Equine
Facilitated:
to make easier with the help of horses
Experiential learning:
The experiential learning module changes the way the teachers and
students access k nowledge. Knowledge is no longer just some letters on
a page. It becomes active, something that is experienced with in life
or life-like situations.
Why horses?
Horses are recognised as the archetypes of Power and Freedom. They
embody elegance, grace, strength; passion and can give you an amazing
sense of awe. Just to stand and watch a pair of horses running free in
a field is to have time stand still. It doesn't matter what background
you come from, they will absolutely enthral you.
Horses are prey animals and as such they are highly sensitive. They can
be instantly aware of changes of stance, arousal levels and energy
shifts within the herd. They have the ability to see through the
slightest incongruities of emotion and intention. They can shift from
being in a state of alertness to "grazing" or to just "being".
Horses also model the strengths of what are often referred to as
"feminine values ": cooperation over competition, relationship over
territory, responsiveness over strategy, emotion and intuition over
logic, process over goal, and the creative approach to life that these
qualities engender. (Taken from The Tao of Equus, Linda Kohanov)
When we are in their presence they can offer us instant "feedback" as
to our intent, degree of presence, consciousness, arousal, congruence
and energy level. Yet they are exceedingly patient and forgiving. They
are non-judgemental and are prepared hold confidences, remain present,
act as "mirrors" for the individual and "witness" their experience. We
call them our "Divine Mirrors".

Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning
(E.F.E.L) offers a personal exploration of feelings and behaviour
patterns, using safe and gentle work with horses, mainly using ground
work, to re-examine out-dated behaviour patterns that keep an
individual from reaching their true potential.
Through this work one can recognise that emotions have an important
role to play in our lives. You will discover how to view emotions as
information and what questions to ask to unlock their meaning. You will
learn to recognise and set appropriate boundaries. You will find out
how to be safe, not only around horses but within your own communities.
E.F.E.L. will help you develop your "authentic self" and support your
life's purpose.
E.F.E.L is an educational model based on experiential learning, and
does not cross into the therapy field unless the Epona Facilitator is a
qualified therapist or partners with a therapist.