Equine Facilitated Learning
What is Equine Facilitated Learning?
EFL is a process by which children and adults learn about themselves, other people and the world through interactions with horses. It’s a ground based activity, and is not about teaching riding. It has applications for a wide range of individuals, including those who have difficulty fitting into the real world.
EFL is gaining popularity worldwide as a means of helping children and adults with a range of social, emotional and developmental disabilities (such as Autism ) or mental illness ( depression). The benefits of the experience with horses are often profound. Children with ASD will focus on the horse for long periods of time even thought they have difficulty focusing tin their everyday lives. Once children understand how to ask for and receive cooperation from the horse, their self esteem and confidence goes sky- high. For a child or young adult who has limited control of their own environment, EFL can be very empowering , providing communication and relationship skills and teaching responsibility , respect,trust and self control.
How does EFL work?
When working with humans, horses act like a mirror – they cannot lie, they simply reflect back to us our emotions, energy levels and communications. As they are prey animals, they have an overriding instinct to feel safe. They will become fearful if in the presence of aggressive , noisy or over controlling person, yet they are constantly searching for a leader to help them feel safe.
EFL teaches children the importance of body language, gestures, breathing and voice it shows them how to build relationships based on trust and respect – all taught through practical lessons working with a horse.
Who is your facilitator?
Virginia Eagle has a diploma in horse management from Marcus Oldham College, Victoria , a degree in Social Work and is a Yoga and Energy teacher.
She has been training horses and teaching riding for 25 years.
Virginia is now combining her horse skills with her people skills and recently completed training in Equine Facilitated Learning with Franklin Levinson, www.thewayofthehorse.org
Ingelara Retreat events
Residential retreats and one day workshops are held frequently on topics such as:
Reiki
Yoga
Chanting
Drumming
Meditation
Sustainability
Creative arts and more
If you are in a community group, women's circle, meditation group, or the teacher of a youth group, we are able to create a day or weekend for you. Please Contact Gini to discuss possibilities.
Programs are designed for adults and children. Ingelara Retreat workshops aim to remind people of their higher connection to themselves , each other and the earth. Through raised awareness of energy, connecting with nature and our creativity we can heal ourselves and our planet.
Feedback from people who have attended Gini's reiki workshops...
"Thank you so much for the wonderful Reiki weekend.
You are a great teacher and up lifter. I felt your power and absorbed your wisdom. I have been putting reiki into practice each morning and feeling the benefit."
Jan, 2007
"Words cannot describe how much my life has changed since I completed Reiki 1 with Gini. The weekend itself was intimate and sacred but the impact rippled over me for many many weeks after. Life continues to shift towards a more healthy and happy lifestyle - all from one weekend! Gini is certainly here to teach and she has a amazing ability to have you feeling sacred and the centre of the universe! Thank you Gini."
Sonya, 2007
"The Reiki you taught me is working amazingly. I wish I could tell you all about it in person, things have changed... I`m living more in the moment, inside me (!!) and more "out of my mind" than I used to. My reality is different somehow... You have really taught me a lot, and I wish my time with you was longer.. BUT i guess it was time for me to move on "
Jo, 2010
Gini's Healing Yoga Classes
Gini runs Healing Yoga Nights in Cooma and Ingelara Retreat each week. No experience necessary - just come along to enjoy the yoga and joyful space!
Ingelara Retreat
Monday night 7.30pm - 8.45pm
wed morning 7am - 8.30am
Cooma
Thurs morn 9.45 - 11am
another class will be available soon
please let me know of your interest
Contact Gini for more information and dates.
