Equine Assisted Services
Whispering Woods Stables provides equine-assisted programs to individuals with emotional, behavioral, and learning disabilities, we also offer personal growth and development programs that serve a wide range of individuals in terms of education, leadership training, team building, life skills and other enhancement skills for people of all ages.
Our programs are offered by certified professionals based on the Path International model. We are trained to offer programs that have a positive impact in animal and human bonding while following national standards for safe and reliable equine activities.
All of the programs as Whispering Woods Stables are unmounted (non-riding) and focus on relationship building between you and your equine partner. No horse experience is necessary. Whispering Woods Stables is a Path Member Center and we adhere to the strict guidelines set forth by Path International to ensure the safety and well being of our clients and our horses.
EAS refers to multiple services in which professionals incorporate horses and other equines to benefit people. The horse is the common thread that unites the three following distinct service areas:
EAS (Equine Assisted Services)
EAP is a form of therapy where the participants partner with horses in mental health treatment program. A licensed/certified mental health professional and equine specialist collaborate in these sessions. These sessions are based on goal-oriented activities that focus on caring for and working with horses to achieve positive outcomes by building confidence and establishing trust through developing horse skills, focusing on the present, foster inward reflections and emotional grounding.
EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy)
EAL is a non-therapy service: Where participants partner with horses and equine specialists in a unmounted program. The equine specialists facilitate goal oriented unmounted interactive activities with horses and the equine environment to benefit the which focus on caring for and working with horses to build confidence, self-esteem, trust that promotes positive development of life skills for educational, professional and personal growth.
EAL in Education: Professionals with a knowledge of learning theory and teaching methodology focus on life skills, including leadership, character-building and academic skills. They may develop contracts with schools and integrate specific educational strategies, academic standards and character education within their curricula and provision of services
EAL in Personal Development: Professionals assist individuals and groups in handling life challenges and opportunities by developing skills in effective problem-solving, decision-making and communication. Service providers must have extensive training or certifications in facilitation, coaching or teaching and knowledge of the distinct differences between personal development and psychotherapy.
EAL (Equine Assisted Learning)
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Horses are 100% honest, 100% of the time. No matter who you are, the horse will be an authentic team-member who will let you know if things are working - or not. And most often, they'll give you plenty of chances to get it right. Without judgment. They teach us to be present, honest, clear and committed. Like people, horses come with a wide range of personalities, moods and quirks. They'll react differently to each person and each situation.
The horse's herd mentality offers powerful leadership lessons. A horse will respect a herd leader who demonstrates awareness, fairness, and respect guiding towards a goal. Horses will challenge a leader who is vague, confusing, or lacking commitment to the good of the group. As a tool of survival - horses are highly sensitive to nonverbal stimulus.
Why Horses?
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An Equine Specialist at Whispering Woods Stables has been trained a certified through Path International to ensure the safety and well-being of the human and the equine participating in the mental health or learning programs. They also serve as the equine expert during the equine – human interactions and they work alongside the mental heath professional or educator in the unmounted activities. They are knowledgeable in horsemanship and understand how to collaborate with other professionals to best meet the clients needs. They also must have a general knowledge of mental health practices and the educational process. It is also their responsibility to develop the equine activities for the program based on pre-determined goals and outcomes.
Who is an
Equine Specialist?
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We work with participants who are experiencing a
variety of physical, emotional, behavioral challenges such as:
•ADD/ADHD
•Anxiety/Stress/Depression/PTSD
•At Risk Youth
•Behavioral/Emotional/Eating Disorders
•Brain Injury/trauma
•Depression
•Sensory Disorders
(Hearing/Visual/Speech)
•Low self esteem/self worth
•Learning challenges.
We also work with:
•Local educational programs
•Community Member Groups
•Team Building Programs
•First Responders
•Family
•Counseling Groups
(Grief/Marriage/Relationship)
•Substance Abuse Programs
•Life Skills Programs
•Other
Who Benefits?
