Welcome to Dark Horse Herd Norfolk,
My name is Elaine Simmonds, I hold a EFL practitioner certificate, a degree in Person-Centred Counselling and have lived in partnership with these horses for many years.
Dark Horse Herd Norfolk offers an opportunity to learn more about ourselves as we spend time with horses practicing Equine Facilitated Learning. (EFL)
My role as an EFL practitioner is to hold a safe space where you can experience a relationship with another being who, by focusing on where you are right now, is able to highlight positive changes. Prompting you to become the very best version of yourself. Being an observer of the encounter between horse and human, enables me to offer feedback in support of your developing relationship with an equine partner.
Like us, horses belong in social groups using similar skills of; observation, intuition, empathy, and interaction to ensure we feel accepted and safe in our environment.
Horses are hard-wired in these skills, meaning they are behaving instinctively without conscious thought to ensure their survival. They have no agenda, make no assumptions or pre-conceived judgements. They do however, live in the moment, assessing and communicating through movement. Through their assessment, we achieve awareness of our current way of being, together with an acceptance of what we might change to achieve their acceptance and understanding. To be chosen by a horse is a unique experience.
This is a non-ridden encounter of horses living naturally as a group with their own hierarchy and bonded relationships, no prior experience of horses is necessary. If you are interested in self-exploration through this experience, please contact me by email to arrange a one-to-one session. These sessions are not limited by a strict time structure as this work has an organic rhythm and no two encounters are ever the same.
Very best wishes
Elaine Simmonds BA (Hons)
EQL Practitioner
Person-Centred Counsellor BACP MNCS