What can I expect from a session?
The nature of the session is determined by the goal of each individual client and the purpose of your session. Prior to meeting the horses, you will have an initial consultation to explore your reasons for wanting EFL and what you hope to get out of the sessions.
The only limit is our own imagination with this ‘outdoor based’ experimental learning. Every client will be treated individually in their own right. A horse will not respond the same to any one person and neither will the practitioners at The Next Steps Forward. You are treated as an individual, they do not bear grudges, they will feed honest, non-judgemental advice back to us. Through games, dance, art, crafts, tasks, team building, leadership development, mindfulness, breathing skills, body language, and through verbal and non-verbal conversations, we learn and discover inner peace, and life management skills.
How long will the session be?
Private 1-on-1 sessions run between 1 to 1.5 hours, double sessions can be booked depending on the goals of the participant and distance the participant is travelling. Group EFL sessions are also available for longer. Please get in touch to discuss your needs.
How many sessions will I need?
This will all depend on your or your groups needs. Programs usually last for 6-8 weeks. Although some clients may only need 3 sessions. A consultation will be carried out upon your first visit and a clearer idea of how many sessions would benefit you, and the goals you want to address by the end of the session, which can then be discussed between you and Sonia and where you can decide collectively when its time to take the next step on your own. Some clients also like a top-up once a month after their course has finished.
How much will it cost?
The cost for 1.5 hrs one to one equine facilitated learning session is; Adults £80 children £60. For group bookings, please get in touch to discuss requirements. Or see programs on the top right of the page. Payment is required in advance, due to the nature of the session preparation unfortunately payment is non-refundable, unless discussed in advance.
What should I wear?
The majority of the session is held outside, in the field, school or round pen. Courses run in all weather, so practical outside clothing to be worn. Wellies or old trainers that support and cover feet properly. Our British weather and being based on the coast line, can be so unpredictable, so layers are advisable. Sun hats and sun cream in the warm weather and waterproofs just in case.
Do I need to have experience with horses?
No experience is needed as you will be guided and alongside the practitioner at all times. EFL sessions are on the ground based.
Would EFL suit me if I’m afraid of horses?
A lot of the clients we see are afraid of horses and have had little contact with them. Sometimes it can take a few sessions for the client to interact with the horses. This is all part of the process of building confidence, challenging yourself and learning your limits. Every session is taken in the clients own time, this is about your learning and experimenting at your own pace. EFL is still very much effective, standing the other side of the horses field. The practitioner will be alongside you at all times, to guide and support you in the process. Once a nervous client overcomes this barrier, they are usually overwhelmed by the power that happens within the EFL sessions and what they have personally conquered and achieved.