Old working with groups

Facilitating group experiences with horses presents unique complexities—and significantly greater safety considerations—than working one‑on‑one. To deliver transformative, ethical, and safe equine‑supported learning programs, facilitators need specialised, in‑person training grounded in trauma‑informed practice, group process, herd dynamics, and advanced facilitation skills.

As the field continues to grow, clients and organisations are increasingly discerning. They seek facilitators who can confidently navigate group dynamics, uphold horse welfare, and deliver programs designed with psychological safety, learning capacity, and participant outcomes in mind. Our professional facilitator training provides the depth, practice, and real‑world competence required to stand out in a competitive and rapidly evolving industry.

Why this training matters

Online certificates and short courses may offer quick introductions, but meaningful expertise comes from immersive, hands‑on learning. This training equips you to:

  • Create safe and effective group learning environments
  • Understand emotional contagion and autonomic nervous system responses
  • Balance individual needs with group energy
  • Protect horse welfare while facilitating transformative experiences
  • Build trust with clients through ethical, well‑designed programs

From first client contact to post‑program follow‑up, you’ll gain comprehensive skills, templates, and practical tools to facilitate with confidence.

What you’ll learn

Facilitator presence & safety

Develop grounded awareness, relational presence with horses, and social engagement skills that establish trust and psychological safety for participants.

Advanced facilitation skills

Learn to create optimal learning opportunities through timing, observation, and responsive adaptation. You’ll gain skills in:

  • Holding space
  • Navigating conflict or competition
  • Reading group energy and adjusting sessions
  • Crafting questions that deepen awareness and insight

Trauma‑informed practice

Build competency in recognising and responding to different arousal states, understanding the nervous system, supporting regulation, and managing emotional contagion within a group setting.

Human development & learning styles

Explore age‑related learning capacities, different learning styles, and how to design programs that meet cognitive and emotional readiness.

Herd dynamics & horse welfare

Learn how to ethically integrate horses into group work, honouring herd behaviour, individual thresholds, and welfare throughout sessions.

Working with different group types

Different groups have different needs. For example a group that works together will have different needs and desired outcomes than a group who don’t know each other but share the same interest.

Understand the needs, expectations, and dynamics of:

  • Corporate teams
  • Social and community groups
  • School groups
  • Sports teams
  • Personal/spiritual development groups

Learn how to design, structure, and facilitate relevant programs for each.

Safety & risk assessment

Gain practical training in conducting safety and risk assessments—often required by organisations and essential for responsible practice.

What’s included in the training

  • Program agenda templates for multiple group types and durations
  • Extensive activity list for equine‑supported learning
  • Professional form templates, including:
    • Intake/contracting questions
    • Waivers
    • Photo release forms
    • Feedback forms
  • A dynamic blend of theory, practice, discussion, program design, and hands‑on experience with an engaged, supportive herd
  • Post training support and mentoring

Training is experiential, interactive, and designed to deepen both your competency and your confidence.

Invest in your professional growth

Becoming a certified skilled equine‑supported learning facilitator is about more than meeting industry standards—it’s about honouring the profound potential of this work and positioning yourself as a trusted professional in a growing field.

Investment: $1750 (CEEL graduates who have completed the 4-module CEEL Training for Working with Individuals receive a 20% discount.)

Become a certified, confident, ethical, and impactful group facilitator

All 5 days must be completed in person to meet certification criteria:

  • 40 hours attendance
  • Demonstrated competency in knowledge and theory
  • Demonstrated competence in program design
  • Demonstrated competence in facilitation and program delivery

Download registration form

About the Trainer Cindy Jacobs established a change management/organisation design business with over 40 staff that worked primarily in the oil, mining, and transport industries – working with various size workforce from 150 to 4,000 people. After 15 years, she transitioned to executive coaching – working in the private, public, and government sectors. During the past 20 years of equine assisted learning and therapy, Cindy has run a multitude of group programs.  Below is a sampling:
  • Exxon-Mobil
  • Telstra
  • Powercorp
  • TAC
  • Bristo-Myer-Squib
  • Master Builders Association Victoria
  • Capitol Commercial Builders
  • Surf Coast Shire
  • Neami
  • Stepping Up program for recovering addicts
  • 5-weel program for Steiner School grade 5 students