Selected students at Georgiana Molloy Anglican School are now benefiting from an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program designed to enhance learning and well-being through direct interaction with horses.
The program is led by an accredited EAL Practitioner from Horse Sense. The practitioner holds a Bachelor of Education in Primary School Teaching and brings 20 years of equine experience to the program.
EAL is an experiential learning approach where participants engage with horses to develop social-emotional skills, foster personal growth, and enhance professional abilities such as leadership and teamwork. This method is gaining popularity in Australia and globally, benefiting diverse individuals, including National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients, children, adolescents, and adults.
Since the introduction of Equine Assisted Learning at the school, there have been significant improvements in students’ emotional regulation and self-confidence. Weekly visits to Horse Sense have helped students with anxiety become more relaxed and engaged. At the same time, those facing behavioural challenges have shown better emotional management, leading to fewer disruptions and improved peer relationships. Activities such as grooming and feeding horses have instilled a sense of responsibility and empathy in the students.
Horses, known for their intelligence and sensitivity, provide non-judgmental feedback that helps individuals regulate their nervous systems, enhance emotional regulation, and model healthy emotional expression. They help to create a safe, trustful environment for learning, further contributing to the program’s overall success.
