Equine Facilitated Learning
There is a wealth of information available on the web about Equine Facilitated
Learning (EFL). We have incorporated some information and exerpts from
Franklin Levinson's work here and provided EFL links at the bottom of the page
for your convenience.
Horses are like magnets for humans. People of all ages are drawn to the horse
because of their beauty, grace, power, majestic stature and the mystery of their
noble being. It’s been that way throughout recorded history. In modern times, it
has been clinically documented that just being around horses changes the brain
wave patterns of humans. We calm down and become more centered and
focused in the present when we are with horses. We are transformed in a very
positive way when in the presence of horses. It is no wonder that the beneficial
effects of positive and appropriate interaction with horses should prove therapeutic
to grownups and children alike.
The Horse Whisper Experience is an interactive, hands-on experience of horses
for non-horse people. The positive effects of this type of successful inter-species
communication are immediate and, sometimes, life altering. The confidence and
self-esteem of individuals who are able to bond and communicate with the horses
dramatically improves and the improvement is immediate. People drop their
projections, misconceptions and judgments about horses and themselves once
the communication is conscious, mutual and appropriate.
For children with mental and emotional disorders the benefits of the experience
with horses is frequently profound. Children with Attention Deficit Disorder will
magically focus on the horse for long periods of time when either grooming or
leading the horses. Once they understand how to ask for and receive cooperation
from the horse, their self-esteem goes sky high. What a wonderful sight it is
when I see a shy, withdrawn, fearful child standing tall and confident as they lead a
1200 pound animal through an obstacle course of a series of twists, turns and
stops. Autistic children who are mostly withdrawn and very much in their own
world, begin to say new words and attempt to express themselves as rarely seen
by their parents and therapists. Given the lead rope of a horse they proudly lead
the horse around the farm for extended periods of time and not want to give them
up. Observers would stand there with mouths a gasp and tears streaming down
their faces to see such profound and wonderful responses in their children and
wards. Once again the horse is easily recognized as a positive force and influence
for humans.
Equine Facilitated Learning is gaining popularity across this country and around
the world. Prisons have instituted similar programs to assist in the rehabilitation
of inmates. Wild horses are given over to some prisons so the prisoners can train
and gentle them to get them ready to be adopted out. Techniques are shown the
prisoners on how to gently communicate with a fearful horse and develop the trust
needed to help the horse accept human contact and interaction. The inmates
discover that respect, gentleness, mindfulness, compassion and kindness go a
lot farther than brutality, dominance and force. These programs are so successful
as to have become the single most effective form of rehabilitation for the penal
system today.
The principles of Equine Facilitated Learning are basic and easy to understand.
The horse is the perfect mirror of the human that is with it (horses do not lie).
Horses are always looking to have feelings of safety and peace always. This is
because the horse is a ‘prey’ animal always looking over its shoulder for the
‘predator’. If the human is trying to control the animal for whatever reason, this
produces fear within the horse. If the human is unconscious around the horse,
this makes the horse fearful as well. If the human is disrespectful of the horse
(inappropriate touching, movements, sounds, thoughts or feelings), this produces
fear with the horse too. When the human begins to make conscious and
appropriate requests, rather than demands of the horse, cooperation begins to
happen. When a human waits for and notices responses in the horse to the
human’s communication, that is showing acknowledgement and respect for the
horse. Trust and respect are earned with horses in much the same way as with
people. The ‘golden rule’ applies to horses; however, with the added aspect of
great guidance and leadership coming forward from the human. It is the human’s
responsibility to approach the horse as a great parent approaches a child. Along
with the love, compassion, patience and consistency of a great parent, comes
confident, skillful, knowledgeable guidance and leadership.
Appropriate, successful interaction with horses can lead us to a natural balance
because to be successful with a horse that balance has to be present in the
communication. Equine Facilitated Learning supports natural balance coming
forward in all those participating. A natural balance begins to appear when there
is consideration, thoughtfulness, awareness and kindness present in the
interaction. ‘Balance’ is another great lesson and attribute taught by Equine
Facilitated Learning.
(Franklin Levinson)