Equine Assisted Learning (EAS)
Equine Assisted Services (EAS) is an umbrella term used to describe many different services that are using equines to help with human health and wellbeing. WE offer Equine Assisted Actives, Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy & Learning (EAGALA)
Why Horses?
Horses are remarkable animals with an innate ability to support emotional well-being and self-awareness. It has been scientifically proven that even from 4 feet away horses can lower our heart rate, making them an incredible resource for reducing stress and anxiety.
As herd animals, horses form deep, meaningful relationships, and their highly attuned nature as prey animals makes them exceptionally grounded and present. They have their own individual personalities. They are constantly aware of their surroundings, offering a sense of calm and connection to the moment.
Horses mirror us meaning they feed back to us what we put out to them in a non-judgemental way.
Their size naturally commands respect, creating a unique dynamic that encourages mindfulness. Horses possess exceptional emotional intelligence, reading subtle cues like body posture, breathing patterns, and energy levels to understand intent and emotions. This intuitive connection helps individuals develop greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their emotional state.
Equine Assisted Activities
This is a term used to explain many different activities which can help with personal growth and learning. We integrate learning life skills alongside horsemanship skills. This particular service we offer is offered by an equine professional itis all ground based meaning no horse riding.
Available to groups or individuals.
Activities can include letting horses loose in the area to observe, learn and interact with them in a way that allows the horses the freedom to be able to give us more feedback, both on ourselves and the horses often making us more self-aware.
Also, can include horse care e.g. grooming feeding mucking out, leading, etc.
Can help with: Communication and social skills, confidence, empowerment, responsibilities, grounding, de-stress, growth and learning etc.
Therapeutic riding
The focus of therapeutic riding is not on developing horse-riding skills but on supporting clients in achieving their personal goals and enhancing their quality of life.
Scientific research shows that the rhythmic movement of the horse stimulates the release of oxytocin, a “happy hormone”, promoting relaxation and creating an environment where new learning can occur.
This approach benefits both physical and mental well-being, helping to reduce stress. It is especially effective for clients with additional needs, fostering improvements in cognitive, social, emotional, proprioception, and communication skills.
Equine assisted psychotherapy
This service is provided through a private vender at our centre. It always consists of both an accredited psychotherapist and counsellor alongside an equine professional. We us the EAGALA model. https://www.equineassistedpsychotherapyireland.com/contact
EAP is normally done with the horses loose in the area, this way they are free to be their natural authentic selves which they can give us lots of feedback both about the horses and ourselves. Because EAP is done with a counsellor and psychotherapist you can have the opportunity to dive deeper into one’s self exploring both past, present and future topics with the professional safety of counsellor and psychotherapist. This service includes Equine assisted Learning (EAL) & Personal Development. The focus of EAP is not on horsemanship skills but on the individuals own personal growth and development.
Can work with: Individuals and a variety of Groups including families, schools, addiction groups, corporate groups and team building.
depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, boundaries, behavioural issues,
Gaining self-awareness, clarity, respect, empathy, communication and social skills.
