EAL - A Parents Guide
Introduction
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is a supportive and engaging approach that uses interactions with horses to help children and young people develop emotional awareness, confidence, communication skills, and self-regulation. This guide is designed to help parents and carers understand what EAL is, how it works, and what to expect.
What is Equine-Assisted Learning?
EAL involves structured, ground-based activities with horses—such as grooming, leading, observing herd behaviour, and completing tasks alongside a facilitator. These sessions do not involve riding. Instead, the focus is on building trust, responsibility, calmness, and connection through meaningful interaction with the horses.
-Who Can Benefit?
EAL is ideal for children and young people
who:
- Experience anxiety, low confidence or emotional challenges
- Have additional needs such as autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences
- Struggle with behaviour or social interaction
- Are dealing with trauma, loss, or change
- Thrive in calm, outdoor or animal-assisted environments
Key Features
- Non-ridden activities: sessions focus on
connection and care, not performance
- Calm, natural setting: outdoor work supports sensory regulation and wellbeing
- Facilitator-led: all sessions are supported by trained, trauma-informed staff
- Individualised support: sessions can be 1:1 or small group depending on need
- Flexible programmes: can be short-term or ongoing, based on goals and
availability
Benefits of Equine-Assisted Learning
- Builds confidence and self-esteem through
achievable challenges
- Improves emotional awareness and coping strategies
- Develops communication and listening skills
- Encourages responsibility, empathy and patience
- Provides a break from traditional environments and pressures
What to Expect
- Your child will meet the horses and be
gently introduced to the environment
- Sessions are paced according to the child’s comfort level and goals
- Parents are welcome to attend the first visit or contact the team with
questions
- Progress may be subtle at first, but children often become calmer, more
confident, and more communicative over time
Safety and Support
All horses used in EAL are specially selected for their calm temperament and experience with children. Our facilitators are fully insured, trained in safeguarding, equine welfare, and emotional support. Sessions take place in a secure, private yard with risk assessments and support plans in place.
Please do contact us for more information.