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One participants life changed by participating in a 3 hour Equine Assisted Learning session as part of a thesis study ~ “I do not feel intimidated by things I cannot control. I am now a take-charge, no nonsense kind of person. All because of some people I did not know and a horse.” M-A-P, LLC and Kaleidoscope Learning Center, LLC teamed-up to assist in a Master’s Thesis Study on Equine Assisted Learning by Carolyn Stauffer. Carolyn's thesis will be posted in June for your review.
I was asked to participate in a session of Equine Assisted Learning training offered by Carolyn Stauffer. Eager to help a woman I have never even met, I attended the class with my sister. Being a thirty-two year old woman with a very out going personality, I thought I would have no issues what so ever during this training period.
Upon arrival, I met numerous people all put in the same situation I was in. Some people were very nervous, others were very confident. After introductions of all participants and an explanation of exactly what we all were doing there, it was time for the first exercise.
The first exercise was a very simple task. Assigned to a partner, together, we had to halter a horse without speaking to one another. Your only communication could be through body language. Simple enough. Through this exercise, I learned that I could follow instructions easily, but found myself not having a clue as to how to halter the horse. I was looking at the other groups for help. My partner, who haltered the horse easily, broke the rules and spoke to me. Immediately I shook my head at him trying to tell him “no speaking allowed”. After the exercise, when my partner was asked if he spoke, his response was no. At that very moment, I was guilt ridden. I felt as if I should speak up and tell the truth for another’s actions or dishonesty. This exercise taught me that I am a very honest person. For one, my partner lying caused a whirlwind of emotions to run through me, and two, I felt guilty for looking at how the other groups were haltering their horses.
The second exercise was definitely a challenge for me. Again, being paired up with two other participants, the goal was to groom the horse. Given a bucket full of grooming tools the exercise began. Each person in the group took turns grooming and holding the horse. I found myself scared to death. I learned that if I am around something I cannot control, I get very nervous. I knew the horse felt my anxiety level just as much as I did. I simply could not control my anxiety. The thought of walking out of the arena and waiting in the car until the training was over, seemed very inviting to me. But, I was here in this situation for a reason and I was only going to become a better person if I stayed and conquered my fears. Being in a terrible relationship for three years and losing control over numerous situations, only caused me great pain and bodily harm.
I was afraid of getting hurt and feeling that pain all over again. This horse was larger then I, and like my previous relationship, chaos could erupt at any given moment, without warning. I had no control. Like usual, I tried to deal with all of these emotions myself. But, if I felt all this anxiety, what was the horse feeling? Why did I think I had to go through this myself? At that moment, I realized that I had other people there to help me. They may have not known exactly what they were doing for me, but somehow I found comfort and strength within a horse and people I did not even know. How could a person with such an out going personality be so torn up inside?
The EAL training I went through has helped me become a stronger more confident person. It has impacted my life so much, that no longer do I feel intimidated by things I cannot control. I am now a take-charge, no nonsense kind of person. All because of some people I did not know and a horse. Thank you Carolyn!
