PATH INTERNATIONAL
Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional and personal goals through equine-assisted activities. PATH Intl. provides standards of professionalism and safety for people working in the EAAT field and guidelines for those providing EAL.
In an EAL setting, the experiential approach integrates equine-human interaction that is guided by a planned learning experience to meet the identified goals or desires of the participant(s). Working with equines provides opportunities to teach critical life skills such as trust, respect, honesty and communication. Equines use mostly non-vocal communication and are in-tune with human behavior. This can help participants to better understand and learn how our non-verbal communication might be impacting or influencing others in their lives. Equines ask people to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Through interactions with the equines, participants learn a heightened self-awareness. Self-awareness is important in order to reveal patterns of behavior and gives participants the opportunity to think in a new way. Furthermore, participants gain self-esteem and self-confidence while learning how to work with such a large and powerful creature. In all, equines provide us with a way to see our internal landscape and modes of operation exposed. They offer us the opportunity to experience humility, compassion and challenge - all critical elements to supporting self-growth and self-awareness.
Professionals with a variety of certifications, experience and backgrounds can incorporate EAL into their programs. In EAL there are three main areas of concentration, education, corporate/professional development and coaching/personal development. Click here to see the basic core competences of an EAL professional.
PATH Intl. members in the EAL field have access to a broad range of PATH Intl. resources, including:
• Education specific to the learning field
• Opportunities for internships and mentoring
• Inclusion in a field of knowledgeable, seasoned professionals
• Continue their professional understanding and implementation of PATH Intl. ethics, standards and guidelines
• Network with their peers and other professionals in the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies through Community Connections.
Resources available:
• PATH Intl. EAL Guidelines
• PATH Intl. EAL Core Competencies
• PATH Intl. updated EAL definitions
• PATH Intl. EAL Manual