What is Equine Experiential Learning or Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning?
EEL is an educational model, and at Epona we employ the emotional message chart, the false self/authentic self paradigm, the body scan, the boundary handout and other tools to assist the clients in their personal awareness of feeling states, body sensations, boundaries and intrusive destructive thoughts. At Epona we teach individuals, through the Way of the Horse, to take their experiences home and make changes in their lives, if they choose. Our hope is that they can use these tools and experiences to change irrational thoughts and dysfunctional patterns, which have kept them stuck in a survival mentality, and help them shift them to move into a thriving place for more creative and productive lives.
Only apprenticeship program graduates who are qualified Mental Health Workers according to the regulations of the state where they will practice will qualify to integrate EEL principles with their therapeutic or counseling approach. However, it is essential to distinguish between EEL and mental health models, particularly the area of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP). Psychotherapy is a long-term process involving one-on-one therapeutic sessions with a client and the therapist. It requires an intimate connection and at least weekly sessions. We do not teach psychotherapy in Epona programs.
Read more about EFEL in the article Why Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning.
What is Epona?
Named after the ancient horse goddess Epona, a symbol of healing, transformation and balance for the Celts, Epona Equestrian Services is a collective of educators, counselors, physical therapists and riding instructors exploring the healing potential of horse-human relationships. Founded in 1997 by author, lecturer and horse trainer Linda Kohanov, Epona has received international attention for innovative programs employing horses in the work of human development.
Named after the ancient horse goddess Epona, a symbol of healing, transformation and balance for the Celts, Epona Equestrian Services is a collective of educators, counselors, physical therapists and riding instructors exploring the healing potential of horse-human relationships. Founded in 1997 by author, lecturer and horse trainer Linda Kohanov, Epona has received international attention for innovative programs employing horses in the work of human development.
People from across the U.S, Canada and Europe have gained a greater sense of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance. Alumni of Epona's personal development workshops and private sessions include accomplished artists, actors and musicians, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists and physicians, life coaches, body workers, business executives, teachers, and riding instructors. Survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, Vietnam War vets, teens with anger management issues, children with attention deficit disorder, and riders with post-traumatic stress disorder have also benefitted from Epona's more intensive equine-facilitated psychotherapy programs.
Through a holistic approach to the equestrian arts, clients explore assertiveness, stress reduction and emotional fitness skills, strenghtening self-esteem and personal empowerment in the process. Consensus-building relationship models teach people how to take the reins of any situation without lapsing into the pitfalls of dominance, alientation, intimidation or victimization. Many programs also employ journaling, mindfulness techniques, expressive arts and music to enhance intuition, multi-sensory awareness and creativity.
Does Epona offer tours? Can I meet the Epona herd?
Visitors to the ranch must be registered guests or must have a scheduled appointment. Tours are available by appointment only. On this site, you can see photos of the Epona horses on our gallery pages and find out what workshops you might want to attend at the Epona Center.