
ADD/ADHD	Enhances memory, sequential thinking, concentration, uses mental/physical/tactile skills to focus attention on horse/rider team.
Autism	Physical and verbal activity helps to focus outer awareness on other people and the horses.
Cerebral Palsy	Physical activity helps with balance, posture, and motion in the joints. Interactive speech uses thought and physical processes.
Developmentally Delayed	Riders are applauded for each success, provides a great alternative sport, helps with social and physical development.
Down Syndrome	Helps with self-esteem, use of fine and gross motor skills, thought processing and speech, physical exercise tones muscles, helps with posture and balance.
Emotional Disability	Riders are given sincere encouragement, helps with self-esteem, builds self-confidence, must concentrate outside of self to develop horse management skills.
Eye Disorders	Physically enhances gross and fine motor control, develops muscles and symmetry. Requires attention to sequencing, thought process, communication skills.
Head Injury	Helps to rebuild physical/mental skills, improves, posture, balance, fine and gross motor skills.
Learning Disability	Enhances skills needed to learn, sequential thinking, eye-hand coordination, attention span, physical skills strengthens balance, fine and gross motor skills. Interaction with horse, staff and other riders uses language skills.
Multiple Sclerosis	Provides an individualized recreational program, social stimulation, physically enhances muscles and balance.
Speech Disorders	Enhances skills needed for communication with other people and the horses in alternative sport activity. Builds self-esteem in caring environment.
Stroke	Helps to re-acquire symmetrical use of body, strengthens muscles, balance, motor skills and improves speech processes.
Traumatic Brain Injury	Provides caring atmosphere to try new skills and interact with people and horses. Physically helps with balance, motor skills and posture. Mentally requires use of perception, sequencing, and speech processes.

For more information on therapeutic riding:
View "Healed with Horses"
View "Horses Aid in Therapy"
View this article published in Wisconsin Horse Digest

Classes

Classes are held on Mondays & Thursdays from 4 to 5 PM and 5:15 to 6:15 PM as well as Saturdays from 11:00 AM to Noon and run for one hour each. Classes take place in an environment that emphasizes ability, not disability. There is a NARHA certified instructor that conducts the therapy session and depending on the rider's individual needs, there may be up to 3 assistants per rider.

Therapeutic riding lessons may be private or a group of 5 or less. All potential participants undergo a comprehensive in-take process that includes completion of registration forms, which includes a physician's release form and an evaluation. Horses and students are matched to compliment both personality and ability.

Individuals interested in Therapeutic Riding may contact Trinity Equestrian Center's Healing With Horses by calling 715-835-4530 or emailing the director, Toni Mattson. An evaluation and registration process must be completed before the therapy can begin.

Riders

Who can ride?
The minimum age for becoming a Healing With Horses participant is 3 years (with very limited exceptions). Prior to this age, there is some evidence that micro-fractures can occur from the repetitive motion of riding. Also, children under this age rarely fit into a safety-riding helmet. There is no maximum age for participating in our program.

For the well being of our horses, we currently have a weight limit of 200 lbs. This may change as we get horses that can carry a heavier rider. We accept riders with all disabilities with a doctor signed release indicating, in his or her opinion, riding would be indicated for this person.

What happens after the Initial Evaluation?
After the initial evaluation, goals are set for the rider for the current session. These may include physical, cognitive and/or behavioral goals. They may also include riding skills and competition goals. An appropriate method of mounting and dismounting are described and put in the rider's chart, along with the evaluation results. Suggestions for appropriate horses and tack are also included. The evaluation information is then used by our instructors to design lesson plans and objectives for each lesson. At the end of the session, the rider is reassessed to see if the goals have been met, and to set new goals for the next session.

What is a typical lesson like?
There are really no "typical" lessons. Lessons are designed with the individual rider's goals and needs in mind. Group lessons are approximately one hour long, and usually include stretches and warm-up exercises, activities designed to reinforce and meet the goals and objectives, and games that reinforce the day's lesson. As the rider advances, ground skills such as grooming and tacking may be added to the lesson.

How do I sign up?
The first step is to call Trinity Equestrian Center at 715-835-4530 to see what openings are available. If there is an opening, you will then be asked to download, complete and submit all forms prior to the first week of the chosen Session.

