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WHY EALT?

Discover the Benefits of Equine Assisted Learning and Leadership Training

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Equine Assisted Leadership Training (EALT) is a form of experiential learning and personal development that involves interactions between individuals and horses. It is designed to enhance leadership skills, communication, teamwork, and self-awareness through activities conducted with horses. The idea is that horses, as prey animals with highly attuned social dynamics, can provide valuable insights into human behavior and leadership qualities.

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Key components of Equine Assisted Leadership Training may include:

  1. Non-verbal communication: Horses are highly sensitive to non-verbal cues and body language. Participants learn to be aware of their own non-verbal signals and understand how these affect interactions.

  2. Leadership skills: Participants engage in various ground work activities with horses that require leadership, decision-making, and effective communication. These activities may include leading a horse through an obstacle course or working together to achieve a specific goal.

  3. Team building: Many EALT programs involve group activities that require collaboration and teamwork. Participants learn how to work together effectively to accomplish tasks, mirroring real-world team dynamics.

  4. Self-awareness: Interactions with horses often highlight individual strengths and areas for improvement. Participants gain insights into their own behaviors, emotions, and communication styles, fostering self-awareness and personal growth - Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

  5. Adaptability and resilience: Horses can be unpredictable, and participants may face challenges during activities. This helps individuals develop adaptability, resilience, and the ability to think on their feet.

  6. Feedback and reflection: Facilitators in Equine Assisted Leadership Training provide feedback based on participants' interactions with horses. Reflection sessions are often a crucial part of the program, allowing individuals to process their experiences and apply lessons to their personal and professional lives.

Equine Assisted Leadership Training is a unique and experiential approach to leadership development, leveraging the natural instincts and behaviors of horses to enhance human leadership skills and interpersonal dynamics. The emphasis is on learning through direct experience and reflection, making it a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.

Meet the Team!

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Mark is the creator and founder of L.E.&.D (Leadership Education & Development). He has been creating and teaching leadership programs for the past 26 years. He is also in a neverending pursuit of becoming the best leader and teacher he can be as well as helping others to take the journey with him.

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In 2020, Mark decided to take up horsemanship and quickly realized that there is a strong connection between leadership and horsemanship.

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In 2022, Mark started to volunteer, as a mentor at the Refuge Ranch as a way of giving back to the community.  He quickly

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realized how amazing Chris Daniels and her staff are with using horses as aids to help others who are struggling. “They are a great gift to the community in and around the Springfield, IL area and I consider myself lucky to be collaborating with them on this new project.”

Mark Chiapetto
Chris Daniels

Chris is the Co-Founder and Director at Refuge Ranch, established in 2008.  Refuge exists to provide hope, healing, and transformation for under-served, at-risk and special needs youth, using equine assisted activities, mentoring, ranch life, and Christ centered community.  

 

She is also mom to 7 amazing kids, and a thrift shop, and flea market junkie. Refuge is a culmination of her love for Jesus, her love for horses, and her passion to share the same freedom she has found with others who are stuck or hurting.

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Kierra Boyce

Kierra Boyce is the full time Program Director at Refuge Ranch. She graduated in 2019 from North Park University with a degree in non-profit management. After working a few years at a summer camp, Kierra transitioned to her job at the Ranch, which she loves! She finds that it is challenging and rewarding to do such impactful work.

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Liz Mayes

Liz is the Lead Ranch Hand at Refuge Ranch. She grew up as a participant in the Mentoring Program here at the Refuge and has now done a full circle to serve on staff! She is continuing her education in Psychology with an emphasis on child advocacy and plans to pursue Equine Therapeutic work as a possible career.

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