Life Skills Development with a difference!
Renew Equine Academy offers a unique and innovative approach to life skills development based on the concept of Experiential Learning, where horses are the teachers.
Our program formula offers our participants results. The “EAL Formula” that is considerably different from any other equine guided program, and which is designed to
produce consistent, desired and predictable outcomes when all 6 components of the formula are present.
How do the Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs work!
Our programs aim to build a range of life and leadership skills through experiential learning with horses. Participants are assigned into small teams of two or three people and one horse. Together, through positive interaction and teamwork, the team tackles various tasks to achieve a specific objective.
How do we guide you through the program?
Our qualified facilitators, together with our experienced and gentle team of horses, guide participants through each activity. A facilitator guides the entire process and ensures that each team member is involved in some capacity throughout the activity. The role of the facilitator is not to direct or teach, but simply to guide the participants to discover their own way through each task. Each program has a specific objective and programs can
be customised to achieve specific outcomes or goals.
Where did the Equine Assisted Learning Building Block™ program come from?
The EAL Building Block ™ program originated in North America – where it continues to be successfully used to promote positive relationships and team building in the workplace.
It is a relatively new concept to Australia, and so there are only a limited number of qualified instructors in the country. Our facilitators receive ongoing support from Equine Connection International, and The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning, Strathmore, AB, Canada, so we can continue to provide the most up-to-date learning experience to all participants.
So why do we work with horses?
Horses are acutely aware of their surroundings at all times and react to external stimuli in a very recognisable way to us humans. Horses give instant and honest feedback to the stimulus they receive, which provides a window into our own behaviour. They are also a herd animal and seek leadership. Horses are able to differentiate between potentially threatening behaviour and a calm and assertive nature, and clearly let us know if they are interested, bored or confused.
How does working with horses benefit participants?
To work through the tasks successfully with their horse, participants need to learn to adjust their feelings and behaviours. This results in positive and lasting benefits when interacting with others that can be applied in everyday life. Horses make the activity engaging, fun, challenging, and truly memorable. In addition, the sheer size of a horse (400kg+) adds a presence and dimension to the group that cannot be delivered in any other environment.