Health and wellbeing including therapies, Hobbies and interests, Socialising, companionship and friendship, Substance misuse,
My name is Charlotte – I have been lucky enough to work with or own horses for 35 years. I have worked on the family farm for most of my adult life, but once my children were a little older I began studying part-time for a Psychology degree. Which was something I never thought I would be able to achieve, but in fact now I have just completed a Masters in Psychology and Mental Health. I have worked as a Wellbeing Practitioner and wanted to combine the benefits of horses with my wellbeing work. I found a course that has enabled me to train as an Equine Facilitated Practitioner, which now means I can offer the benefits of working in partnership with horses to help improve an individual’s wellbeing.
What is Equine facilitated Learning (EFL)?
Equine facilitated learning is the unique experience that brings the psychological and emotional benefits of contact with horses that can improve our mood and build positive coping strategies. During the sessions you don’t ride the horse, instead you will familiarise yourself with the horse by grooming, feeding and leading the horse. The sessions can be one to one or in small groups, where there will be a task or obstacles to overcome . The immediate feedback the horses give on your behaviour gives you an honest, non-judgemental interpretation to help increase your self awareness. This can develop new ways of thinking and catalyse the change of negative behaviours and coping mechanisms.
What are the benefits of EFL?
Horses are animals of flight, they react and interact with their surrounds and the people in it. Horses also mirror or copy our behaviours or feelings, this shows what we are experiencing emotionally in the moment. If you are experiencing something, it is happening for the horse too and this will be revealed in the way they react to you. The sessions can offer a psycho-educational aspect or this can be combined with the practical horse session.
What is the goal of EFL?
Horses live in the moment which gives them the ability to see the individual behind the coping strategy, recognising and validating the lived experience, creating the trusting bond that teaches co-regulation and facilitates change. It can help improve our mood, confidence and can help with things like stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, grief, loneliness, trauma and emotional regulation.
If you attend an EFL session you will meet Amy, our main therapy pony. Amy loves to engage with people helping them overcome their fears. Our session are completely individualistic and can be tailored to your needs, as we put your needs at the centre of what we do.
Last Updated: 16th April, 2024
Oak Barn,
Purshall Green Farm,
Rushock,
Nr Droitwich.
Worcestershire.
WR9 0NL.
Please be aware that the information below has been supplied by this provider. Small Good Stuff hasn't checked that it is true and accurate so you might want to do this yourself.
Community Catalysts runs a local development programme in the area where this entrepreneur is operating that offers help, advice and support to local people. As part of this programme, this enterprise/venture has signed up to the Doing It Right Standards. We strongly recommend you do your own checks before purchasing services or support directly. I have been through the Community Catalysts programme in Worcestershire - 08/04/2024 Community Catalysts runs a local development programme in the area where this entrepreneur is operating that offers help, advice and support to local people. As part of this programme, this enterprise/venture has signed up to the Doing It Right Standards. We strongly recommend you do your own checks before purchasing services or support directly.