Equine Assisted Learning
Our services are delivered with each person's unique needs at the centre of program we create
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a service we tailor to meet the needs of each individual. EAL encompasses elements of Equine Assisted Therapy (capacity building supports), designed to empower and strengthen each person's sense of self. We develop programs that facilitate communication, positive relationships, emotional regulation and activities that mirror real life work environments. Our Senior Practitioner, Amy, has undertaken post-grad accreditation in delivering CBT for young people experiencing anxiety. Elements of this training are evident throughout our programs. Kate Hargreaves Equine has developed these programs after witnessing the needs young people have post COVID-19 lockdowns and the benefits of working outdoors in a 1:1/small group setting with animals and in a response to the needs of neurodiverse and disengaged young people. Our programs are targeted at people 10 years and above.
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Benefits of Hargreaves Equine Assisted Learning- Bendigo
Together, Kate and Amy have more than 20 years experience working in education, health and with horses. They both have extensive backgrounds in supporting individuals with complex needs. We have had success in fostering relationships and assisting young people to develop skills based around communication (receptive and expressive language skills), self-awareness, self-control, respect, trust, gross and fine motor skills and more.
Sessions May Include
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Ground work
Skills that will be used and developed are language processing- following instructions, responding to the educator's requests and horse's body language, relationship and trust building working with the educator and horse, providing care for horses. This will occur over a series of sessions. Participants will connect with the right horse for them and once trust has been established between horse and human there will be the opportunity to engage in more complex ground work such as building obstacle courses to walk through and a greater sense of independence working with the horse during their program.
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Grooming
Establishing trust with the horse, regulating emotions and breathing, following multi-step instructions, recalling skills from previous sessions, using the correct equipment and using cues and instructions to work closely with the horse.
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Feet work
Once a trusting relationship has been developed between the horse and the program participant this is a skill that can be incorporated into the participant's program. The focus of this is to further develop trust, responsibility, respect, self-esteem and respond to multi-step instructions in a safe, supported and structured environment.