EFL: Equine Facilitated Learning at Grazy Days Farm

EFL is a powerful tool for personal growth - horses are by nature fully in the moment and always honest. They are typically very interested in connecting with others, testing boundaries, and exploring relationships. When partnering with them and a trained human facilitator in mindful ground (non-riding) exercises / mindfulness, we can stretch and explore new ways of being. We can do this in an emotionally safer, lower-stakes context than with our families, friends, and colleagues. Many people have improved skills such as confidence, empathy, boundary setting, communication, self-awareness, and stress management, through practicing EFL.

New research is also beginning to support what many of us have long felt: that we are our best selves in the presence of horses. That they help us find solid emotional footing in which to grow and thrive. Some find horses, exquisitely sensitive to everything around them; and masters of relationship, emotion, and non-predatory power, to be fabulous teachers in their own rights. Teachers of the very skills that humankind must develop if we are to save ourselves and this glorious world from our worst instincts, and if we are to thrive fully in our wild and precious lives.

The Grazy Days Horse Herd has a lot to offer and is excited to share their brilliance with all those who would see the world anew.

One unusual thing about our program is that we work almost entirely at liberty (no ropes or pens - the horses can leave anytime they wish) and with the whole herd. The horses themselves choose who comes forward and what they would like to offer. They appear to love working in this way.

Cost: I am currently practicing on a donation basis. I want to make this work available to those who are interested, regardless of income. Please pay what you can manage. Suggested donation is $50. Most donations will go towards feeding those huge piggies we call horses ;0).

Mini FAQ:

What does a session typically look like? We start where a client is comfortable and proceed only as desired, which often means starting from outside the horse corral. Usually there is some standing and some sitting. Some talking and some looking inward. Some listening to information and some trying out of new ways of relating. Some scratching of itchy horses. How long does it take to get results? That depends on a lot of factors, but every session should offer some benefit. What to wear / bring? I recommend close toed shoes that can get a little dirty, jeans or similar washable clothing, an extra layer if it's chilly (or two - it can be very windy up here!), and a water bottle.

Donations gratefully accepted via cash, check, venmo, paypal, cash app and hay bale :0).

I am certified by the HERD (https://herdinstitute.com/) as a level 1 EFL practitioner. I am currently studying the Eponaquest EFL method (eponaquest.com). I have also completed extensive training in Hakomi mindful somatic healing.

These are some of the writers / teachers -in no particular order - who inspire me in my work with horses and people:r

Sharon Wilsie (sharonwilsie.com)

Carolyn Resnick (carolynresnick.com)

Jini Patel and the Singing Horse Herd (singinghorseherd.com)

Ginny Jablonski (heartofthehorse.us)

Linda Kohanov (eponaquest.com)

Karen Rohlf (dressagenaturally.net)

Photos at top of page by Rainn Wanner. Photo at end by Kelcey Christine Photography