Equine Assisted Learning
What is Equine Assisted Learning?
An active, skill-building program. No riding. No saddles. Just connection.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a learner-based educational program that uses horses to teach life skills. Unlike riding lessons, which focus on horsemanship and external cues, EAL focuses on internal regulation and connection.
Working on the ground with a horse requires you to be aware of your non-verbal communication, your energy, and your boundaries. Because horses are prey animals, they are hyper-sensitive to their environment. They act as instant mirrors—reflecting your leadership style and emotional state back to you in real-time.
At MeadowView Reins, we use the EAL Canada 'Building Block' curriculum. This isn't therapy; it’s an objective-based program designed to help you solve problems, build resilience, and lead with clarity.
The Science of Connection.
Why do we partner with horses for human development? It comes down to biology.
Horses have evolved over thousands of years to detect the slightest change in their environment to survive. They can hear a heartbeat from four feet away and detect tension in a human's body language instantly.
When you step into the arena, the horse provides immediate, honest bio-feedback. If you are anxious but pretending to be calm, the horse will not trust you. If you are aggressive, the horse will distance itself. To succeed in the exercises, you must learn to regulate your own nervous system and communicate clearly.
This practice rewires how we approach stress and leadership in our daily lives—whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the living room.
How to Start Your Journey
The Meet & Greet.
Every journey begins with a handshake. Book a mandatory, complimentary 20-minute visit to meet Meagan and the herd, tour the facility, and ensure EAL is the right fit for your goals.
Choose Your Path.
Based on your Meet & Greet, we will recommend the program—whether family, teen, or individual—that matches your needs.
Begin the Work.
Schedule your sessions and step into the arena.
Signature Curriculums
Choose the path that fits your goals.
In Front of the Herd – Teen Leadership
Leading with Confidence, Not Force.
Adolescence is a time of navigating pressure, identity, and boundaries. This program offers teens a unique environment to discover their natural leadership style without the pressure of peers or social media.
Horses respond to authenticity, not posturing. In this series, teens learn that true leadership isn't about being the loudest—it’s about being the most grounded. Participants work through challenges that build self-esteem, teach emotional regulation, and develop the courage to make decisions 'in front of the herd.
Location: MeadowView Ranch (Big Lake)
Format: 7 sessions of 90 min over 6 weeks
Price: $300 per person
Find your Footing.
Sometimes the most meaningful growth happens when we stop analyzing and start sensing. Designed for adults seeking clarity or navigating a life transition, this 6-week program uses the horse as a mirror for your internal state.
If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, the horse provides immediate, non-judgmental feedback on your energy and body language. By working through specific ground-based objectives, you will learn to release tension, set healthy boundaries, and rediscover a sense of purpose and direction.
Location: MeadowView Ranch (Big Lake)
Format: 7 sessions of 90 min over 6 weeks
Price: $300 per person
Trail of the Heart
From Chaos to Completeness.
A family operates much like a herd: to feel safe and function well, there must be trust, clear communication, and defined roles. In this program, families (or couples) step out of their daily routine and into the arena to solve problems together.
We strip away the distractions of modern life to reveal the true dynamics of your 'home team.' Through objective-based exercises with the horses, you will identify communication gaps, rebuild respect, and learn to move forward as a cohesive unit. This is not family counseling; it is active team building for the most important team you belong to.
Location: MeadowView Ranch (Big Lake)
Format: 7 sessions of 90 min over 6 weeks
Price: $600 per family
Trail of the Home
Frequently Asked Questions
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EAL is primarily a ground-based practice, meaning you work side-by-side with the horse rather than sitting on them. This allows the horse to move freely and act as an equal partner.
A Special Note: While not required, we do offer optional bareback exercises for participants who are comfortable. These guided moments of direct contact can offer a powerful, deeper sense of connection and regulation, but they are completely voluntary. No previous riding experience is needed to participate in any part of the session.
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While the sessions are often therapeutic and emotional, this is not clinical therapy. We focus on skill development and forward-looking growth. We do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, though we often work alongside therapists to support their clients' journeys.
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Absolutely. In fact, working through that fear is a powerful part of the process. Our certified facilitators prioritize safety above all else, and you will never be forced to do something you aren't ready for. We move at your pace.
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Close-toed shoes (boots or sturdy sneakers) are mandatory. Dress in layers suitable for the Cariboo weather, as we will be outdoors.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Your first step is on us.
Because EAL is a personal experience, we require all new clients to start with a Complimentary 20-Minute Meet & Greet.
This is not a sales pitch; it is a safety and compatibility check. Come see the ranch, meet your potential equine partners, and let us help you find the program that fits your life.