Equine-Assisted Learning
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential learning technique that facilitates personal growth by teach-ing social/emotional and life skills through horsemanship and riding. Windhorse EAL programs help youth build confidence and self-esteem, enhance focus, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster self-development and awareness through the equine/human bond. By developing social/ emotional competencies and confidence, we hope to create resilient youth who can successfully navigate their teenage years and become leaders among their peers and productive, contributing members of our community. Our year-round programming, including school-year programs and summer camps, gives youth opportunities throughout the year to develop physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.
Research studies have demonstrated that equine-assisted learning (EAL) programs like Windhorse’s reduce cortisol levels (and therefore stress) in middle school youth. In a 2013 study, faculty at Washington State University tested the basal cortisol levels of youth before and after an 11-week EAL program. The results showed that youth in the classes had significantly lower levels of cortisol per waking hour at post-test compared to children who were wait-listed for the program (Pendry, Patricia, Ph D., et al).
Our own research backs this up. Faculty from Montana State University conducted research in three of our Practicing Mindfulness with Horses classes in 2020 and 2021. They published "Fight, Flight, or Freeze?: Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) as a Means to Explore Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Agency in Rural Youth during Covid-19" to report their findings during the first class in 2020. Their research revealed the significant impact of the program in boosting self-efficacy and adaptability, and reducing anxiety and depression among adolescents. In all three classes studied, an average of 81% of students reported significant reductions in anxiety and an average of 91.5% reported reductions in depression. In one six-week session during summer 2021, when testing cortisol levels pre- and post-class, there was significant decrease in cortisol after working with the horses ( p < .05). Link to the research here.
By offering horse-based social-emotional learning and mindfulness classes, Windhorse is directly addressing the mental health crisis in kids and teens throughout our community. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) explains the relationship between SEL and mental health and wellness: “By promoting responsive relationships, emotionally safe environments, and skills development, SEL cultivates important “protective factors” to buffer against mental health risks. In this way, SEL is an indispensable part of student mental health and wellness, helping to improve attitudes about self and others while decreasing emotional distress and risky behaviors. SEL should be implemented as part of a system of mental wellness supports and resources that include promotion, prevention, early intervention, and treatment.”
Furthermore, research by the Heart Math Institute backs up what we see in our classes every day: “People experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain suppressors), decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning; and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficacy.”
