FAQs
What's the difference between a riding lesson and EAL?
A riding lesson has the primary purpose of building riding skills, typically working towards (at the beginner level) being able to walk, trot, canter proficiently. The primary purpose of an EAL session is to build the social, emotional, physical lifeskills to enable the participant to interact and be their best self in the world. A student of EAL will learn how to regulate their emotions, improve their communication skills, manage their anxiety and build other lifeskills as is established in their goals. An EAL session may or may not include riding.
Can participants ride the horses in EAL sessions?
EAL activities are typically ground-based, meaning the people stay on the ground. This is a powerful way to build relationships with the horses and other group members. In some individual sessions, time on Dobbin, the equisimulator, and time on a live horse may be included if it is consistent with session goals.
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Is EAL the same as equine therapy?
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) might look a lot like EAL but it is actually very different. Most importantly, the goals of EAT are different from the goals of EAL. EAT seeks to treat mental health or medical conditions while EAL provides an experiential environment to learn and practice new skills and address personal or professional development goals. The qualifications of the provider also differ. In EAT the provider holds a healthcare qualification and includes horses in a form of therapy like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or counselling, psychotherapy, or psychology whereas in EAL, the facilitator may be an educator, a life or wellness coach, or have some other type of facilitation background.
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How do I become a client?
Firstly, you are encouraged to call Tara on 0422 002 990 to discuss whether EAL is suitable for you or your child.
Then, we have a simple 3 step client intake process as follows:
1. Complete our application form online here.
2. Book in an assessment session.
3. Book your permanent time slot/s.
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What's involved in an assessment session?
The assessment session is an important part of the equine assisted learning journey. It is for our mutual benefit - we all assess each other (including the horses) to see if we think this will help the participant achieve their goals. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes (depends on the age and abilities of the participant) and is charged at the same rate as a standard private session.
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How much do you charge?
Our prices are based on the program, the number of participants, whether it is a private session and the length of the session. NDIS clients are charged according to the NDIS Price Guide.
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Do the parents stay for the session? Can I bring my other children?
Parents and siblings are encouraged to leave their child to be fully immersed in their EAL session.
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Do you still hold sessions if it is raining or dark?
Yes, we have an undercover arena with lights.
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Do you take NDIS clients?
Yes, we are able to provide services to Plan-managed and Self-managed clients. Please talk to us about your needs.
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What if I am late or need to cancel a session?
Please see our Policies for answers to questions about rescheduling and refunds.
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Are you insured and police checked?
Our facilitators are qualified, insured, police checked and have working with children checks.
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How many people are in a group session?
Our term time group sessions have no more than 6 participants. Our holiday programs may have up to 8 participants.
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Where are you located?
We are in Wyee. Further details will be provided when a session is booked.
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What to wear?
All clients must wear sturdy, closed toed shoes, preferably leather and all clients 140cm or below must wear a helmet when with the horses (bring your own bike or horse-riding helmet, or borrow one of ours). Wear clothing suitable for the farm environment.
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What to bring?
Water bottle. From time to time, participants will be invited to bring other items, such as a favourite book or particular art supplies.