A month prior to the in-person course, you will receive a Pre-Course Preparation package that will help you prepare for the full course.  The information in the package ensures students have a similar knowledge base as they enter the course.

Included in the Pre-Course Study material:

• Understanding Equine Assisted Learning and the role of the Equine Assisted Personal Development (EAPD) Coach
• Professional Standards and Code of Ethics
• What is Coaching
• Coaching Environments
• Instincts, motivations and characteristics of individual horses and a deeper understanding of herd dynamics as applied to human interactions.
• Safety for horse and human
• And more

Prior to the start of In-person classwork, students must complete a comprehensive assessment and achieve a score of at least 50% in order to proceed to the rest of the course.

All students must demonstrate a proficient understanding of key concepts covered in the Pre-Course Preparation package. 

This includes a thorough grasp of Equine Assisted Learning principles, the role and responsibilities of an EAPD Coach, adherence to Professional Standards and the Code of Ethics, and a deep knowledge of coaching techniques and environments. Additionally, students are expected to exhibit an understanding of horse instincts, motivations, characteristics, and herd dynamics in relation to human interactions, as well as ensuring safety for both horse and human. 

Morning learning takes place in the classroom followed by a 30-minute lunch break.

Materials covered: 

• Current research supporting the therapeutic benefits of Equine Assisted Learning
• Strategies and boundaries for creating an environment of free  and earnest dialogue with clients  
• Understanding The Five Conflicts© Theory
• Co-development of equine exercises with clients
• Explore The 7 Ways of Horse Interaction
• Fundamentals of marketing and the business of EAL.
• Personal experiences with EAPD Coaches
• Free Access to EAL Wrangler© 1/2 day course
• Free Access to pre-packaged multi-session programs

Afternoon learning takes place in-stable with hands-on experience with the horses. 

Materials Covered:

• Basic horse safety for you and your clients 
• Horse Health and Safety Examination prior to use
• Horse Communication exercises
• Horse training and compatibility for EAPD Roles
• Role-paly exercises as both coach and client with peers
• Develop empathetic responses in learner roles
• Exercise includes both ground and mounted.
• Coach and peer feedback

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Canada provides the certification for its students based on; 

• A Grade of 70% or higher on the initial exam based on the Pre-Course Study material
• Final exam score above 70% based on the material learned during the Course
• performance  grading throughout the hands-on work worth 30%

Upon completing the course, each student signs an agreement with EAL Canada that includes our Code of Ethics and receives their certificate.