Equine Assisted Learning FAQ
General Questions about EAL
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No.
Equine Assisted Learning at Little Oasis 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.
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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.
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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.
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Developing social skills takes time and practice.
In EAL, participants first learn how horses experience the world. Horses are prey animals, and safety is their primary need. Humans approach the world differently, so part of the learning process is recognizing those differences and adjusting communication and behaviour.
The curriculum begins with personal awareness and individual skills, then gradually moves into more group-based learning. The multi-session format allows participants to build confidence, deepen understanding, and apply new skills over time.
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Social skills are the behaviours and communication abilities that help us interact effectively and respectfully with others.
They include verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, reading body language, problem solving, boundary setting and boundary respecting, understanding social cues, and appropriate assertiveness.
At Little Oasis EAL, these skills are practiced in real-time through interaction with horses and peers.
Youth Programs
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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.
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Everyone.
Children, teens, and adults all benefit from strengthening their ability to communicate, set boundaries, read social cues, and build healthy relationships.
EAL offers a supportive environment to build these skills in practical, hands-on ways.
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Private sessions are available, though they are not common.
Little Oasis EAL is primarily a social skills building program, which means participants benefit from interacting with others. Group learning is an important part of the experience.
Private sessions may be appropriate for individuals who are preparing to join a group setting or who have specific goals that require a different structure. Family sessions are also available.
Adult Programs
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Adult programs are designed for couples, families, and small groups who are interested in strengthening relationships, developing life skills, and building greater self-awareness.
Sessions often explore communication, emotional awareness, confidence, boundary setting, and teamwork through hands-on interaction with horses.
Leadership Training
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Little Oasis Leadership Training programs are designed for businesses, organizations, and workplace teams that want to build stronger communication, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
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Leadership programs can range from half-day experiences to full-day sessions. Multi-session programs can also be designed for teams and organizations that want to build skills over time.
Programs are tailored to the needs and goals of the participating group.
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Yes.
Little Oasis works with schools, colleges, community organizations, and other groups to provide experiential learning programs with horses. These partnerships may focus on leadership development, social skills, life skills, or professional training depending on the goals of the organization.
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Partnership programs have included collaborations with colleges, community service organizations, and social development programs. These experiences often support students or participants who are building communication, leadership, life skills, or employment readiness.
Programs are designed in collaboration with the partnering organization to meet their specific learning goals.
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Yes.
Equine Assisted Learning experiences can be designed to complement educational programs, leadership training, or community initiatives. Sessions are developed in collaboration with instructors or program coordinators to support the objectives of the group.