
Equine Supported Learning
Born out of the Equine Psychotherapy Australia model (www.equinepsychotherapy.net.au.) ESL is an approach to experiential learning where the relationship between the horse, client and practitioner is fundamental. This model is based on the Way of the Horse and draws widely from the principals and practise of Gestalt, a phenomenological method of enquiry which emphasises observation and description of subjective experiences as a way of learning. It encompasses mindfulness, psychotherapy and somatic trauma practise.
In an ESL session a practitioner may offer a variety of individual and group experiments. Equine assisted learning experiments are designed for each individual depending on their particular needs. The experiential focus may be on team building, leadership development, personal growth, or child and adolescent learning. An EAL session may support a client to become more aware and mindful and to harness intention and focus. It may help them to connect with their feelings and to see and explore fixed patterns and beliefs. A session may support clients to experiment with relationship and choices, develop new life skills and experiment with new ways of being in the world.

Facilitator - Ann Poulsen
Equine Supported Learning and Personal Development practitioner (cert, Equine Psychotherapy Institute). Grad.Dip.Ed (reg.teacher), Cert. Steiner Teacher, B.Sc. (Zoology)
My passion for horses goes back for as long as I can remember. As I was growing up most of my spare time was devoted to being with them. Their presence invoked so much for me. Over the years I have continued to learn and grow through my connection with horses.
My interest in science and the environment led me to study the work of Rudolf Steiner and complete the Rudolf Steiner teacher training in 1996. I've worked in Steiner schools and mainstream education for 17 years in many areas including special needs, the arts and teacher training.
In 2014 I had the opportunity to train in Equine Assisted Learning and Personal Development (EAL/PD) through the Equine Psychotherapy Institute. My work with children, parents and the community continues in the area of EAL/PD where I offer individual sessions or a series of tailored sessions over a period of weeks to adults, children and groups.
email me for more information.
Equine Supported Learning and Personal Development practitioner (cert, Equine Psychotherapy Institute). Grad.Dip.Ed (reg.teacher), Cert. Steiner Teacher, B.Sc. (Zoology)
My passion for horses goes back for as long as I can remember. As I was growing up most of my spare time was devoted to being with them. Their presence invoked so much for me. Over the years I have continued to learn and grow through my connection with horses.
My interest in science and the environment led me to study the work of Rudolf Steiner and complete the Rudolf Steiner teacher training in 1996. I've worked in Steiner schools and mainstream education for 17 years in many areas including special needs, the arts and teacher training.
In 2014 I had the opportunity to train in Equine Assisted Learning and Personal Development (EAL/PD) through the Equine Psychotherapy Institute. My work with children, parents and the community continues in the area of EAL/PD where I offer individual sessions or a series of tailored sessions over a period of weeks to adults, children and groups.
email me for more information.
Horses live in the present moment and respond authentically. They may or may not choose to do as we might want or wish for. They are free to be themselves and not harnessed for our purpose. This makes our work all the more satisfying and real.