Wild Hearts Equine Connection Wanaka
Some of my best friends never say a word to me! Horses are incredibly intuitive animals that have a natural ability to connect with humans and provide unique feedback. They possess a wild spirit and a powerful heart that can inspire us to live more authentically and courageously. We offer Wanaka Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) sessions and skill-building programs, including the famous Horse Wisdom Program developed by the Equine Psychotherapy Institute, that enable participants to develop effective communication strategies, cultivate mindfulness, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their surroundings.
“Horses with their grace and strength, offer a beautiful presence and supportive environment for personal growth, healing and nourishment.”
What is EAL
EAL provides a unique form of experiential learning that allows clients to engage in a safe and immersive experience with horses. Each session is personalised to the client and their specific goals. These skill-building opportunities help support learning and allow you to practice emotional regulation in a tangible way. Horses provide opportunities for human contact through their unique ability to model healthy behaviour. They are always in authentic communication, with awareness and in the present moment, and these capacities are also crucial for us as humans to thrive.
What We Do
During a typical equine therapy session, the client works alongside a therapist and a horse or team of horses; they may observe, groom, lead or participate in creative activities during this time. Through the client's interaction with the horse, the therapist and client explore thoughts, feelings, sensations, and memories that arise.
Check out our Sessions, where we offer a range of experiences tailored to your needs. Regardless of which option you choose, you'll have the guidance of a qualified practitioner and the support of a fantastic team of horses, all while surrounded by the beautiful, wild environment of the mountains. It's truly a unique experience that you won't want to miss!
What are the Benefits
Equine-assisted therapies have been proven effective in improving impulse control, reducing stress, building trust, and encouraging self-reflection. Thus improving the quality of relationships.
Working with calm and healthy horses can have a calming effect on our nervous systems, improve our focus and self-awareness, build confidence, and boost our self-esteem, making it an excellent option for those seeking personal growth and healing.
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It depends on the package you have chosen, but a session will last between 75 and 120 minutes. Sessions are not run back to back; there is only one available on any one day. We recommend taking the time to fill out the registration form questions with as much detail as possible. This will help us customise our services to meet your unique needs and provide you with the best experience possible. So, please don't hesitate to take your time and give us all the information we need to ensure your satisfaction.
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Our EAL sessions are designed to be confidential, so you can rest assured that any information you share with us will be kept private and secure. Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and we take every possible measure to ensure that your personal information remains safe and protected.
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Just to clarify, EAL sessions at Wild Hearts do not involve riding a horse. Instead, the program focuses on ground-based work.
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We recommend that you pack some essentials to ensure that your experience is enjoyable. It is advisable to wear closed-toed shoes or boots with flat heels and dress appropriately for the weather. It can get extremely hot in summer, so we suggest wearing long-sleeved cotton shirts or other clothing that will keep you cool. Don't forget to bring a sun hat, sunscreen, water bottle, and sunglasses. In winter, make sure to bring a raincoat and extra warm clothes, as our weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers is always a good idea to prepare for any changes in temperature.
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Absolutely, there is plenty of free parking and a good turnaround area.
