Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)?
  - EAL involves spending time with horses and trained staff to facilitate personal growth, development, and learning. It combines experiential learning with the unique qualities of horses to help individuals build skills like communication, trust, teamwork, and emotional regulation.

Who can participate in Equine Assisted Learning?
  - EAL is beneficial for individuals of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. It is used for personal growth, therapeutic purposes, and team-building activities.

Do I need to have previous experience with horses to participate?
  - No prior experience with horses is required. Our trained instructors will guide you through all the activities, ensuring that participants feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience.

What should I wear to an Equine Assisted Learning session?
  - We spend the majority of our time outside so please dress for the Great British weather! Please wear sturdy boots, shoes or wellies with low heels and closed in toes where possible. Wellies or walking boots and warm socks are the best option for keeping feet dry and warm.

In cold/wet weather, bring a warm, waterproof coat, and gloves and hat to keep toasty.
Sun hats, t-shirts with sleeves and sun cream (already applied) for warmer weather.
Being field-based, we often have mud so its best to wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Several layers are useful so that you can warm up or cool down as needed.

Avoid wearing anything that could easily get caught, such as jewelry or scarves. 

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Do you have a toilet?

  - We are firm believers in the benefit of a fresh air wee! There are a number of discreet spots around the site for making water. We do have a small porta-potty for emergency number-twos, but respectfully ask that you go before you leave home. We will be building a compost toilet in the near future to cater for all eventualities. 

 

Can I wash my hands?

  - We have hand washing facilities along with soap and hand gel.

 

Do I need to bring my own drinks/food?  - We recommend you bringing your own filled drinks bottle. We can offer water as a refill if you need a top-up. We also have tea and coffee if you would like a hot drink. We ask that you bring a packed lunch if your session happens over the lunch period, or snacks if you think you will need them. We can include a break where necessary during your session unless you prefer to eat before you arrive or after your session.

 

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 Sessions and Programs
  

What kind of programs do you offer?
  - We offer a variety of programs, including individual sessions, group workshops, team-building exercises, and specialised programs for children with SEND, at-risk youth, and corporate teams.

How long is a typical session?
  - We offer half- and full-day sessions, depending on the programme. The exact duration may vary based on the needs of the participants and the goals of the session.

Can EAL help with specific challenges like anxiety, stress, or communication difficulties?
  - Yes! EAL is particularly effective in helping individuals develop coping strategies for anxiety, enhance emotional awareness, improve communication skills, and build confidence.

Do the horses perform activities during sessions?
  - The horses are actively involved in activities such as leading, grooming, and groundwork exercises. However, riding is not a part of our EAL programs. The focus is on non-riding activities that help foster connection and personal growth.
 

Safety and Care

Is it safe to work with horses?
  - Safety is our top priority. All sessions are led by trained and certified professionals who ensure that safety protocols are followed at all times. Horses are carefully selected for their temperament and suitability for EAL programs.

How do you ensure the horses are well-treated?

  - Our horses are well cared for by experienced professionals and are regularly visited by veterinarians and other welfare professionals as necessary. They have a high standard of living, including appropriate nutrition, exercise, and rest. The well-being of our horses is just as important as the well-being of our participants.
 

Cost and Scheduling

How much does a session cost?
  - The cost of a session can vary depending on the programme and duration. Please contact us for detailed pricing information or visit our What's On? page for rates of current workshops and courses.

How do I book a session?

  - You can book a session through our website, by phone, or by emailing our team. Booking in advance is essential for all our services.
 

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Session and Payment Information

Are session fees refundable?
  - Session fees are non-refundable. Please ensure that you are able to attend the session before confirming your booking.

What if I can’t attend a booked session?
  - If you are unable to attend a session for any reason, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we do not offer rescheduling or refunds for missed sessions.

How much notice do I need to give if I need to cancel?
  - We appreciate as much notice as possible, but at least **24 hours' notice** is required for cancellations. As we rely on careful planning and scheduling, we are unable to offer rescheduling or refunds for missed sessions.

Why can’t I get a refund or reschedule?
  - We understand that circumstances can change unexpectedly. However, due to the nature of our services, including the care of the horses and the scheduling of our facilitators, it is often not possible to fill a missed session at short notice. As a result, we are unable to offer refunds or rescheduling.

What happens if I cancel within 24 hours of the session?

   - Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled session will result in the full session fee being charged. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting our policies.


Additional Information

Can Equine Assisted Learning be used for team-building in the workplace?
  - Absolutely! EAL is a great way for teams to develop better communication, trust, and problem-solving skills. We offer tailored programs for businesses and organizations looking to improve team dynamics.

Do you offer any discounts or financial assistance?
  - We offer discounts for group bookings. Please reach out to discuss your needs.

We are currently unable to offer sliding scale pricing for individuals who may require financial assistance although this is something we hope to do in the future.
 

Is Equine Assisted Learning available for individuals with disabilities?
  - Yes, EAL is accessible and beneficial for people with physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. Our facilitators are trained to modify activities to suit each participant's needs where possible. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

How do I get started with an Equine Assisted Learning program?
  - Contact us to schedule a consultation or introductory session where we will discuss your goals, answer any questions, and match you with the appropriate programme.