Programme | Way Of The Horse Coaching

What We Do

Social and Emotional Learning led by horses is learning by observing others and interacting with the environment, combined with experimental learning. The programme helps clients to achieve outcomes related to improving mental and emotional wellbeing, improving confidence, building self-esteem and developing communication skills.

Our clients range between 5 to 60 years old. We do one and one or group sessions.

Why we are now focusing on Social and Emotional Learning in our Equine Led Programmes

Experts believe social and emotional learning (SEL) is crucial for a student's academic and emotional development. Social and emotional learning increases resilience. strong social and emotional skills lead to improved education, better employment opportunities and physical and mental health. These skills also decrease relationship difficulties and the likelihood of misusing substances. On a more individual level, the skills learned within an SEL program have been shown to help students better cope with emotional stress, solve problems, and avoid peer pressure to engage in harmful activities.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is:
Increasing Self-Awareness

Recognising one’s emotions, thoughts, and values
Understanding strengths and areas for growth
Developing self-confidence and a sense of identity
Practicing mindfulness and emotional intelligence

Learning Self-Management

Regulating emotions and behaviors effectively
Managing stress, self-discipline, and motivation
Setting and achieving personal and academic goals
Cultivating resilience and coping strategies

Developing Social Awareness

Developing empathy and understanding different perspectives
Understanding the needs and feelings of others
Recognizing social and cultural norms
Appreciating diversity and inclusivity

Working on Relationship Skills

Understanding Verbal and non verbal Communications
Building and maintaining healthy relationships
Practicing teamwork and collaboration
Managing conflict constructively
Offering and seeking help when needed

Responsible Decision-Making

Evaluating situations and making ethical choices
Understanding consequences of actions
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Making choices that contribute to personal and community well-being
Understanding the needs and feelings of others

WHY HORSE LED FACILITATION

Young people (YP) must have opportunities to practice SEL skills in safe environments that encourage growth and promote recognition of skills in real-life situations (CASEL, 2021). Literature supports that task-focused approaches to developing SEL skills and building resilience have both immediate and long-lasting results (Jones, 2017). Equine Learning (EL) serves as an example of a task-focused approach, highlighting problem solving, cognitive reconstruction, and a method of skill development.
Equine learning is an emerging field that offers a unique learning experience through hands-on interactions with horses. Equine Learning interventions have resulted in reductions in stress, depression, anxiety, and increases in self-esteem, responsibility, concentration, and motivation (Harvey et al., 2020).
Equine learning may help youth increase their capacity to recover from relational and emotional stress, improve their social interactions, and increase their positive behavioural measures.

Equine learning has the potential to be more effective than traditional learning interventions in addressing problem-solving, trust, focus, communication, self-esteem, and relatedness (Mueller and McCullough, 2017).
The heightened impact of equine learning can be attributed to the innate sensitive nature of horses (Jones, 2017). Unlike other animals, horses may respond to human behavior much the same way another person would because the horse is a prey animal and therefore are attuned to their environments to ensure survival.

Influence of the SEL setting

The programme is run from a beautiful bush setting in the Onkaparinga Hills next to the Onkaparinga National Park. The setting is abundant with wildlife and trees. Research shows being in a natural setting can offer a sense of anonymity and freedom and allow individuals to experience the psychological and physiological benefits of nature (Jones, 2017).

Conclusion

Drawing upon the existing literature on SEL and the potential benefits of Equine Learning, it is evident that creating safe environments for youth to practice SEL skills and fostering resilience through equine led task-focused approaches can have significant positive outcomes (Staudt and Cherry, 2017; Jones, 2017; Harvey et al., 2020; CASEL, 2021).

Experimental Learning - Experimental Learning is the process of learning by doing, specifically by interacting with the horses
Emotional Regulation - Understanding how emotions affect behaviour through observation of the horses
Confidence and self esteem development - The non judgemental nature of the horse enhances your ability to believe in yourself and to be kind to yourself
Communication skills - The importance of verbal, non verbal and active listening
Introspection - Understanding internal sensations that accompany emotions
Relationship development - Building positive relationships with the horses
Stress and anxiety relief - The horses and the beautiful natural environment teach you how be mindful and calm
Reflection on challenges - Exploring challenges with the horses, reflecting on choices and what could be done differently
Authentic self - The horses teach the importance of being yourself
Developing Resilience - the ability to bounce back in times of challenge

Guiding Principles

Way of the Horse Coaching provides equine-assisted coaching and educational opportunities for children, young people and adults. By engaging clients in activities with horses within a natural environment we aim to improve health and wellbeing, support clients to be resilient, improve ability to overcome challenges and move towards positive life outcomes.

Way of the Horse Coaching follows a person-centered and non-judgmental approach, everyone is accepted as an individual, regardless of their life circumstances or support needs.
The horses and dogs well-being and welfare is of the highest importance, we follow an animal-centred, positive reinforcement training approach and the horses overall welfare is at the centre of our practice.
We practice experimental learning and are flexible in our approach, we listen to the needs of the client when they arrive and enable them to lead the session content.
Way of the Horse Coaching is committed to ongoing personal development and session provision being underpinned by evidence-based practice and theoretical frameworks based on attachment theory, trauma-informed practice and humanistic principles. This includes regular clinical supervising and ongoing training sessions.

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