Through group and one-on-one sessions interacting with horses and ponies while completing on-the-ground activities (no riding), we can help develop motivation, confidence, critical thinking, communication and leadership skills, as well as work to overcome depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, educational challenges and much more.
When you are ready: call us to schedule a complimentary 30-minute "Meet the Herd".
At LyonHeart Equine Assisted Learning, horses are teachers. We are the only equine-assisted learning nonprofit in Nebraska. The programs used in the corral were created by Nancy Lyon, utilizing her experience in education and are being taught internationally to other organizations wanting to start similar programs.
Biofeedback is a therapeutic tool that is nearly impossible to access, especially in central Nebraska. A horse provides this type of feedback because as prey animals their priority is safety. They can detect heart beats 10 feet away. A youth who has difficulty regulating emotions has an erratic heartbeat and signals danger. The horse walks away, refusing to work with a dysregulated youth. Trained facilitators ask questions and guide the youth to notice the horse's behaviors. The youth begins to understand that the horse is communicating, “When I feel unsafe, I cannot be curious with you.” In order to achieve the desired outcome of connecting & building a relationship with the horse, the youth learns that he needs to be aware of his internal dysregulation and adjust with new tools like relaxation and breath work. When bodies soften and smiles erupt, the youth sees their horse responding to their changes in real time. The curiosity switch has been flipped on in both the horse & the youth. Learning can now begin.
Our team works with children, youth, families and various groups (sports teams to businesses) to be transformed through the power of horses. We work to create a program tailored to maximize personal growth.
If you are uncertain if equine-assisted learning is you, your child or group, consider booking a complimentary 30-minute “Meet the Herd."