About Stable Leadership

What is Equine Assisted Learning

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an effective approach to human and leadership development through the eyes of the horse. It is a proactive approach to empowering the individual through group interactive exercises with a focus on “everyone matters”.

Through carefully designed team exercises, Stable Leadership EAL programs use the horse's natural herd instincts to provide participants with an opportunity to engage in team emphasized exercises and in turn find themselves learning valuable skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere while working through the dynamics of the horses.

EAL can benefit everyone. No riding or previous horse experience is required; all exercises are done from the ground. EAL is an innovative approach that has proven to be the stimulus of respectful relationships and active involvement. It not only fits naturally into the process of developing strong leaders, it is a practical approach to teaching youth alternative skills to leverage when faced with difficult challenges and negative influences.

But Why Horses?

You may be wondering what you could possibly learn from a horse?! EAL isn’t so much about the horse teaching you, it’s about helping you recognize opportunities for learning within yourself. Our horses provide instant, honest feedback when we work with them. When we learn how to communicate, lead and work effectively with a horse, we learn valuable skills that we can apply to all of our relationships.

Horses Seek Leaders

Horses are very social beings and their survival in the wild hinges on the strength of their herd.
In a herd environment there is a natural hierarchy that is rarely challenged once established.
The rules are clear and each horse has an important role to play in the survival of the group.
When we work with them, we become part of their herd and teamwork is a requirement.

Intuitive and Aware

Horses are prey animals and are always acutely aware of their surroundings as a matter of survival.
They can actually discern the difference between a calm, non-threatening approach and anxious or nervous energy.
They can help us recognize and understand our behaviour and feelings often before we do.

Teamwork

Horses are very social beings and their survival in the wild hinges on the strength of their herd.
In a herd environment there is a natural hierarchy that is rarely challenged once established.
The rules are clear and each horse has an important role to play in the survival of the group.
When we work with them, we become part of their herd and teamwork is a requirement.

Honest Responses

Horses are fairly simple.
They react.
Anything a horse is doing in our presence is merely a reaction to who we are, what we are feeling, doing or thinking at the time.
They don’t judge and have no hidden agenda.
As trained facilitators, these reactions help us understand what is happening within the team so we can help you apply the learning beyond our arena.