What happens in an Equine Facilitated Learning Session?
Having described every session as unique, I thought it might help if I were to outline a typical session sequence.
- Contact -having made contact by email, agreed a date and time for your session, received payment and a signed safety briefing document, directions to the DHHN yard will bring you to the entrance gate where I will be waiting to welcome you.
- Introduction, H & S – We begin the session in the hay barn where we discuss how to keep safe and any issues you would particularly like to address, but it is absolutely okay to come without any specific issue.
- Grounding exercise – every session begins with a grounding exercise, a guided meditation, the purpose of which is to ensure we are relaxed, fully present in the moment and that our energy is quiet and neutral before we meet the horses. This gives you the opportunity to set aside any other concerns and focus fully on yourself and your experience with the horses.
- Meet the Herd – we go out and meet the horses, observe and discuss what we can see.
- Chosen– there is often a natural attraction between horses and clients and the relationship builds from there.
- Activity – activities such as leading and grooming can further develop the relationship between horse and human but its never about the activity, always about forming a unique relationship based on shared connection and acceptance.
- Debrief – we will debrief and discuss the process of yourself the client, me the facilitator and our observations of our horse partner several times during the session. This is where discoveries about yourself and the subtle changes that bring about different outcomes are discovered and initiated.
- Conclusion – finally we reflect on the session, discussing the changes made and the relationship achieved. How, these changes may be useful in all our relationships and how we personally benefit from these improved relationships.
We look forward to meeting you,
Elaine & the horses of Dark Horse Herd Norfolk