What is equine experiential programming?
The most
well known experiential learning programs are called ropes or challenge
courses. There are also many types of adventure programs, typically
involving hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. Experiential
simply means "learning from doing." Because of the active or kinesthetic
process, experiential learning has been proven to be more effective than
traditional educational and behavioral change approaches as well as
providing greater retention.
Equine
experiential education involves individuals interacting with horses,
which are living beings each with their own unique personality, life
experiences, behaviors, attitudes and moods. The focus of the
experience is on building a relationship and bond with a horse. The horse
is a powerful, energetic and metaphoric teacher that reflects how each of
us uniquely communicates, approaches challenges, and addresses situations
in our life. It is a introspective process where participants learn about
themselves and how they interact to accomplish goals. It is
insightful process that is fun while empowering change.
Discover something about yourself
from
a horse.
To learn
more, link to
Team Building and read the section on "How horses teach us about
teams and leadership."
What
should I expect regarding the activities with the horses?
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This is not horseback riding and horse
experience is not required. The
focus is not riding or horsemanship, in fact
the
experience takes place on the ground utilizing structured
activities with horses. Therefore, no horse experience is
necessary. This is a very different experience from therapeutic riding programs. |
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Experiential,
goal-oriented activities are facilitated safely with horses while
utilizing their unique ability to understand and reflect human behavior. The
focus is on examining
sensory, behavioral, and communication skills.
The process puts the participant in new and unknown situations rather than
talking or reading about it. |
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Activities are selected to target different
areas but all focus on improving problems solving, communication, and
teamwork skills. |
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There's no right or wrong - it is just about
the experience and accomplishing goals in each person's own way.
Feedback is provided without judgment from the horses and facilitators. |
Are the horses specially trained
for this program?
Horses are not specially trained - they are natural teachers and
facilitators. The
only requirement is that the horses we use are safe and respectful to humans.
Participants learn 'Equus" - the language of horses and how they naturally
communicate within their herd with other horses. Program participants
utilize this language to interact with the horses to
achieve goals.
Why are horses used rather than
other animals?
Horses are prey animals that have be hunted by predators for
centuries. Their prey instinct is uniquely developed to detect and understand
the energy that is projected by other creatures, including humans.
Basically, the horse understands our body language as well as what we are thinking
and feeling. When we clearly communicate our intentions, the horse will
respond by doing what we ask. If we are unclear or lack intention, trust, or
integrity, then the horse will not do what we ask. It is very simple, to
motivate the horse to do what you are asking it to do, you must clearly
communicate with strong intention.
Why do you use miniature horses?
We owned and bred miniature horses before we began the Equine
Adventure program. We have found that people are much more comfortable
with miniature horses because of their size. As
facilitators, we have worked with both miniature and full size horses. We find
that people get past their fear of the horses much quicker with the miniature
horses. As a result, our program is less fear based compared to other
equine experiential programs. Our clients more quickly connect and bond
with the miniature horses and this allows the focus to shift into other non-fear
based areas where our
clients can learn and grow. The use of miniature horses sets our program
apart from other similar programs. The response from our clients is
resounding - they prefer working with miniature horses because of their size and
temperament!
What other things do you do at
your facility?
At our miniature horse farm, we have
bred and trained horses, including driving in carts. From time
to time we enjoy participating in horse shows. We have some of
the top bloodlines and many of our horses have won top awards at the
national level.
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Program and Volunteer
Registration Form:
Please complete and bring the following form when you
come to the farm. Our liability insurance requires that
everyone completes this form.
MS Word Format
or PDF Format
What is the best clothing to wear?
Time will be spent outdoors doing
physical activities with horses. Please wear comfortable and casual
clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Long pants are
preferable all times of the year. Dress appropriately for the
weather and it is best to layer clothing during all seasons.
Participants are required to wear closed toe shoes
with socks to protect their feet when working with the horses (no
exceptions).
How long is each
Equine Adventure session?
Sessions for individuals and families
last 1.5 to 2 hours. Group workshops require at least 3 hours.
Typically workshops are a half day or full day, although a two day
program is very powerful.
What group sizes can you
accommodate?
In order to provide the best experience and maximize each
individuals one-on-one time with the horses, we typically limit group sizes to
20 participants and under certain circumstances smaller groups may be
required. For larger groups, please
Contact Us to learn about possible
options.
When are programs held?
Workshops and sessions are by appointment, held weekdays, evenings,
and weekends. Due to the weather, we primarily work April through October,
although we can hold shorter sessions with individuals and
small groups during the colder months.
Where are programs held?
We hold workshops at any location with any horses.
Our miniature horse farm is located in
Texas Township, in Mattawan and Kalamazoo County. For
directions, link to
Contact Us.
Do you provide services for
non-profit organizations?
We partner with many nonprofit organization to
provide the Equine Adventure program for their clients and staff. We
offer discounted rates for all nonprofit organizations. We also
partner to seek grant funding and program sponsorships to fund
programming, however this process requires lead time and advance planning.
How
can I learn more about equine
experiential programming?
Because this is an interactive process, it is very
difficult for words and pictures to adequately convey the
experience. The best way to learn about equine experiential
programming is to visit a program near you and experience this for
yourself.
Recommended Books
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It's Not about the Horse: It's about
Overcoming Fear and Self-doubt by Wyatt Webb and Cindy Pearlman
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What To Do When You Don't Know What To Do
- Common Horse Sense by Wyatt Webb
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Horse Sense and the Human Heart: What
Horses Can Teach Us About Trust, Bonding, Creativity and Spirituality
by Adele Von Rust McCormick and Marlena Deborah McCormick. |
How are miniature horses different
than larger horse breeds?
Fully matured miniature horses are about waist high for adults
(up to 38" in height at their withers) and weigh between 200 and 450 pounds.
Miniature horses are their own breed and are not ponies, although most miniature
horses have distant lineage to Shetland pony bloodlines. Miniature horses
have been bred for temperament and are great companions for people of all ages.
Miniature horses are horses in every regard, including the same instincts and
physical characteristics of full size horses. There are only a few
differences with miniature horses besides their size:
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They don't wear horse shoes but are trimmed
on the same schedule
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They lay down and roll more often
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Their teeth are not
proportionately smaller compared to the rest of their body
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They are measured in
inches rather than in hands (4 inches = 1 hand)
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They have much thicker winter coats, like
ponies.
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Link here to learn more about miniature horses:
bellaterrainc.org/Documents/PdfMiniHorses.pdf.
Link to Bella Terra Documents:
For more information and Bella Terra
brochures, registration forms, and other materials, please link to
esnips.com/web/BellaTerraInc
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