Question 1

What is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)?

Accepted Answer

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a goal-focused approach that uses interactions and activities with horses to support learning and personal development. At Alkira, sessions are tailored to the individual and can support areas such as communication, confidence, emotional regulation, social participation and practical life skills.

Question 2

Is EAL the same as riding lessons?

Accepted Answer

No. Equine Assisted Learning is not a riding lesson.Riding lessons focus on developing riding and horsemanship skills. EAL focuses on social, emotional and life-skill development through interaction and partnership with horses.EAL may take place on the ground, in the saddle, or through a combination of both. Progress is based on individual learning goals rather than riding ability.

Question 3

Does EAL involve riding?

Accepted Answer

It can, but not every EAL session involves riding.Sessions may take place on the ground, in the saddle, or through a combination of both, depending on the participant's readiness, confidence and individual goals.All ridden EAL programs begin with several ground-based sessions before progressing into the saddle.

Question 4

What happens in ground-based EAL?

Accepted Answer

Ground-based EAL takes place without riding.Activities may include observation, leading, obstacle work and guided activities that invite the horse to engage at their own pace.Sessions can support body awareness, emotional awareness, regulation, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making.

Question 5

What happens in in-saddle EAL?

Accepted Answer

In-saddle EAL is not focused on learning riding technique.Instead, participants learn through shared movement and interaction with a willing horse.Sessions may support emotional regulation, body awareness, posture, balance, focus, attention, impulse control, communication and confidence.

Question 6

What are Games on Horseback?

Accepted Answer

Games on Horseback is a structured and playful way to continue learning while mounted.Facilitated by Brylee and Will, the program uses games and challenges to encourage engagement while allowing the horse to respond freely and honestly.Activities can support regulation, planning, coordination, communication, cooperation and turn-taking.

Question 7

Who is EAL for?

Accepted Answer

Equine Assisted Learning programs are available for children, teens and adults.Sessions are shaped around the individual, including their goals, experience, support needs, confidence and readiness.An intake process helps us understand what each participant is working towards before programs begin.

Question 8

What if I have little horse experience?

Accepted Answer

Programs begin with an intake process to understand the participant's goals, experience and support needs.Early sessions focus on observation, relationship-building and noticing how the participant and horse respond to one another.Sessions are then shaped and adjusted over time.

Question 9

How does EAL support learning?

Accepted Answer

Learning happens through practical experiences and the horse's responses.Participants may notice their body language, breathing, communication and emotional state, then practise making adjustments in real time.Depending on individual goals, this can support regulation, confidence, communication, body awareness, focus, problem-solving and social skills.

Question 10

What can I expect from my first EAL session?

Accepted Answer

Programs begin with an intake process to understand goals, experience and support needs.Early sessions focus on observation, relationship-building and noticing how the participant and horse respond to one another.Sessions are hands-on, purposeful and paced to support confidence, independence and growth while respecting both participant and horse.

Question 11

How do I book an EAL session?

Accepted Answer

You can explore the available Equine Assisted Learning options and book directly through our website.Choose the option that best suits your needs and secure an available session online.[BOOK AN EAL SESSION]