What is EFL?

Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) is an educational approach for children and young adults that teaches life, social and communication skills.  EFL provides an interactive experience that can be utilized in conjunction with traditional therapeutic services. Horses provide “In the moment” learning which allows participants to experience immediate feedback from their equine partner.  This unique program is a strength-based approach that promotes wellness and resilience.  

Through participation in EFL sessions, individuals learn to:

• Establish a connection with horses based on equine body language and behavior.

• Build a relationship with a chosen equine partner based on mutual trust and respect.

• Build self-awareness and a positive self image through interactions with the horse.

Why Horses?

Horses offer therapeutic and empowering experiences just by being themselves.

• In the EFP/EFL process, the horse becomes a partner in helping to bring about individual growth and change.
• Horses are unique in their response to humans because they are prey animals, not predators. Their survival depends they be deeply tuned in and keenly aware of nonverbal communication and emotional states.
• Horses are able to "read" people in terms of their feelings and intentions. Horses ignore the outward form and respond, instead, to the person's inner substance.
• Best of all, horses are honest beings, which requires honesty from those working with them.

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