Frequently Asked Questions

No, Although the horses are ridden, EFL is not a ridden activity. We interact with the horses “on the ground” both at liberty (loose in the field) or in a fenced area.

No. For the sake of your own safety we suggest that you don’t wear open toed shoes or high heels. Something that gives you some support such as good training shoes, walking boots etc are ideal. We will be walking a little and standing in a field and/or paddock. For some time. It is the West of England and so the weather can be unpredictable so please come prepared with waterproofs and sometimes a change of clothes and dry boots or shoes are useful.

We work in most weather conditions. We will do our best to work around inclement weather, but rain is sometimes a factor. In the case of very bad weather, we will look at some alternative “in room” work.

Again, let us know. The severity and nature of allergies varies widely, and most scenarios can be managed. It might be of interest to know that Philip is allergic to horses but successfully manages the condition.

Some people worry that being around horses can be dangerous. Our horses don’t bite or kick towards humans and they aren’t out to get you. However, they are big powerful animals, who respond to the energy of others (which is why they are such great co-facilitators) and can move very quickly. We will talk you through how to be around the horses. Philip and Jon will be looking after your safety and the safety of the animals. For that reason, if they give you a direct instruction, please comply. This happens seldom, if ever. We also seek to assess and address any specific risks. As well as being a registered nurse, Philip is also a Level Three qualified outdoor first aider. The horses and the public are fully insured. However, we do ask people to be aware, but not too consumed by safety, and we will ask you to sign a safety agreement and waiver. This is standard in all fields of equine and outdoors pursuits. 

That is a great question. Traditional horsemanship is based either on ideas of dominance or more lately with “natural horsemanship” on the concept of pressure and release. Although understanding pressure and personal space is a concept of value, when training young horses (as it mimics how a herd would behave towards a youngster) we, like other HERD graduates, subscribe to the concepts and principles of Compassionate Horsemanship. This means that we do not “use” horses as objects to fulfil our needs, but as far as possible we try and work withthe horses and other animals. We recognise that they are sentient beings, who can choose as to whether they want to take part in our work. If they don’t want to, they will simply walk away. For that reason, we ask that you allow the horses some space in between sessions and during breaks. Much like some of us, they seem to prefer time to process what is going on. 

Yes, of course. You are welcome. In your-pre course information there is also a consent form for the use of photographs. Feel free to put photos on social media, but please be respectful and ask any two-leggeds in the pictures if they are happy for you to do this.

We will start and finish the day in a local community building. This provides us with a warm dry base for the day and somewhere you can leave your things. We will provide tea, coffee etc on arrival, at a morning and afternoon break. Lunch will be provided. It is satisfying homemade fair. The facilities are comprehensive but basic. It is worth remembering that the nearby smallholding and barn we will be using is a working agricultural and equestrian facility with all the sights, sounds and smells that go with it. Dress comfortably, and don’t wear your best clothes.

 Quality of service is extremely important to us. Please see our dedicated page on regulation.