Focus: This is an excellent workshop for anyone desiring to enter the field of equine facilitated mental health work, therapeutic riding work, coaching with horses work or alternative healing/body work with horses. This is a horsemanship skills workshop for individuals with limited to no experience with horses or experiences with horses that have been unfortunate, dangerous or disconnected from creating a partnership.

We believe that relying on an equine specialist when you provide therapy or coaching  to your clients is not enough. You should feel comfortable and confident around horses. We'll teach you how to safely work with horses and partner with them. You'll relish in your new found confidence around horses. The clients and horses you work with will notice!

Time Spent: Participants will spend most of the time on ground - learning herd behavior, engaging with the herd, learning horse communication skills, learning safe handling skills. Participants will also learn basic hands-on healing and relaxation techniques for horses to gain confidence in working closely with a horse and establishing trust and partnership. For those seeking work in equine facilitated environments proper selection, care and rejuvenation of horses working in this field will be discussed. Depending on participants desire - an opportunity to do reflective riding (how do I influence and impact a horse when I am on his/her back) will be offered.

Outcome: An increased comfort level being around horses - handling them - taking care of them. Awareness of how horses communicate their emotions, needs, and concerns. Awareness of how your personality and emotional state impacts and influences your interaction with horses. Increased knowledge of the handling, care and selection of horses for equine facilitated activities.

Cost: $190.oo Please see the website www.epala.org for additional information and registration details.