Equine Assisted Learning is a unique route to brain injury recovery. Recovery includes a multitude of things, including rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with others, and discovering new ways to navigate everyday life.
At VBIS, we are bringing back the Equine Assisted Learning Program, offered in partnership with The Together In Stride Foundation at Heart Lake Farm. This partnership supplies all the resources our clients need to fully embrace this program and find new ways to thrive.
This is not a strict riding program. Rather, participants work alongside horses, on the ground, and are guided through activities designed to encourage teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and self-awareness. No previous horse experience is required, but it’s always welcome. Each session includes objective-based exercises where participants collaborate with both the horses and one another, learning valuable life skills in a calm, natural setting.
Horses are naturally intuitive animals that respond to body language, energy, and non-verbal communication, which makes them great companions for this program. They offer immediate, honest feedback, encouraging participants to become more aware of how they communicate and interact with others. For many brain injury survivors, this unique experience creates opportunities to:
- Build self-confidence and self-esteem,
- Strengthen trust and communication skills,
- Improve patience and problem-solving,
- Develop meaningful social connections,
- Experience the calming benefits of spending time outdoors,
- Celebrate personal growth in a supportive, inclusive environment.
We know every journey to recovery is unique. Our Equine Assisted Learning program is designed to meet participants where they are, creating a welcoming environment where individuals can learn at their own pace, connect with others, and engage in their own experience.
This program is fully funded for VBIS clients, with family members, friends, and support teams also encouraged to participate. Eligibility is based on specific mobility and vision requirements to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the sessions.
Interested in Participating?
If you are a current VBIS client and would like to learn more about Equine Assisted Learning, we’d love to hear from you. If you’re not yet a client, our team can help you get started and explore whether this program is the right fit for your recovery journey.
