SMART provides monthly Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) workshops for veterans. We assist both active duty military and recent veterans as they navigate the challenges of repeated deployment cycles, as well as their eventual transition back to civilian life. The workshop employs many Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) exercises focusing on leadership, team building and physical and emotional well-being. The goal is to impart emotional intelligence competencies while conducting specifically designed, ground-based exercises with the horses. Doing so cultivates creativity, adaptability, resiliency and positive communications skills. These skills not only promote personal growth and development, but are also skills employers are looking for in the private sector.
The workshop is aimed at empowering our veterans, encouraging them to fully leverage the skills and attributes they developed during their service as they transition back to civilian life and the workforce.
By partnering with our horses, veterans learn to ask for space and set healthy boundaries, lead without force, relax without losing awareness, and rebuild trust. Our wonderful horses, along with SMART’s beautiful and peaceful farm, provide an opportunity for veterans to have a truly transformational experience.
For more information or to provide support for the veterans program, please email us at [email protected] or call SMART at 941-322-2000.
