FAQ
FAQ
Equine-Facilitated Learning FAQs
Are sessions 1-on-1 or in a Group?
I offer both group (i.e. family, friends, teams, or strangers with a shared interest in growth) and individual sessions. You can take a closer look within my Services page to learn more. You can select the type of session you want.
What is Your Intake Process Like?
After you reach out via my contact form, we’ll schedule an intake call at your convenience to discuss your goals, challenges, and hopes for EFL. I’ll review timing, send paperwork, and cover all logistics for your first session.
How Can I Learn More About the Science?
There are a ton of resources available on the power of Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Equine=Assisted Services online—a quick Google search is all you need! I love this video by Rescued Hearts for a quick watch.
What is the HERD Institute®?
The HERD Institute® was founded by Dr. Veronica Lac, based on her HERD Model™, and prepares Equine-Facilitated Practitioners through hands-on training that supports both competence and personal transformation.
Equine-Facilitated
Learning FAQs
Equine-Facilitated Learning?
EFL is an experiential coaching approach that leverages interactions with horses to help participants explore emotional awareness, communication, problem solving, boundary setting, creativity, and more depending on your goals.
Is EFL “Horse/Equine Therapy”?
EFL is not therapy. Sessions are not used to diagnose, treat, or address mental health conditions. They’re meant to deepen participant self awareness, and help empower intentionality in relationships with themselves and others.
Who is EFL Intended for?
Children and adults of all ages are welcome. Whether you’re seeking to develop or deepen emotional awareness, communication, problem solving, tools for boundary setting, or creativity.
Will I Ride a Horse in Session?
I am currently only offering groundwork (unmounted, alongside, no-riding) sessions. I am happy to recommend individuals or organizations in the area who offer this. Let’s discuss what you’re looking to get out of mounted work.
Is EFL 1-on-1 or in a Group?
I offer both group (i.e. family, friends, teams, or strangers with a shared interest in growth) and individual sessions. You can take a closer look within my Services page to learn more. You can select the type of session you want.
How are Sessions Structured?
Each session is shaped by your goals and how you’re feeling in the moment. We’ll typically begin with a grounding and safety, followed by activities tailored to your comfort, needs, and goals.
How Do We “Talk” with Horses?
We communicate with horses through our body language, breath, eyes, and presence. Practicing communication in this way helps us build trust and deeper relationships with the horses and humans we interact with in our day to day.
How’s this Applied to “Real Life”?
The skills we practice in interacting with the horses are the same skills that help us connect with humans. Practicing with horses helps us notice our feelings, understand our needs, regulate, and rebuild trust with intention.
What Should I Wear?
Closed-toe shoes are required. Beyond that, please dress for the weather—sunblock, a hat, and layers (like a warm hat, scarf, or gloves in colder months) are helpful. For rain, a raincoat is better for the horses than an umbrella.
What Should I Bring?
The most important thing to bring is yourself and an open mindset. You’re welcome to bring water and a notebook for journaling. Snacks are fine too, but must be kept away from the horses since they consume a different diet.
How’s Progress Measured?
We’ll plan a progress check every 4 or so sessions, with flexibility to shift based on your schedule and preferences. These reflection moments help us understand what’s working and guide our approach.
What’s Intake Like?
After you reach out via my contact form, we’ll schedule an intake call at your convenience to discuss your goals, challenges, and hopes for EFL. I’ll review timing, send paperwork, and cover all logistics for your first session.
Is EFL a New Practice?
No. Typically you’ll hear about “equine-assisted services” and historically that work has been focused on therapeutic riding. Working alongside horses has had such a positive impact that offerings continue to scale and expand.
How Can I Learn More?
There are a ton of resources available on the power of Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) and Equine=Assisted Services online—a quick Google search is all you need! I love this video by Rescued Hearts for an overview and example benefits.
What is the HERD Institute®?
The HERD Institute® was founded by Dr. Veronica Lac, based on her HERD Model™, and prepares Equine-Facilitated Practitioners through hands-on training that supports both competence and personal transformation.
Example Session
Natalie is currently only offering unmounted sessions.
Sessions are on the ground, alongside the horse(s), NO riding.
Goals, Today’s Needs
Safety & Grounding
Human-Horse Activity
Session Recap
Follow-up Plan
Human-Horse Safety
We’ll discuss these live in session together:
Horses have a blind spot directly in front and directly behind them. It is best to approach a horse from either of their sides and to avoid standing right in front or right behind them in session.
Be mindful of where your two feet are in relation to a horse’s four feet. It is best to position yourself in a way that gives them room to move around safely and comfortably in relation to you.
We are each responsible for our own safety in order to uphold the safety of the group—we will talk through this together. As much as we look out for each other, we are responsible for ourselves.
Let’s Schedule Time to Talk
Have more questions? Ready to start your Equine-Facilitated Learning journey?
Let’s Set a Time to Chat
Have more questions? Ready to start your Equine-Facilitated Learning journey?