Frequently Asked Questions
Activities with our horses occur on the ground; there is no riding permitted. This allows our clients to have a positive experience with our herd in a supportive and non- judgmental environment. Getting out of your comfort zone is typically where the greatest learning can take place providing you with a real sense of accomplishment. No prior knowledge of horses and/or horsemanship is required.
If you haven’t been around horses you may not know of an allergy. We encourage folks to bring their own medication, including an EpiPen, or Benadryl [antihistamine] if appropriate, to manage your condition. In many cases, we can work around the allergy (perhaps at some distance from the horses? Perhaps in another way entirely?) so that you will still have a learning experience but won’t be touching the horses.
Dress comfortably, and dress to fit the weather. Given you will be working with horses, please wear something that you don’t mind getting dirty and is washable. In cooler months dressing in layers is advised. You must wear close-toed shoes preferably boots.
EAGALA is an acronym for the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association – an international non-profit organization that was founded in 1999. Currently, there are over 500 EAGALA certified programs located in 41 countries around the world.
Why EAGALA?
It is Effective. The EAGALA model creates interactive sessions with horses that allow clients and therapists to“see” where the problems are and find ways to solve them. In the sessions, the focus is on doing, being active in-the moment,and finding solutions that provide faster, morepermanent change. It is effective for clients of all ages and conditions.
Uncovers the True Agenda. Through experiential activities your facilitators can see how clients act and react to different situation, allowing them for focus on how they can best assist you.
Professionalism. The EAGALA model requires a licensed mental health care professional and an experienced horse professional working together as a team for the benefit of the client. EAGALA certification requires intensive training, continuing education, and adherence to a high standard of practice and ethics.
Makes the Process More Engaging. Because Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is active and effective, the process is more engaging for you and for your facilitators. Once a horse enters the equation, everyone is instantly attentive and engaged in the process.
Gets Clients Past the Sticking Points. Everyone can hit a wall in therapy where the client remains stuck in old patterns and attitudes. Using the EAGALA model your facilitators can assist you to get out of a rut and back on
Great for Individuals and Groups. Whether working with individuals or groups, the horses provide powerful opportunities to address social skills, communication issues, and other dynamics necessary for healthy, meaningful relationships.
Provides Real Solutions. EAGALA offers a model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy where therapists and clients alike are excited by the process. Whether used for treating all forms of addiction, trauma, social and behavioral disorders, and other issues, clients find the sessions meaningful leading to real and long-lasting change.
We prefer to work outside as much as possible in our outdoor arena. We have an indoor arena which enables us to work year-round, no matter what the weather. We don’t work in severe or dangerous weather conditions, including bad storms. We may opt to postpone and reschedule your session in these circumstances. We will contact you the day before or the day of if we see something concerning enough to warrant cancellation. This is all about safety for our clients and for our horses.
To cancel your private equine facilitated learning session, please contact Anne Porteous at 905-876-5423 or by email at: anneporteous@sympatico.ca at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.
If you cancel with less than 48 hours before your appointment time, you will be billed for 50% of the cost of your appointment.
Clients who fail to show up for a scheduled appointment (“no show”) are billed for the full cost of their scheduled session.
If you have pre-booked a series of counselling appointments and have cancelled your most recent appointment with less than 24 hours notice or have missed that appointment, you have 24 hours to pay the associated cancellation fees to retain your pre-booked sessions
If you have purchased a prepaid counselling package and you cancel one of your prepaid sessions with less than 24 hours notice, or miss one of your prepaid appointments altogether, this session counts as having been used.
Anne is frequently in session when messages are being left for her. If Anne receives a message regarding an appointment cancellation after the scheduled appointment time, clients are charged the full cost of their scheduled session. This is seen to be equivalent to a “no show.”
There is a range of valid reasons for cancelling an appointment. In order to be consistent with all clients, cancellation fees will only be waived in the event of a medical emergency requiring urgent professional treatment, a death in the family, or natural disaster.
Out of fairness to you, if Anne cancels your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, your next appointment is 50% off. If, in the unlikely event, Anne does not show up for your scheduled appointment, your next appointment is free.
Missed appointments and late cancellations are payable via cash, personal cheque or e-Transfer. Anne appreciates your prompt payment.
Thank you for your cooperation.