Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist or professional facilitator and a horse professional. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short term, or "brief" approach. EAP/EAL is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. But EAP/EAL has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.

The focus of EAP/EAL is not riding or horsemanship. In fact, 90% of EAP takes place purely on the ground. The focus involves setting up activities involving the horse, which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP/EAL.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning challenges clients in a non-threatening manner, rapidly breaks down defense barriers, provides immediate cause and effect situations, captivates and holds attention and promotes change from dysfunctional patterns to successful ones.

Reindancer Therapeutic Riding Center collaborates with Horsetime, a program developed specifically to provide EAP and EAL, in order to provide a premier program that builds upon strengths while challenging clients to discover new strategies. Workshops and seminars are available as well as individual or group sessions.

For more information regarding this, and other programs offered at Reindancer, email: info@reindancer.org.

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