FEEL Certification

FEEL Certification Training

Horse Spirit Connections founded the FEEL (Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning)® Certification Program in 2008. FEEL is a leading-edge modality for developing human potential. Participants learn to create a horse-centered, experiential learning environment that supports personal growth. Throughout the training, prospective FEEL Practitioners gain self-knowledge and acquire skills and experience to develop their own FEEL programs where horses are valued for their roles as teachers and healers.

This comprehensive training program is suitable for coaches, educators, mental health professionals, equine specialists, wellness practitioners, and other individuals who are looking for practical training and experience in developing FEEL programs in the expanding field of equine guided healing.

Participants discover their unique gifts and innate talents as they find their niche in this emerging field.

Career – This is a new and exciting career path for wellness professionals

Certification – Certification provides national recognition, consumer confidence, and increases the marketability of your own FEEL programs.

Quality Education – Small class sizes impart personal attention. Experienced professionals share their extensive knowledge and expert skills.

Hands On – The trainings provides direct experience with the horses who will act as your guides and mentors throughout the process.

Post-Program Support – Applicants receive ongoing mentoring as needed throughout the program and lifetime mentoring following the completion of the certification process.

Community – At the conclusion of the program, become eligible to join our growing number of graduates in the FEEL Alumni Association.

The FEEL Certification Program is six months in duration. It consists of seventeen days of on-site instruction spread over three sessions. Many dynamic teachers, with an incredible array of knowledge, are present to support the journey.

During the six months, there will be individual and group assignments integral to a deeper understanding and first hand experience of this new modality. In between program sessions the participants are required to practice and complete assigned horse related activities and log their experiences. Practicum sessions are required with interested aquaintances. A program mentor is assigned to each participant for the duration of their training.

Focus of Training:

The Horse – Fresh Insights

  • The nature of horses
  • Horse communication
  • Understanding herd behaviour
  • Wellness of the horse – physical, emotional and spiritual
  • Safety considerations
  • Assisting horses to develop necessary skills
  • Creating an effective herd
  • Conducive facilities

The Horse as Your Partner

  • The art and dance of relationship
  • Reading the horse’s feedback
  • Fostering spiritual connection
  • Empowering horses
  • Experiencing the horse as teacher and guide
  • Creating moments of connection

Intuitive Insights

  • Learning to reawaken your intuition
  • Exploring and listening to ‘gut’ feelings
  • Understanding the dynamics of energy
  • Increasing self awareness
  • Understanding and holding intention

Spiritual Connection

  • Deepening the horse/human connection
  • Honouring the spirit and voice of the horse
  • Fostering spiritual connection with the horses
  • Expanding consciousness through Shamanic tools
  • Awakening a deeper sense of personal purpose

Personal Growth

  • Expanded self confidence
  • Heart based leadership
  • Authentic expression and self realization
  • Acquire emotional agility
  • Increased observational abilities
  • Deeper listening skills

Facilitation Skills

  • Create and hold a safe container for learning, sharing, and healing
  • Learn effective facilitation skills for all equine interactions
  • Refine your feedback skills
  • Work with group dynamics
  • Facilitate private sessions
  • Run a FEEL workshop
  • Understand ethical practices
  • Differentiate between EFL (Equine Facilitated Learning) and EFP (Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy)
  • Understand diverse learning styles
  • Enhance experiences with expressive art activities

Horse Based Activities

  • Learning theories and practices relevant to FEEL
  • Honing communication skills to create an effective session
  • Developing individual skills and competency
  • Co-creating the dance between the horse, client and facilitator
  • Knowing when to choose what exercise
  • Designing program curriculums

Business Development

  • Marketing know-how specific to FEEL
  • Entrepreneurial guidance
  • Designing a business plan just right for you
  • Embodying your vision
  • Program design and implementation
Equine Therapy Certification Program

The FEEL Certification program will help prepare participants to facilitate horse activities in a way that optimizes the abilities, emotional well-being, and empowerment of both the horse and the human. The horses assist participants in learning the power and strength of non-verbal communication. This is a profound journey of teaching, learning and understanding.

