EAL and why it works
At Heart of a Phoenix Farm, Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is the heart of what we do. EAL is a hands-on, experiential approach to personal growth where individuals learn important life skills by partnering with horses. Unlike riding-focused programs, EAL is done entirely on the ground through guided activities that promote emotional awareness, communication, trust, confidence, and problem-solving.
Horses are powerful teachers because they live fully in the present moment. They respond instantly and honestly to our body language, tone, focus, and emotional state—often revealing what we don’t yet notice about ourselves. Their feedback is never judgmental or complicated. It’s simple, clear, and genuine, which makes learning feel natural instead of forced.
During an EAL session, participants might lead a horse through an obstacle, navigate a trust-building exercise, or work together on a team challenge. Each activity is intentionally designed to mirror real-life situations. When a horse hesitates, follows willingly, sets a boundary, or connects deeply, there is meaning in that interaction. With support from a trained facilitator, these moments become opportunities for reflection, understanding, and growth.
EAL works because it combines:
Immediate, honest feedback from the horse
Experiential learning, which is more impactful than traditional talk-based approaches
A calm, natural environment that encourages openness
Opportunities to practice new skills in real time
A sense of connection, which is essential for healing and change
People come to Heart of a Phoenix Farm for many reasons—stress, burnout, low confidence, emotional overwhelm, relationship challenges, or simply the desire for deeper self-awareness. Regardless of the reason, horses meet each person exactly where they are. They reflect strength, encourage calm, and invite clients to rise and rebuild at their own pace.
At Heart of a Phoenix Farm, we believe that learning alongside a horse helps individuals rediscover their inner resilience—the same resilience that defines the phoenix itself. Through EAL, clients develop practical skills and meaningful insights that carry far beyond the farm and into everyday life
Explore services we offer
We know that there is no such thing as one size fits all and offer many different options to come and enjoy our farm with us. Please see our services below and always feel free to reach out with any questions!
Upcoming Sessions
Winter Session Update
Due to the unpredictability of winter weather, Heart of a Phoenix Farm is not offering drop-in sessions at this time. We are, however, continuing to offer one-on-one sessions, with a great deal of flexibility in scheduling. Individual sessions allow us to better adapt to weather conditions while still providing a safe, meaningful experience. Please reach out to schedule a time that works for you.
*Children are absolutely welcome! We understand that being around animals can be exciting, and it may take a little time for them to settle in. Because younger participants often need closer supervision and individual support, we kindly ask that they are able to remain calm and not disrupt the session. If a child needs more focused attention, we may recommend a private session to ensure the best and safest experience for everyone involved.
Drop in Sessions
Dates to come in early spring! Check back in March or contact us for a private session!
Half Day Clinics
Dates to come in early spring! Check back in March or contact us for a private session!
Contact us
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