Carlisle Academy has been offering wellness opportunities in the form of ground-based (unmounted) equine-assisted learning programs for over 12 years. We use the tranquil farm environment to create a sensory-rich experience where all participants can benefit from the enrichment and personal growth that comes with being in the healing presence of horses and participating in individual or team-based activities which provide insight, immediate feedback, and valuable respite from the outside world.
All ground-based wellness programs are nationally accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.) and facilitated by health professionals, supported by credentialed instructors and horse professionals.
The unmounted work with horses may involve liberty work in the round pen, leading exercises, group challenges, and herd observation. Some participants may choose to focus on basic grooming techniques while being present and benefitting from the close contact and sensory communication with the horse.
Please read more for our youth and adult programs:
– Equine-Imity (youth) Flyer »
– Guided (adult) Flyer »
FAQs are below or Download the PDF »
Equine Assisted Learning FAQs
EQUINE-ASSISTED LEARNING (EAL) as defined by PATH Intl. is the facilitation of experiential learning incorporating equines to promote the development of life skills for educational, professional or personal goals.
Specially trained and/or certified professionals at Carlisle Academy offer nontherapy equine-assisted learning in personal development and growth.
- Education-based with learning objectives
- A multi-sensory experiential learning approach where feedback from the horse provides the learning
- Interactions with the horse on the ground
- Therapy-based (psychotherapy or any counseling modality)
- Riding horses
Qualified professionals possess appropriate training, experience, and skills to facilitate EAL activities that provide an environment integrating equine-human interaction, supported by a planned learning experience, to meet identified goals for the participant. EAL participants are exposed to activities that can promote the discovery of critical life skills such as healthy decision making and problem solving, creative and critical thinking, self-awareness and empathy, communication and interpersonal skills, and coping with emotions and stress. (PATH Intl.)
Anyone interested in enhancing life skills and experiencing personal growth through observing and interacting with the horse.
Participants in Equine Assisted Learning must:
- Be at least 12 years of age
- Be able to navigate uneven terrain
- Be able to tolerate the sounds and smells of the farm environment
- Be able to manage any allergies to horse hair, hay, dust, pollen, insect bites
Participants in Equine Assisted Learning must:
- All participants should wear long pants, closed toed shoes preferably with coverage at the ankles for safety around livestock.
- There are no weight restrictions for unmounted programs.
- Helmets are not required for unmounted programs.
Participant or parent/guardian must complete enrollment forms (1) Enrollment & Liability Release; (2) Medical Form; and (3) EAL Screening & Health History, prior to their first session.
It is at the discretion of Carlisle Academy’s Head of School to accept or remove a participant from the program. Possible grounds for dismissal or discharge may include, but are not limited to:
- Conduct endangering another student, staff, horse, or themselves.
- Consistent failure to follow safety procedures with respect to the horses and facility.
- A change in medical condition should it be determined that it is no longer safe or
- beneficial for a participant to continue.
- Continued failure to show up for scheduled time or excessive lateness.
- A participant may be discharged from a program or service if it has been determined
- that the participant has met stated goals.
For more information, contact the office at 207-985-0374, or email your inquiry to info@carlisleacademymaine.com.