About our Programs
We partner with horses for the exploration of self- awareness, connection to self & nature, and to gain new perspectives on life.
When connecting with horses, powerful metaphors arise. We begin to identify our present state of being, and are then able to develop what is needed to take new paths of action. Nature and horses can demonstrate to us how to move beyond our existing reality into a more expansive level of awareness and union with all.
Horses provide an honest, non-judgmental reflection of what is happening between horse and human. Activities are designed to enhance the participant’s understanding of how limiting beliefs, expectations, interpretations, and personal energy can often create blocks to personal success in many areas of our lives
What to Expect
Under the guidance of a highly experienced equine facilitated learning coach and with the assistance of the horse as a teacher, the Horse Experience session can become a compelling metaphor representing the participant’s life situations. The participants discover that perhaps who they are in the horse to human relationship mirrors who they are in their human to human relationships.
Participants can expect to discover a refreshingly new relationship between horse and human, where the horse becomes a teacher and facilitator. The kinds of activities and methods in which the activities are completed, result in metaphors for reflection, contemplation, and discussion.
Why Horses?
Horses are large and magnificent animals. Accomplishing a task involving a horse, in spite of fears or limitations, creates confidence and provides metaphors for dealing with challenging situations in life. Horses mirror accurately what your body, emotions, energy , and thoughts are telling them. Their non-judgmental honesty makes them especially effective messengers. In addition, the horse's natural responsiveness to clear intention empowers you to live from a place of strength, no matter what your physical condition or life circumstances.
No previous horse experience is needed to participate in any of our Horse Experience programs. We adhere to safety guidelines which are reviewed with participants prior to each session. In addition, we familiarize participants with the horse’s nature, and instruct them how to stay safe while connecting with the horses. Our goal is to provide an experience where safety, learning and connection are combined to optimize the experience for both human and horses.
Testimonials
Passion and Skills
I have worked closely with Ale for over 4 years assisting her facilitate Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) experiences at the National Ability Center. EAL provides participants with an unmounted horse experience in an arena setting similar to her Horse Meditation Circles. Through my volunteer work with Ale and the EAL program, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic stress, depression and addiction. Many of the veterans who participate in the EAL program are hollow shells of their former selves. Under Ale’s leadership and guidance, I have seen firsthand how transformative this program can be for many of them. Interacting with the horses, these veterans experience trust, acceptance, and forgiveness, learn to recognize and appreciate boundaries for themselves and others, and engage in activities designed to increase life skills, all of which aid in their healing process. Ale’s knowledge of horses and her ability to connect with them are undeniable. The successes I have observed in EAL are a direct result of her skills and passion for horses and helping others.
Nancy D.
Testimonials & Shifts
"I am very grateful for you and the tremendous gift of the work you doing in the world. The impact of the evening was profound and lives on. I'm noticing and re-noticing....and also feeling a shift internally." Maggy G.
"Under Ale’s leadership and guidance, I have seen firsthand how transformative this program can be for many of them. Interacting with the horses, these veterans experience trust, acceptance, and forgiveness, learn to recognize and appreciate boundaries for themselves and others, and engage in activities designed to increase life skills, all of which aid in their healing process. Ale’s knowledge of horses and her ability to connect with them are undeniable. The successes I have observed in EAL are a direct result of her skills and passion for horses and helping others." Nancy D.
My experience was indescribably powerful in its simplicity. I have struggled to find the right words to share my experience with friends, other than feeling that everyone must experience this for themselves. I was both humbled by the horses support, and totally in awe of Alejandra’s ability to create and maintain a grounded and safe space to explore, connect and just be. You receive immediate feedback from the horse about where you are and what you are feeling, and all the while being gently guided by Alejandra. My ability to process was exponentially faster. Incredible!!!" Peggy A.
"Ale brings her special skill set to all her horse experiences. This summer I had the opportunity to participate in one of her Horse Medication Circles. Being a participant was a wonderfully unique experience for me. Ale’s presence and calm voice made it easy to quickly leave the world behind for a while and slip into a contemplative state with the horses. It was an experience I will long remember and hope to repeat soon." N.D.
More Horse Experience Programs
The Horse Experience
If you quit living with fear and started living with expansion, what would you do?
Our unique Horse Experience takes you on a revealing journey inside yourself deepening your presence through body-centered practices
Family Adventures with Horses
If you want your family to have an unforgettable experience, come to our exclusive Family & Horses Adventures!
