Farm Friends on Tuesday's at 9a fro ages 5+. Register now!
13902 East Morgan Drive, Gilbert, 85295
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Empowerment, Growth and Self-Discovery
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a unique approach to personal development that emphasizes the connection between humans and horses. This non-mounted, experiential learning method is designed for both adults and children, focusing on non-verbal emotional processing and self-discovery. Led by Equine Specialists, participants engage in ground work activities that foster self-understanding and assist individuals in navigating life's challenges.
The activities are structured to enhance self-awareness, leadership skills, and confidence. Through the process of non-vocal communication with horses, students gain insights into their own behaviors, their environment, and the impact they have on others. This holistic approach not only promotes personal growth but also facilitates healing and emotional well-being.
For scheduling and availability contact Virginia at (480) 785-6991
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Program
At Equine Connections, LLC, we offer equine-based experiences designed to support individuals living with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) through connection, mindfulness, and hands-on interaction with horses.
Our sessions provide a calm, structured environment where participants can build confidence, practice emotional regulation, and strengthen communication through purposeful horsemanship activities. Horses offer powerful, nonjudgmental feedback that encourages presence, awareness, and personal growth.
Participants may engage in:
- Grooming and horse care
- Groundwork and leading exercises
- Mindfulness-based connection activities
- Riding and horsemanship (when appropriate)
- Group experiences that promote social connection and life skills
Each session is guided with patience and safety in mind, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace while building independence and a deeper sense of connection.
For scheduling and availability contact Virginia at (480) 785-6991
First Responders & Public Safety Program
At Equine Connections, LLC, we are honored to partner with P.I.S.T.L.E.-P.S. (Post Incident Stress & Trauma in Law Enforcement – Public Safety) to offer equine-based experiences that support the wellness of first responders and public safety professionals.
P.I.S.T.L.E.-P.S. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing peer support, advocacy, training, treatment options, family support, and counsel for individuals exposed to critical incidents in the line of duty. Their team includes current and retired law enforcement officers and firefighters who understand the unique stressors of public safety work.
Our program creates a calm, structured space where first responders can step away from the daily pressures of duty and experience mindful connection, grounding, and community support through intentional interaction with horses. Horses provide responsive, nonjudgmental feedback that encourages presence, self-awareness, and emotional regulation — important skills for those who serve on the front lines.
Participants may engage in:
- Ground-based horsemanship and leadership activities
- Mindfulness and regulation practices with horses
- Hands-on animal care and grooming
- Team-building and social engagement exercises
- Reflection and peer support opportunities
This offering is ideal for individuals, departments, and teams looking to enhance stress resilience, emotional well-being, and connection in a supportive, safe environment.
Benefits of EAL
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a powerful, hands-on experience that supports personal growth through intentional interaction with horses. At Equine Connections, LLC, EAL is a non-riding, ground-based program designed to help individuals and groups develop life skills, build confidence, and experience meaningful connection.
Horses are highly intuitive animals. They respond to body language, energy, and emotions in real time. This makes them incredible partners in helping participants practice communication, emotional regulation, and self-awareness in a way that feels natural and impactful.
Requirements for EAL participants
For those coming to us for mental health reasons, including serious mental illness (SMI), trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other conditions, it is required that while participating in Equine Assisted Learning that you also see a licensed counselor. We do not provide clinical services, so our session are not covered by insurance & are not considered therapy.
For those with Developmental Disabilities we do not take DDD and do not provide hippo therapy, adaptive riding or therapeutic riding.
Need a referral for mental health services? Check out our Additional Resources page for information about providers.
Sign up for EAL
We are a tuition based program, so lesson are billed monthly.
For weekly sessions:
- Small group lessons (up to 5 students) for 1 hour - $250/month
- One-on-one lessons for 1 hour - $350/month
- Kids 6 & under are 1:1 for 30 min - $200/month
For biweekly the sessions or single one time sessions:
- Small group - $65
- One-on-one - $90
- 6 & under - $55
We are an ESA vendor in Class Wallet. Invoices are provided.
Refunds: Refunds are only provided if the request is made within 30 days of purchase at which point only 50% of the refund will be provided. After that there are no refunds.
Cancellation Policy: If a lesson is cancelled and 24 hours notice is given a make up will be issued. This make up needs to be completed within 90 days.
No shows & less than 24 hour cancellation notice will not be given a make up.
Inclement Weather: We craft fun horsemanship lessons when it is too hot, wet or rainy to ride. These lessons include topics like grooming, health, equipment, games & crafts. We have a covered area to do these activities,