How We Can Help
Equine Assisted LearningDevelop life skills and life-long friendships through our Equine Assisted Learning Program, facilitated by the talented team from Humble Hooves and Heart Lake Farm.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
A learner-based educational experience with horses as teachers. EAL is a life-skills program that encourages individual and team growth. Each week, participants work in teams and engage in objectively driven ground exercises with a horse.
EAL facilitates learning through positive reinforced interaction with horses. There is no “right or wrong” way of moving through the exercises, and participants set their own pace. The program environment has been specifically designed to encourage self confidence through validated, hands-on experiences
Humble Hooves and Heart Lake Farm have a passion for supporting community members that are living with brain injury. All VBIS clients, family members, friends, and support teams are encouraged to participate in the sessions at no cost. For safety reasons, eligibility is subject to specific mobility and vision requirements.
Equine Assisted Learning is organized and facilitated in partnership with VBIS by Tammera Merkens, BSW. Tammera is a Certified EAL Facilitator, and is also the Owner and Operator of Humble Hooves.
Course objectives & Outcomes
Learn to establish connections with self & others
Build skills in trust, effective communication & appropriate team decision making
Promote learning in a natural outdoor setting
Enhance verbal & nonverbal communication skills
Provides an appreciation for difference and diversity, while building confidence & self-esteem
Improve patience & problem solving abilities
Ready to get started?
This program is fully funded so there is no cost for participants, however, you must be an existing client of VBIS to register. To sign up for a program or become a client, contact a member of our team or fill out our online New Client Application. We can’t wait to meet you!
Victoria Brain Injury Society
Units C, D & E 830 Pembroke Street
Victoria, B.C. V8T 1H9
Phone: 250-598-9339
Email: admin@vbis.ca
The Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS) is situated on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) Peoples. We recognize and express gratitude to the Peoples and Nations in our community, and those throughout the regions we service.