Equine Experiences

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional and personal goals through equine-assisted activities. In the EAL Programs, the participants engage in unmounted, horse-related, group-based skill building activities and discussions. Horses are sensitive, herd animals with their own social rules and group dynamics. Through learning the language of, and establishing bonds with horses, participants are able to gain confidence and insights.

At Misty Meadows we offer Equine Assisted Learning as a modality in all of the programs that we offer. There is a growing body of published scientific studies and data showing that not only do horses help us with our emotions, interacting with them has a beneficial physiological effect on heart rate variability, blood pressure, overall cardiovascular health and on the nervous system.

What do horses teach us about connection?

  • A herd is necessary for survival.

  • There is safety in numbers, another member of the herd is always looking out for the good of each member.

  • The best learning comes from the wisdom of others.

  • Mean what you say, say what you mean.

  • Clear boundaries are important

  • Be present, let it go - horses aren't very concerned about the past or the future.

Journey with the Herd Experiences

Journey with the Herd brings together a group of family, friends or colleagues to The lessons horses have to teach us align closely with our emotional wellness needs as we learn to thrive in these unique times. Join us to experience the joy and healing horses have to offer.enjoy our picturesque horse farm and connect with our beautiful herd of horses in a safe environment. This unmounted experience can be custom designed for you with a focus on themes from fun and stress relief to being present, and practicing mindfulness to developing teamwork and leadership skills. Journey with the Herd lends itself to corporate retreats because of its customizable format and unique effectiveness. Professional coaches are available to partner with the Misty Meadows equine professionals to customize the experience for your team’s goals.

Teen girl and bay horse with bridle on stand eye to eye in a moment of connection.
Group of students standing outside of a paddock watching horse behavior.
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For Mya, every class is filled with the opportunity to improve her riding skills. The EAL sessions (including Girl Power) she has participated in, gives her a sense of self confidence, relationship with the others in the group, and has increased her love and understanding of horses – which I think also increases her sensitivity to all beings, human and animal, around her. I also glow with pride when I see her accept responsibility for the work around the barn and her work with younger children and riders.
— Lindsey (Mother of a participant)