About Us
Who We Are
We are an Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) Program where we blend the presence of horses with transformative learning experiences. We believe in the profound connection between humans and horses and harness it to facilitate personal growth, team building and to build confidence and emotional well-being. Through carefully designed activities and interactions with our gentle equine partners, participants gain invaluable insights into their own behaviors, communication styles, and leadership capabilities. With a blend of empathy, expertise, and respect for both humans and horses, we ensure that every interaction leaves a lasting impact that can be carried into daily life.
What Equine-Assisted Learning Is:
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential education approach that utilizes interactions with horses to facilitate personal and professional development. In EAL sessions, participants engage in structured activities and exercises with horses that promote learning, self-awareness, and skill-building. These activities may include grooming, leading, ground exercises, and obstacle courses, all designed to foster communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. EAL provides a unique opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to connect with horses in a non-riding setting, gaining valuable insights and lessons that can be applied to various aspects of their lives.
What Equine-Assisted Learning Isn't:
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) should not be confused with traditional horseback riding lessons or therapy sessions. Unlike horseback riding, EAL focuses on non-riding activities that emphasize learning, personal growth, and skill development rather than mastering equestrian techniques or disciplines. While EAL can have therapeutic benefits, it is distinct from Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which involves licensed mental health professionals using the horse-human interaction as a tool for therapeutic intervention to address specific mental health issues or psychological challenges. Additionally, EAL facilitators are typically educators, trainers, or equine specialists focused on teaching skills and fostering personal development, rather than mental health professionals providing therapy.
Founding Facilitator
Sara Garnett is a life-long horse lover. Learning to ride as a child then moving into consistent lessons in high school led to leasing for over 2 years as an adult. Those experiences along with volunteering, workshops, seminars and reading have been the primary sources of Sara's horse knowledge and experience.Sara has battled off and on with depression and anxiety from late middle school and into her adult years. She knows and understands first-hand the challenges but also the tools to overcome and how large and instrumental the role of horses can be.
Credentials
- The SHRM-CP certifies that Sara is a credentialed professional in Human Resources. This is valuable for any corporate or business group or organization that wishes to use EAL programs to enhance their team building and leadership skills as Sara knows and understands challenges faced by teams and employers in the workplace.
- The Oola coaching certification verifies that Sara is a credentialed coach of personal development. While not currently active, it can be reinstated at any point and plans do so are in place for the future.
-Raised Valley Ranch was the audience choice award winner at the 2023 Sky City Launchpad pitch event. Similar to a shark tank style competition, the audience paid to vote for their favorite business idea. Winning the audience vote confirms that the local community sees the value in the services that we offer.
- Sara is currently completing practice hours to obtain 2 certifications from PATH International, a leading organization in the equine services industry that develops standards and guidelines for those in the equine services fields. Currently in progress is the Equine-Assisted Learning certification as well as the Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. The Equine Specialist certification, when achieved, will allow Raised Valley Ranch to partner with mental health professionals in order to offer Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy services.
Our Herd
Meet Ruby. She is our 13 year old Quarter Horse mare. She has participated in beginner riding lessons in the past and has been a great ground horse since she has been with us, while still participating in some casual riding activities.