No.

Equine Assisted Learning is not a riding program. All sessions are unmounted.

Many of the horses here have well served the riding industry and are now retired into the important role of teaching. In EAL, the learning happens on the ground through interaction, observation, communication, and partnership.

For those interested in riding in the future, participating in the EAL curriculum builds a strong foundation of respect, awareness, and understanding of how horses communicate.

No prior horse experience is needed.

Participants learn everything they need to know during the program. Safety, horse behaviour, and how to interact respectfully with horses are all part of the learning process.

The focus of Equine Assisted Learning is not riding skills, but building awareness, communication, and relationship skills through working with horses on the ground.

No.

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is not therapy. Therapy is delivered by regulated professionals and is a protected term.

While time with horses can certainly feel therapeutic, Little Oasis offers learning-based programming, not counselling or clinical treatment. The horses are the teachers, and the humans supporting the sessions are facilitators.

Our focus is on building social and relational skills through experiential learning with horses.

Often, yes.

Many families already have access to funding for their child based on their unique situation. This may be through a diagnosis, education supports, or other programs that support social development.

Little Oasis EAL is a registered service provider with the Autism Funding Unit through the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Families using this program typically submit a Request to Pay form. If you need the template for this form, please contact us and we will provide it.

In some cases, the At Home Program for Extended Benefits has also been used to support participation. Some homeschooling programs may also have funding available for social development or individual learning goals.

Our after-school youth group program may also have access to community funding, and applications are available here.

If you are unsure whether funding may apply to your child, we are happy to help families explore possible options.