In KIDS Equine Assisted Learning (KEAL) programs, horses help children strengthen mental health and wellbeing. Their sensitivity to emotions creates opportunities for learning about self-awareness, empathy, and resilience - skills that support children in school, at home, and in life.
Our equine program involves educators from KIDS Foundation, along with an equine specialist, taking our ponies into kindergartens. We introduced our equine program in 2024 and the interest and enthusiasm shown from all around Victoria, as well as NSW, has been remarkable. We originally had only one pony, Carm, but with the feedback and popularity of the program we have added a second, Eleven Eleven.
We aim to help children develop an awareness of emotional communication. It is believed that being in close proximity to a horse can reduce our heart rate, reduce blood pressure, reduce the amount of cortisol (stress hormones) and it can also cause the feel-good endorphins to increase in us. Horses are very sensitive to emotional and verbal cues. The program also demonstrates the role in which animals, in particular horses, can play in caring for our mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
We educate and empower children to learn about safety and wellbeing, while still allowing them to be kids.