About | AEFL

EFL promotes strategies to attain healthier relationships that in turn can improve wider group and family dynamics. EFL sessions bring together horses and people in a safe, supervised space designed to elicit positive and empowering interaction.

What is EFL?

Contemporary clinical research shows that close proximity to horses changes human brain wave patterns suggesting that humans can be transformed in a very positive way when in the presence of horses. Appropriate interaction with horses can therefore prove therapeutic to adults and children alike. Equine Facilitated Learning is an interaction between horses and people designed to promote experiential learning for all the participants.

The majority of sessions involve interacting with the horse from the ground and although riding is a possibility, most people will experience EFL and its many benefits in this way.

What is AEFL?

Australian Equine Facilitated learning Pty Ltd (AEFL) has been established to promote awareness of and participation in interactions between horses and people in a way that is positive, fulfilling and safe for all parties involved.

It seeks to allow all participants – client, facilitator, horse, spectator, to experience the interaction in their own way and at their own level in a manner that each finds beneficial. AEFL will implement structures, guidelines, codes of practise and set out basic skills and safety levels to set standards for all involved in the practise of EFL. There are now a multitude of equine "therapies" available and distinguishing which one is suitable and appropriately qualified and insured can be difficult! Be vigilant, look at a few options and ask as many questions as you like - ask us, we're always happy to discuss our favourite subject!

Therapeutic benefits of EFL

Sharing with a client an insight into herd dynamics can allow them to learn that their behaviour will have a profound effect not just on the horses but on the people in their lives. The interaction between the horse and the client is carefully overseen in a manner designed to bring forth confidence and self-esteem.

The presence of a therapy horse seems to release previous perceptions that the client (and often their families or carers) may have of themselves and allow them the opportunity to experience a new way of “being”. Good facilitators allow clients (and the horses) the space to grow and expand into their potential and this is inspiring to all who experience it.

Children often do not experience EFL as learning in the traditional sense. It is because EFL is experiential that suddenly learning becomes fun!

Positively Supporting your EFL Journey

There is a range of inclusive teaching strategies that can assist participants who have Challenges, Disorder, or disabilities. EFL is an all inclusive therapeutic interaction for Adults, Youth and Children