People Learn Best Through Experience
Knowledge without experience is simply information
Direct experience offers an opportunity to enhance understanding, deepen skill development and reshape the brain.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that utilizes interaction with horses to develop life skills, emotional regulation and accelerate personal growth and awareness. No prior horse experience is required and most participants have little to no experience with horses. Most of the activities involve various groundwork activities that teach how to build relationship with horses, both on-line (using a halter and lead rope) or at liberty (horse is loose).
Offered as one-on-one personal support this experience is customized for each person and situation. By interacting with horses you will gain significant insight into your thinking, emotions and behavior, as horses are sensitive to human feelings and provide immediate feedback.
I specialize in educating and guiding others to shift patterns of thought and behaviors so they may transform the way they live.
Elizabeth Markie - Certified Equine-Assisted Learning Practitioner, Brain-based Coach, HeartMath Resilience Trainer and Mindfulness Facilitator
The Equine Assisted Learning Experience
Certified as a brain-based and brain health coach, I was intrigued by the fact Equine assisted learning (EAL) has garnered attention for its ability to facilitate personal development and change in brain function. Research indicates that interactions with horses can lead to significant neurobiological changes due to various factors inherent to the experience.
Stress Reduction: Engaging with horses has been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. This reduction can create a more conducive environment for learning and processing emotional experiences.
Increased Mindfulness: The presence of horses encourages individuals to be present and aware of their surroundings. This mindfulness can enhance focus and attention, leading to improved cognitive functions and better emotional regulation.
Social and Emotional Skills Development: EAL programs often require participants to engage in activities that promote communication, empathy, and problem-solving. These interactions stimulate areas of the brain associated with social cognition, enhancing emotional intelligence.
Building Resilience and Confidence: Overcoming challenges associated with handling horses can foster a sense of accomplishment. This experience can lead to changes in the brain's reward pathways, increasing motivation and enhancing resilience in face of difficulties.
Emotional Processing: Horses are sensitive to human emotions, which can mirror the emotional states of their handlers. This unique interaction provides insights into one's feelings and can lead to improved emotional processing and regulation by activating neural pathways dedicated to these functions.
Therapeutic Benefits: Many EAL programs are designed to serve therapeutic purposes, potentially aiding those with anxiety. Engaging with horses can facilitate neural rewiring that promotes healing and growth.
In summary, equine assisted learning alters brain function by promoting stress reduction, enhancing mindfulness, improving social and emotional skills, and fostering resilience, among other effects. These changes can create a lasting positive impact on individuals, contributing to their overall well-being and personal development.
Additionally, as a certified HeartMath Resilience Trainer, I offer sessions for individuals and equine enthusiasts that support stress reduction and nervous system regulation. HeartMath is a research organization that focuses on the connection between the heart, mind, and emotions. It aims to help individuals achieve emotional regulation and resilience through a variety of techniques, primarily centered around heart coherence. Heart coherence is a state in which the heart, mind, and emotions are in sync, leading to increased cognitive function, emotional stability, and overall well-being. HeartMath provides tools such as biofeedback devices, techniques for emotional self-regulation, and training programs designed to enhance personal and professional development.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) facilitates personal growth and emotional healing. In EAL, participants engage in various activities with horses to develop skills such as communication, leadership, and self-awareness. The process is grounded in the understanding that horses are sensitive animals that can mirror human emotions and behaviors, providing immediate feedback to participants. This interaction helps individuals explore their feelings and improve their social skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Combining HeartMath techniques with Equine Assisted Learning can enhance the effectiveness of this experiential learning. By applying heart coherence principles, participants may gain deeper emotional insights and develop more profound connections with the horses. This combination can lead to increased resilience, improved emotional health, and the ability to better manage stressors in everyday life.
Overall, the integration of HeartMath and EAL offers a holistic approach to personal development, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and self-regulation in fostering meaningful relationships with oneself and others.
Contact me directly for private sessions.
Location: North Carolina Foothills
Inquire by email: Elizabeth.Markie@weimagine.com
Better yet, Call me: 727.667.1612
