Understanding Animal Therapy, Equine Therapy, and Equine-Assisted Learning
At Nestled in Nature CIC, we specialise in incorporating animal and equine-based approaches into our therapeutic and learning programmes. Each method is designed to offer unique benefits, and we believe it’s essential for our participants and supporters to understand the distinctions between these approaches. Below, we outline the key features and benefits of animal therapy, equine therapy, and equine-assisted learning.
Animal therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, involves the presence of animals to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being. At Nestled in Nature, we work with gentle, carefully chosen animals such as rare breed sheep, ponies, and horses. These animals provide comfort, reduce stress, and create a sense of calm for participants.
Key Benefits of Animal Therapy:
Emotional Support: Animals offer unconditional love and companionship, which can help reduce anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
Stress Reduction: Interacting with animals has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve overall mood.
Increased Engagement: For individuals who struggle with communication or social interaction, animals serve as a non-judgmental presence, encouraging engagement.
Cognitive Stimulation: Activities like grooming or feeding animals can help improve focus and fine motor skills.
Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, focuses specifically on therapeutic interactions with horses. These sessions are facilitated by trained professionals and use the natural instincts and behaviours of horses to help participants build trust, communication skills, and emotional resilience.
How Equine Therapy Works:
Horses are highly perceptive animals that respond to human emotions and body language. This sensitivity makes them excellent partners in therapy, helping participants to:
Develop Emotional Awareness: Horses mirror emotions, allowing individuals to recognise and process their feelings in real time.
Build Confidence: Activities such as grooming and working with horses and ponies help participants gain a sense of accomplishment.
Improve Communication Skills: Interacting with a horse requires clear, consistent communication, which can enhance interpersonal skills.
Foster Trust: Forming a bond with a horse can be a powerful experience, especially for those who struggle with trust due to past trauma.
Our animal therapy sessions are tailored to each participant's needs, ensuring they experience the full therapeutic benefits of spending time with animals.
Animal Therapy
Equine Therapy
Equine therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals coping with PTSD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a clinical approach that specifically addresses emotional and psychological well-being. EAT sessions are guided by mental health professionals and use therapeutic techniques tailored to help participants process trauma, build emotional regulation skills, and foster resilience. The therapeutic bond formed with the horse allows participants to explore complex emotions in a safe, non-judgmental environment, making it an effective intervention for those facing emotional challenges.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an experiential approach that uses structured activities with horses to promote personal development, teamwork, and life skills. Unlike equine therapy, which focuses on emotional healing, EAL is goal-oriented and often involves group activities.
What Happens in EAL Sessions:
Participants engage in tasks such as leading a horse through an obstacle course, building trust, or solving problems as a team. These activities are designed to:
Encourage Teamwork: Working together with horses fosters collaboration and improves group dynamics.
Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Participants learn to adapt and think creatively when faced with challenges.
Boost Confidence: Successfully completing tasks with a horse reinforces a sense of achievement and self-belief.
Enhance Leadership Skills: EAL helps individuals understand how their actions and decisions influence others, including the horse.
EAL is ideal for schools, youth groups, organisations, and individuals seeking to build resilience, leadership, and self-confidence. For individuals, EAL provides a unique opportunity to explore personal strengths, develop problem-solving skills, and enhance their ability to communicate effectively. Through tailored activities, participants can gain a deeper understanding of their own behaviours and how they impact others, making it a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Whether working in a group or one-on-one, EAL fosters self-awareness, collaboration, and adaptability, offering transformative experiences for anyone seeking development in these areas.