Through carefully design experiences, families will acquire opportunities to explore different ways of communication including non-verbal language, learn about the nature of horses and how to become part of the horse family. Every experience includes an opportunity for children to discuss skills they've learned and how to transfer these skills to other areas of their family lives.
Corporate Team Building
Our Corporate Team Horse Experience workshops provide experiential team building activities to stimulate insights that generate change through innovative, powerful, highly challenging and memorable interactions with horses.
Mindful Horsemanship
If you are considering getting a new horse or are reconnecting with horses after time away, Mindful Horsemanship is a co-creative process that uses exploration and mindful presence to develop a heart-connected relationship with your horse.
Horse Meditation Circle
Tap into your inner stillness during our Horse Meditation Circle to open to your wisdom and intuition. We will explore embodied presence surrounded by a herd of horses which presence can transport us to the place of pure potentiality within. Horses, by their very nature, touch our spirits with their beauty, freedom, courage, power and heart.
Yoga & Horses
Being in nature allows us to gain new perspectives and recharge our mind, body and spirit. The experience of being with horses and practicing yoga in nature helps us move beyond our existing reality into a larger level of awareness. Participants will walk away feeling refreshed, grounded and enlightened.
Military Programs
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy - Equine Specialist
The mission of Warrior Camp® is to create an environment in which the trauma of war can be addressed. Warrior Camp® is a week-long retreat located in serene and secluded locations that foster the development of a close-knit community within which healing can occur. They include a healthy balance of trauma therapy, relaxation and leisure activities.
Warrior Camp® runs for 7 days. All participants are screened by a clinician prior to camp to assess readiness for both group activities and individual treatment. Full participation in group activities is encouraged as it fosters connection, community and support. Group activities consist of community meetings, team building activities (there are lots of these to choose from), equine assisted psychotherapy, yoga, and hikes or other sports.
Participation in individual treatment, while strongly recommended, is always on a voluntary basis. Treatments offered are EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Yoga, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), and Narrative Writing Workshops. While it is our experience that warriors tend to try out all activities that are offered, involvement in group and/or individual treatment and activities is always a choice.
The clinical team consists of several EMDR clinicians, an equine psychotherapy team made up of two people (plus horses), a yoga instructor, and a narrative writing instructor. On either end of the program (day one and the last day) there is attention to introductions and then to saying goodbye. Warriors are given referrals for continued treatment by clinicians in their home cities, if needed.
TRR's Warrior Camp® is a FREE program for active military and veterans of all eras.
TRR's Warrior Camp® is designated as a Military Service Provider by EAGALA
Equine Assisted Learning Program - Founder & Facilitator
Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
Though PATH Intl. began with a focus on horseback riding as a form of physical and mental therapy, the organization and its dedicated members have since developed a multitude of different equine-related activities for therapeutic purposes, collectively known as equine-assisted activities and therapies (or EAAT). Besides horseback riding, EAAT also includes therapeutic carriage driving; interactive vaulting, which is similar to gymnastics on horseback; equine-facilitated learning and mental health, which partner with the horse in cognitive and behavioral therapy, usually with the participation of a licensed therapist; ground work and stable management; and PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes®, which uses a variety of EAAT disciplines specifically to help war veterans and military personnel. In addition, many PATH Intl. volunteer-driven committees are working on identifying and refining even more disciplines and activities that might be put to use in the world of EAAT.
PATH Intl. Certified Instructors use these equine-assisted activities and therapies to help tens of thousands of individuals each year with physical, mental and behavioral challenges gain strength and independence through the power of the horse. EAAT helps people from all backgrounds and all walks of life in a variety of ways, including increasing strength and flexibility, improving motor skills, promoting speech and cognitive reasoning, and building relationships and social skills. The individuals served by PATH Intl. members may face any number of challenges, including paralysis, multiple sclerosis, autism, Down syndrome, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury or amputation – but all benefit from the power of the horse.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Program at the NAC
The National Ability Center empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs.
Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an educational approach that incorporates equine-assisted activities and equine/human interaction in an environment of learning and self-discovery.
Horses are non-judgmental beings that facilitate learning in a positive and immediate manner. Our experienced, trained staff have the training necessary to help participants gain understanding of the equine experience and how to apply that experience to their everyday life.
Our staff facilitator credentials include training in equine-assisted learning and coaching (EALC) and certification in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EGALA).EAL offers a wide variety of opportunities within the program including team building, group retreats, self development and youth programs. All of our sessions take place on the ground with no riding involved, and with staff trained in safety and horse behavior present at all times.
No prior horse experience is needed to participate in any of our EAL programs or retreats.