About Equine Assisted Learning

Little Oasis Equine Assisted Learning uses the Building Block Program Series which is specially designed to develop leadership skills in some, life-skills in those at-risk, and specific skills in participants with special needs in an effort to bring out the best in those that enter as participants of any age, skill level or profession.

The EAL Youth Program series was originally designed to facilitate the building of personal development skills, while using horse sense. Since its inception, we have found that participants receive a wide range of individual benefits, especially when enhanced by the followup efforts their teachers make back in the classroom.

Bullying has become a major problem in schools across the country. EAL encourages positive change by specifically targeting self esteem and confidence in both the bully and the bullied.

With smart phones and other devices providing a constant distraction it can be difficult to create real connections. Equine Assisted Learning can help.

EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING PROGRAMS ARE UNMOUNTED AND NO PREVIOUS HORSE EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY.

photo of 2 women and 2 horses in an equine assisted learning adult session

What is EAL?

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential program that helps individuals develop essential life skills through interactive, ground-based activities with horses. Unlike therapy or riding lessons, EAL is entirely unmounted, focusing on teamwork, communication, and personal growth.

Horses are exceptional teachers. Their keen sensitivity allows them to reflect human emotions and behaviours, providing instant, honest feedback. With guidance from a skilled facilitator, participants can gain valuable insights, fostering self-awareness and positive change.

Because horses live in the moment, they do not judge, overanalyze, or manipulate. Their intuitive nature offers a unique window into a participant's personality and emotional state. Our trained facilitators interpret the horses’ nonverbal cues, helping individuals recognize patterns, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for personal and professional success.

Horses live within a social order that is based on the principles of trust, ​loyalty and mutual concern.

Photo of two youth and a horse problem solving together during a group EAL session

Why does EAL work?

  • The Horse – Provides non-judgmental feedback in a fair and respectful manner.

  • The Curriculum – Follows a structured, building-block approach with clear, objective-based exercises.

  • The Facilitation – Guides participants through tasks and challenges, fostering problem-solving and personal growth.

  • The Experiential Learning – Recognizes that people learn in different ways, with learning potential increasing exponentially in this unique, hands-on environment with horses.

Some common questions…

  • 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.

PROGRAM DELIVERY

Sessions are 1 hour in duration, no more than twice per week to allow the concepts presented in the sessions to infuse in to daily life. The curriculum is delivered over 10-16 sessions.

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