What is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)?
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a unique and rewarding experience where you learn and grow alongside horses. Instead of riding, EAL focuses on personal development through activities with horses that help build confidence, improve communication, and increase self-awareness. At Random's Retreat, we believe learning should be enjoyable, practical, and meaningful. EAL encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and self-discovery in a calm, supportive environment. No prior experience with horses is needed—just an open mind and a willingness to try something new!
How Can EAL Help Me?
EAL offers many benefits, including:
- Building Confidence: Horses respond to your actions and emotions, helping you discover your strengths and face challenges with more confidence.
- Learning About Yourself: By spending time with horses, you’ll learn more about your feelings, communication style, and how you connect with others.
- Relaxing and Reducing Stress: Being with horses in a peaceful outdoor setting helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and increase focus.
- Improving Teamwork: Whether you’re working alone or with others, EAL helps you improve your communication and cooperation skills.
What Happens in an EAL Session?
EAL sessions take place on the ground (no riding). During each session, you’ll participate in activities designed to help you connect with the horses, build trust, and reflect on your experiences. These might include:
- Grooming horses to build trust.
- Leading horses through simple exercises to improve focus and connection.
- Participating in problem-solving tasks, either individually or in a group.
- Spending quiet time with the horses to relax and reflect.
Each session is designed to be engaging and help you learn something new about yourself in a fun and meaningful way.
Who Can Benefit from EAL?
EAL is for everyone! It’s perfect for:
- Individuals who want to build confidence and self-awareness.
- Teams or groups looking to improve communication and teamwork.
- Anyone who enjoys being outdoors and working with animals.
No previous horse experience is needed; our team will guide you every step of the way.
EAL for Children and Young People
At Random's Retreat, we believe that learning starts outside the classroom. EAL offers children and young people the chance to grow in ways that traditional education can’t always provide. Through fun activities with horses, young learners gain important life skills like problem-solving, emotional regulation, and communication. EAL also helps build confidence and responsibility, encouraging a stronger connection to nature and animals.
EAL for Adults
Adults can also benefit greatly from EAL, whether you’re looking to improve personal growth, build resilience, or develop leadership skills. The horses provide a non-judgmental environment that helps adults overcome challenges, improve self-awareness, and strengthen relationships with others. EAL is also a great way to reduce stress, recharge, and connect with your inner self in a peaceful, outdoor setting.
How to Book a Session
We offer both one-to-one and group EAL sessions, each lasting around 1 hour. For the best results, we recommend booking a block of six sessions. This gives you time to connect with the horses and make real progress. Our sessions are open to all, and no prior experience with horses is necessary.
To book or enquire, please fill out the form below with details about yourself or your group, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Come and see how EAL can help you grow, discover new things about yourself, and connect with horses in a calm, supportive environment.