Equine Assisted Learning
The horse is the teacher
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a hands-on, experiential way of learning life skills through interactions with horses. You learn by doing: trying, observing, adjusting, and feeling the horse's honest response in real time.
Horses are incredibly responsive to body language, their environment, and the way we approach them. They give us opportunities to slow down, observe, and become more aware of ourselves and how we interact with others.
Horses respond to what is real, so rather than being told about things like communication, patience, confidence, and leadership, you get to practice these skills.
For example, we might do an activity where you are asked to guide a horse through an obstacle. If you are unable to get the horse to move with you, we can explore what is happening. Are we communicating clearly? Are we getting frustrated? Are we listening to what the teacher is sharing with us? Are we trying the same thing over and over, even though it isn’t working?
There is no right or wrong outcome. The learning comes from the experience itself, what we notice, and what we take away from it.
Sessions suit all ages and all experience levels. They work well one on one, and are even better shared with a family member or friend, in groups of up to 8.
You do not need any horse experience. The focus is not on riding, but on learning through interaction, observation, and connection. Schools, teams, and workplaces are welcome to get in touch about tailored sessions.
Please note: Equine Assisted Learning is a learning experience, not therapy. It is not about diagnosing or fixing anyone. It is about creating experiences that invite you to notice, explore, and learn through connection with horses, ultimately embarking on personal growth and life skills development.
What you can take from it
Communication ☆ Confidence ☆ Leadership
Teamwork ☆ Boundaries & Respect ☆ Patience
Problem-Solving ☆ Self-Awareness
A sliding scale, so cost is never the barrier
Offered as a package of four sessions. Thanks to our donors, the cost slides based on what you can manage.
Share your household income in the form if you are comfortable, and we will suggest a fair rate. No one is turned away for cost.
$100 to $500
per 4-session package
on a sliding scale
Your Facilitator: Sarah Rose Clapp
Why Equine Assisted Learning?
Sarah is certified with the Academy of Equine Connection for Equine Assisted Learning. She grew up riding and competing in dressage, jumping, and cross country. Yet, she was drawn mainly to what occurred on the ground: grooming, tacking, feeding and caring for the beautiful animals she had the privilege of riding. In her early years, she could be found riding her bike 5km down an old dirt road to muck stalls at a nearby riding facility in exchange for time with horses.
Sarah’s love and interest in horse language, human behaviour (undergraduate in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Guelph), personal growth, health and wellness, and connection to land led her to Equine Assisted Learning, which sits at the intersection of these topics.
Sarah has continued to deepen her relational horsemanship through Josh Nichol clinics, Reverence Stables, Equine Connection, and being surrounded by those she is inspired by in the horse world.
“I have learned the number one thing a horse needs to feel is safe. When the horse feels safe, individuals and the group are safe. My job is to watch the horse and step in when the horse communicates through their body language that safety needs to be re-established. When I am partnered with the horse (the teacher) it creates safety for all, which creates a beautiful learning space for participants.” - Sarah Clapp, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator
Tell us a little about you
Register your interest below, We will follow up to book your sessions and confirm next steps.
“It's like the horses know when I need grounding; they step in quietly, and only look to me for support when I have the capacity to offer it.”
- Program Participant
Rooted in Research: You Cannot Fake Calm Around a Horse
Horses are prey animals, attuned to body language, energy, and intention.
Research on equine-supported and nature-based programming finds benefits for emotional awareness, self-regulation, trust, and confidence, particularly for young people facing barriers.
Horses do not care what is on your report card. They care whether you show up.
