Frequently Asked Questions
What is EAL?
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an effective approach to human development through horsemanship. Participants engage in team emphasized exercises and find themselves learning valuable skills in a fun and exciting atmosphere while working through the dynamics of horses.
Why horses?
Horses are extremely sensitive, aware of their surroundings and quick to react. By including horses in specially designed educational experiences, equine-assisted specialists have greatly multiplied the participant's rate of success to self discovery. Horses can't over think a participant's motive and horses can't manipulate behavior. But by their intuitive nature and innate sensitivity, horses can provide facilitators with a window into the participant's personality. As facilitators listen to a horse's non-verbal communication they have the ability to walk participants through the curriculum to finding life or career altering change.
Are you certified?
Yes! Kari Fulmek, the Senior Facilitator at the Spiritual Equine Connection was certified through the first nationally recognized, Certified Equine-Assisted Learning Course at the Cartier Equine learning centre. Cartier is a leader in EAL and the only certified course in Canada.
How is Spiritual Equine Connection different?
Our, one of a kind, BuildingBlock™ Certified Equine-Assisted Learning Program© will teach your group how four-legged facilitators assist participants in learning the power and strength of non-verbal communication. This is a powerful journey of teaching, learning and understanding.
Do I need experience with horses?
Nope. As our program does not require you to ride a horse, no prior experience is necessary. We will inform every group of the rules and safety precautions to take around the animals and the arena. We always put safety first, but we can accommodate everyone's different comfort levels around the horses.
Who is EAL for?
EAL can be helpful to all groups of people. (Groups of 4 — 8 people are best.)Whether you are a group of youths with behavioural issues, teens needing to heal or adults wanting to improve their skills in the workplace, EAL can help. The key to the program is that the horses and the course are designed to help any emotional, behavioural or skill related issue.
Are you insured?
Yes we carry extensive insurance for ourselves and those who attend our course.
What if it is cold out? Will we freeze?
Not with our heated arena you won't! We have to be out there too so we understand the need for a warm environment. Also, we all need to be comfortable to get the most out of the courses. f the weather outside is nice, we can always work in the sunshine, but too hot or too cold, we have the covered arena to keep us comfortable.
Do we ride the horses?
All of our work is out of the saddle. You will work along side the horses as part of your team rather than as a tool. This way the horse can be it's true self and not be "on the job". This allows for the best and true reaction of the horse and the most beneficial way of learning for you.
Do I need certain clothing?
Although chaps and a pair of cowboy boots aren't required, we do have certain safety requirements when it comes to your clothing. Simple things like closed toe shoes and dressing in clothes that you are ok with getting a little dusty. We will give you a full list of these safety measures, of course.
Strathmore? Is that far away?
Not at all! Strathmore is only 25 minutes east of Calgary off of the Transcanada highway and many of the people in Strathmore make the commute to Calgary daily.