Cost

What does it cost to participate?
Healing With Horses Therapeutic Riding Program offers three annual seasonal sessions; Spring, Summer and Fall.
Each session has 10 weeks and participants ride for approximately 1 hour each week.
2009 fees are $300 per 10-week session
2010 fees are $400 per 10-week session
(scholarships available for qualifying families)

Testimonies

I was at this week's session on Monday, and I witnessed the beginning of a miracle with my son, Eric. He was sitting on Gambler, and as they walked the arena, I saw ALL of the tension, leave his body. His arms relaxed, his shoulders dropped, and with a peaceful confidence - he had a look of enjoyment and satisfaction I have never seen before; but this is only part of it...

When Eric was a small child, he had a giggle,and a smile that could not be put into words. When he and Gambler trotted, I finally heard that giggle again, after many years. I brought a tear to my eye, as I watched my misjudged, and misunderstood child feel whole again. He had confidence. He believed he was valuable and competent!!!

Thank you for Healing with Horses. You may have seen Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer? it appears to me that at least for Eric ~ Gambler is the Child Whisperer...

May you be richly blessed in your endeavors to touch, inspire and enrich the lives of others.
— Sincerely, Chris Williams

Toni, I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful time Ryan & I had today @ Healing with Horses. It was an absolutely amazing experience for him and I. I'm still seeing his smiles and hearing his laughs while he was on Fancy. What a gentle and beutiful horse she is. I've never really experienced horses, but I must tell you it was very profound looking in her eyes... it was a feeling I've never felt before and will never forget.

I think it was probably evident by my phone calls to you that I was so excited about today! It far surpassed any of my expectations. As a mom of a child with special needs those are the moments you so desprately want for your child and cherish like no other! I am so thrilled to be able to bring Ryan back the week after next for the remainder of the lessons! I think that this experience will not only help Ryan "heal" but it will help me "heal" as well.

So ultimately, I just want to say thank you for doing what you do!
— Shannon Spaulding (Ryans mom)

"Alyssa began therapeutic horseback riding when she was four years old. She is now almost ten. Alyssa began with Healing With Horses in the summer of 2008 at the Trinity Equestrian Center. The staff, volunteers, parents, and other riders have been wonderful. They are kind, caring, and are an inspiration to talk to. The horses used for the program at Trinity are so mild mannered, that Alyssa loves talking about them and riding them!

Alyssa was diagnosed with apraxia, dysarthria, low muscle tone, and severe sensory issues when she was a baby. She didn't know where her body was in space, and her balance was almost non-existent. Therapeutic horseback riding has given Alyssa so much. For starters, it has given Alyssa a sport she can participate in despite her disabilities. We have watched her go from needing two people walking on either side of the horse, to Alyssa independently trotting on the horse. It is truly amazing!

The horseback riding has done so much for her disability too. It has helped her balance tremendously. She went from consistently falling over while walking, to now independently running. It has helped with her speech and coordination of all of her muscles. Her low muscle tone in her trunk has increased dramatically. In fact, one of Alyssa's first phrases that she learned was "walk on." There is not one other therapy out there that can do so much for a child, and at the same time not be seen as therapy by the child. Alyssa spends a lot of time talking about her horse Dancer, and loves every minute she gets to spend with her. Horseback riding gives a child with a disability a chance to be like their peers, which is something every parent hopes for. To see the smiles, to see the confidence it gives them, and to see them interact with the horse, volunteers, and their peers is a wonderful gift. Over the years, we have started and stopped speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy often, but the one consistent therapy we have kept intact is the horseback riding. So thank you to Trinity for allowing Alyssa the chance to ride.
— Jenny and Gary Pekula

Volunteering

Who Can Volunteer?

Volunteers are the heart and soul of our therapeutic riding program and all that we do at Trinity! Anyone at least 14 years old can volunteer at Healing With Horses. There are many opportunities for volunteering in our program including help riders participate in classes, groom and tack horses, assist on a committee such as fund raising, special events, long range planning, take pictures at classes and events, and help with the newsletter and many other tasks! Knowledge of horses or disabilities is not required. Training is required and provided.Volunteer Information Form

What Do Volunteers Do?

Volunteers aid the riders in mounting horses and help provide support to the riders, called side-walking while doing exercises, play games, going through obstacle courses, and other riding activities. The volunteers also give emotional support to the riders for their efforts. Many volunteers assist with tack and grounds maintenance as well. Volunteers with equestrian experience or those who want to learn may help to groom and tack horses, and serve as horse leaders. Fund-raising, grant writing, or serving on a committee are some other ways to volunteer.

