Hey Everyone!

Just got back in town from a recent trip to Ohio State University. Lisa Wheeler, Diane Voytek and myself were up there doing presentations on Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning.

How did Horse Sense of the Carolinas end up in Ohio? Well, a business intern from last summer went back to the University excited about her experience, and drew the interest of her faculty and other staff at the University about this unique new treatment modality and learning opportunity.

She arranged two demonstrations for us: one for her classmates in an Animal Sciences course, and another for the general University, including the medical department, the psychology department, the social work school and many more.

We were joined by Pam Smith, of Reinbows at Serenity Springs Equine Center of Canton, Ohio (visit her site at www.serenityspringsequine.com). Together we offered a general introduction to EAGALA-model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning.

We were very warmly received, and want to encourage you to look through the course listings at your local college or university for possible demonstration opportunities. It's a great way to further spread the word about your program and what you do, and to inform your community!

Happy Trails!

Shannon

Shannon Knapp
President & Equine Specialist
EAGALA Advanced
Horse Sense of the Carolinas, Inc
Real Help, Real Results™
www.HorseSenseOtc.com
828-683-7304 (office)
828-683-6281 (fax)

Business Building Intensive in Asheville, NC, Sept 19-20
Jump-Start your EAP/EAL Business and your Business Skills! Learn More By Clicking Here!

Hey everyone!

Just back in the office after a demonstration at University of North Carolina-Asheville as part of their "Life is Calling" week. Designed by the Career Center at the University to help people "discover their life intention," my husband, Lisa, Liza, Dreamer and Scout all packed up and went to college today!

We set up in the "mini-quad" of the Asheville college campus, and had over 150 students, teachers and the general public join us during the 3-hour event. Richard and I brought step in posts, and set up a 70' area with 2" tape at the top. It was a simple and easy enclosure that I recommend for your calm, well-behaved horses (and clients!).

We invited members of the audience to join us, and facilitated various activities such as "Select & Halter," "Magic Carpet," "4 Hoof Pick-Up," and "Extended Appendages," all simple activities requiring very few props, but uncovering a wealth of information for discussion and reflection. We had over 30 participants in the demos, and lots of students from the Psych Department and a Communications class. I got interviewed by a lot of students from that class!

Dreamer and Scout were excited that the grounds-keepers hadn't mowed, and they tasted (and gave the "high hoof" to) oranges from one onlooker. We all really enjoyed the event, and will definitely bring the horses to college again soon!

Click here to read about other events that are part of "Life is Calling," including a labyrinth and a Feldenkrais workshop. This was a great way to create more awareness about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning!

All the best,

"Thanks Shannon for your input!!!!! Great ideas. I will follow your lead and and let you all know how it goes. I do have another question. How would you charge for this kind of demonstration. $$$ did not come up in the dialogue when I was presenting this to the agency head. I was not certain how to charge, if I should charge. This is my attempt to get a firm referral base going, anticipating more referrals to our program which I will get paid for. Thanks." Judy

To view the blog conversation, click here

Hey Judy,

I hear you in wanting to set up a long-term referral relationship with this organization, and we've done plenty of such demonstrations for free with those circumstances in mind. What concerns me about the demonstration you're getting ready to undertake is the length of the event. When we've done it "for free," we've only done it for 2 hrs or so, so as not to lose the whole day, or to set a bad precedent for the future. Currently, Horse Sense is charging not for "demonstrations" but for private introductions for organizations. We try to steer those interested in Demonstrations to our monthly Open House/Tour. When we charge, we usually charge our regular hourly rate of $120/hr; $110/hr for non-profits for such a private introduction. But, if the organization were a large, long-term referral base, I'd take that into consideration as well, and probably do the same thing you are doing.

Demonstrations, Tours & Open Houses are so very important, and such a critical part of success for EAP/EAL organizations. With that in mind, January & Febuary's Topic telecalls with me will spotlight best practices for these events, with lots of tips and hints about what to/not to do. Look also for DVD's from Horse Sense to come out in early 2008 to help you visualize your successful event!

Thanks for your questions, Judy, and I hope the response you get is great!

Best,

Shannon

Question: I am having 25 social workers coming out to our program for a day with the intention of introducing EAP. We are thinking of having the social workers  (2)present a vignette and then design activities/interventions to move treatment in a positive direction.

Any ideas for activities would be appreciated. The majority of the social workers are in the child protective services division.

thanks, Judy

To see the blog and Judy's original question click here

Answer: Hey Judy!

Thanks for your question. When we do a demonstration such as the one you describe, we'll plan about 5-6 activities (a full day is a LONG demonstration, especially if you aren't getting paid. Just my 2 cents!).

First off, I LOVE your idea of having them design vignettes. That's a great way to make it tangible and immediately applicable to them. But I would start first off with some basic psychoed about what EAP is and how it works. When we do this in our CEU training introducing EAP, we spend a little time talking about the roles of the horses, the facilitation team, the client and the referring agency (when applicable), so they can see how it all works together. So I think some time spent there is well-advised.

Two activities that jump out at me are 1) have them design an obstacle course of, say, 4-5 obstacles their clients, on the whole, generally present with. Label the obstacles as such, and then have them get the "client/horse" through the obstacle course without lead ropes, bribery, etc... That tends to be a really rich one we've used in the past!

The second activity that springs to mind is one in which you create
4-5 tasks for the group to complete with a horse/horses. You create 4 tasks such as "get horse over the jump" or "get horse to circle the barrel once to the right" and write them on separate slips of paper.
Then, break the group up into subgroups, giving each subgroup a slip of paper. No talking. This tends to bring up the many differing goals/divisions/groups that a client must "pass through" to complete a treatment program, and how sometimes one group overrides another, or whatever. It's been a great one for us!

Best of luck, Judy. Let us know how it goes!

Shannon