FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our equine-assisted services? Find answers to common inquiries about our programs, what to expect, and how to get started.

What is equine facilitated learning?

Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) is a practice that pairs humans and horses in partnership for experiential learning. Through any number of activities, or no activity at all, participants will explore their experiences and the meaning they make from them.

Equine Assisted Therapy is a formal therapeutic treatment provided by licensed mental health professionals who incorporate horses into their clinical practice. It’s designed to address specific mental health goals and treatment outcomes.

Equine Facilitated Learning, on the other hand, is an educational approach focused on personal growth and development. While it can have therapeutic benefits, it’s not therapy and doesn’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions. EFL is facilitated by certified practitioners who work with horses to create learning opportunities for personal and professional development.

Equine Facilitated Learning is not “horse therapy.” It is not intended to diagnose or treat any illnesses. It is, however, designed to allow participants to explore and learn through being open to experiencing the present moment with the help of human and horse facilitators.

If you’re interested in equine therapy, please contact us about our partnership with Animal
Assisted Therapy of the Mountain Communities.

Anyone who has a desire to learn, experience, and grow can benefit from participating in Equine Facilitated Learning. At Leg Up Learning Solutions, we specialize in working with individuals and teams who want to improve their communication skills, leadership skills, conflict resolution skills, team building, and team cohesion.

The learning possibilities are endless! In fact, EFL can help individuals learn and grow in any way they can imagine:

  • Discovering your communication style
  • Gaining confidence
  • Improving leadership skills
  • Increasing empathy
  • Becoming a better, more clear, and decisive communicator
  • Building trust between team members
  • Improving present-moment focus and mindfulness skills
  • Learning to recognize emotions in self and others, as well as ways to regulate them

No, EFL is primarily ground-based and does not typically include mounted activities. Instead, Equine Facilitated Learning activities often include:

  • Observing the herd
  • Joining the herd
  • Round-pen activities
  • Interacting with horses “at liberty” (horses free in a large open space)
  • Grooming horses
  • Leading horses
  • Putting a halter on a horse
  • Games and obstacles courses

 

It’s important to remember that EFL is not about any specific activity. It’s about the interaction between participants and the human and equine facilitators, and the lessons that can be learned as the experience unfolds.