Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL)

Learn skills through horses in our curriculum-based, non-riding program.

What is EFL?

Equine facilitated learning (EFL) is experiential, social-emotional learning program that incorporates horses and engages people by offering them the opportunity to fully participate in skill development. In our curriculum-based, non-riding equine program, participates can learn character building skills that help to promote positive behaviors and foster healthy person-to-person contact.

Located on a beautiful 73-acre campus with a covered ring and an inviting classroom, our program is designed to reach people who might have difficulty in traditional classroom and counseling settings. Horses are utilized as facilitators in the lessons to better meet the students’ emotional, social, and educational needs.

Program Curriculum and Benefits

Our EFL Program provides a unique alternative to a traditional educational setting. Group sessions consist of tailored, unmounted activities with horses to help promote character skills such as respect, leadership, responsibility, communication, problem solving, cooperation, and time management.

Studies have shown EFL activities can help participants develop confidence by dealing honestly with their strengths and weaknesses. EFL utilizes equine herd communication to help participants better communicate and understand themselves which can improve: self-awareness, mindfulness, focus, anxiety/stress relief, self-regulation skills, and resiliency.

Why Horses?

The horse-human connection helps participants reconnect emotionally, socially, and physically with themselves and others. Additionally, horses are able to mirror human emotions creating many opportunities for emotional regulation and reflection.  Among the many programs using animals, those involving horses offer learning possibilities that can help develop confidence, self – assurance, nonverbal communication, focus, mindfulness, and skills to cope with stress.

Our Equine Facilitated Learning Program is particularly well-suited for children, families, military and first responders, corporate, and group training. Our staff can customize an experience that fits your needs and time constraints.

For questions, to learn more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Kelley Spiegel at (609)992-7835 or kspiegel@gepnj.org.