How Do I Get Started Volunteering?

he first step is download and fill out our Volunteer Application and Emergency Information Sheet. All forms must be completed and a mandatory training session attended before volunteering with Healing With Horses. Please contact our Karen Supple our Volunteer Coordinator via email to find out when our next training session will be held.

Donations

Healing With Horses relies on donations, foundation and corporate grants, and rider tuition fees to provide programs. Rider fees cover less than half of the cost of services. The difference comes from fundraising, and the support of generous members, sponsors and donors like you! Your donations go to support and provide for the program, the horses and the specialized equipment needed to provide an effective and safe therapeutic riding lessons to our riders. All donations are tax deductible as Trinity Equestrian Center Kids Kamp, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Forms

Instructors

What can Therapeutic Riding do for you?

Sarah A. — Healing
With Horses Instructor

"Trinity's Therapeutic Riding Program has been wonderful for riders, volunteers, and instructors. As an instructor, I really value the positive emotions and new-found confidence that I see after a rider has learned a new skill or played a fun game on horse-back. Riders gain that confidence through the partnership they develop with their horses and the energy of good volunteers. The best thing about this program is that the skills learned on horse back transfer to every other aspect of the riders' lives.

I have seen more confidence, better attitudes, and better physical improvements with every rider that has come through the program. Not every person is able to connect to an animal the way this program allows and the results are amazing. I love coming to the lessons every week and seeing what can be accomplished in such a short amount of time with a caring attitude and the help of our wonderful horses!"
—Sarah A., Healing With Horses Instructor

What can Therapeutic Riding do for you?

Karen Rushmore — Healing
With Horses Instructor

"I was blessed to be born with a passion for horses. As I became older, I realized that passion grew to include working with adults and children with mental and physical challenges. It was a wonderful thing to learn that I could combine both passions when I became a volunteer for a "We Can Ride Program". What a terrific experience. Since then, I have pursued my passion by becoming a therapeutic riding instructor at Trinity Equestrian Center. What a beautiful facility with simply awesome students. Speaking of the students, WOW! What can I say? They are fantastic individuals with a wide range of challenging opportunities. I once had a student who was not only afraid of horses, but was terrified to ride, being totally unsure of himself. After completing several 5-week sessions, he not only saddled his own horse, but groomed and cleaned the hooves as well and rode totally on his own, asking to be challenged even more. He has since graduated from our class and is taking regular riding lessons now. We are all so proud of him. One of our students who experienced trouble focusing on an individual task, is now able to do exactly what they are asked to do and that is a huge step. Another student who could not speak understandably, is now making perfect sense to those she is speaking to. The changes, some subtle and some dramatic, are all amazing and extremely gratifying to the staff and students alike. The smiles, the sense of accomplishment, the laughs and the high-fives make it all worthwhile. I am so pleased to be part of this program."
— Karen Rushmore, Healing With Horses Instructor

What can Therapeutic Riding do for you?

Amy Pranger — Healing
With Horses Instructor

"Hi, my name is Amy Pranger and I am Healing with Horses' latest addition to the Instructor lineup!

When I first considered getting involved with the therapeutic riding program at Trinity, I did it with less than optimal enthusiasm. Before the first session, all I could think was 'There's no way I can do this well, and even if I can, how much can it really do for the rider?' I learned fast in that first hour that I was so far off base in every aspect of my assumptions. It took my rider about 2 minutes to work his way into my heart, and it only took his horse about one minute to begin to affect him.

This program can have a profound effect on the mentality of both the rider AND the volunteer within the first 2 minutes, not to mention the remaining 58.

From then on, I've come to Healing with Horses with more than optimal enthusiasm, and a grateful passion. As I am sitting here writing, I am trying to find the right word to describe the riders, but am at a loss.

They each leave their marks on our hearts. It's a privilege to be able to watch the transformation the horses bring on, physically, mentally, but most of all emotionally. I have enjoyed volunteering since 2007, and returned this October from Free SPIRIT Riders in Fond Du Lac, WI with my Instructor Certification. I am looking forward to many more years of enjoying the students and their stories in the making. The person running the session may be called the 'Instructor', but I can vouch for the fact that there's a much more valuable instructor on the back of each horse in the arena."
— Amy Pranger, Healing With Horses Instructor

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