We are dedicated to your success. All graduates receive FREE ongoing mentoring, if requested, in all aspects of a successful FEEL practice following their conclusion of the program.

At the first Annual FEEL Reunion, the decision was unanimous to form a FEEL Alumni association where all graduates are invited to join and have a forum to share successes, learning’s, and insights. The shutterfly website is a private website just for our graduates and is an invaluable marketing tool as well as an open forum for FEEL Facilitators. Visit www.FEELAlumni.com as the public face of the FEEL Graduates.

The FEEL Alumni sponsors and organizes a FEEL Conference once a year since 2011. It is a great opportunity for the community to come together for learning and sharing.

One of the many committees, the FEEL Alumni marketing committee is responsible for the development of generic brochures, a FEEL newspaper tabloid, the ‘Healing with Horses’ Book and a FEEL Video.

Personal Development
Spiritual
Organizations
Leadership
FEEL Certification

My experience with the FEEL program was and is life altering in the most profound ways. Horse Spirit Connections (both the people and the horses) are not only pioneers in the field of equine assisted learning, their FEEL program continues to forge new ground and push the leading edge of this important work. The herd are incredibly dedicated and conscious teachers, continuously giving to all who engage. Wendy, Andre, and the FEEL facilitators are impeccable with their word, actions and care for every individual who enters the program. I am so excited to continue the FEEL journey with the FEEL Alumni!

Tina Turner

Such a transformational experience! This FEEL training has given framework to my hope and dreams, allowed them to surface, and given me self-permission to pursue them. It is so gratifying to think of the wonderful possibilities in my future.

Alison Sitteck

The instructors at Horse Spirit Connections create such a wonderful space to learn the FEEL work. From the honouring of their facility in ceremony, to the care of the horses as our teachers, and the empathy for all who pass through; every detail is considered, respected, honoured, and created . In this way there is safety for mind, body, and spirit. A space of learning, allowing the flow of energy.

F. R.

FEEL has completely changed things for me, in the best ways possible. I have learned to be with the horses in a totally new way and I couldn’t imagine any other way. My relationship with my horse and my mother have grown in ways I could never thought possible. I feel as though I was meant to go down this path and take this program to become a FEEL Practitioner because there is nothing I would rather do. I am so thankful and grateful for the guidance and support of Wendy, Andre, Tori, and all the lovely horses at Horse Spirit Connections.

Jenna Sittek

Dear Wendy, Andre, Tori, Jody and the horse teachers. From the first moment I looked into the eyes of a horse; I knew that no matter how my path winded and wavered, one day I would stand with them. I searched and explored so many ways of being with horses but it wasn’t until I arrived on your farm in 2012 that I finally found my connection. You have supported, encouraged and guided my greatest hopes and dreams of sharing life with horses in an authentic heart connection. Every single horse that has arrived on my farm is a representation of another part of this incredible journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. Words truly cannot describe the magic I have experienced with horses and people on the path to becoming a FEEL practitioner. Today, my herd and I spread our wings and fly like butterflies, ready to share our gifts with others. From our whole hearts, thank you for providing us with the safe cocoon to grow and transform. Now, we are ready to fly!

Fotini Walton

Instructors

We are proud to offer the FEEL Certification Training programs through the expertise and experience of four dynamic individuals with unique gifts.

Andre Leclipteux is co-founder of Horse Spirit Connections, an Epona trained Co-Facilitator, Shamanic Practitioner/Coach and past owner of a Marketing agency.

Emma HicksRP, MSc. OT Reg. (Ont.) is a Registered Psychotherapist and Occupational Therapist as well as a certified FEEL Practitioner

Janis Mirynech is a director of Horse Spirit Connections and sits on the Horse Spirit Connections Advisory Board. Along with her extensive marketing experience, she is one of our first graduates of the FEEL Certification program.

Kathleen Barry Ingram, MA, is a Tucson-based Life Coach and Counselor, and Co-founder of the Epona Apprenticeship Program with Linda Kohanov.

Training details

Six Month FEEL Certification Program


Ontario Campus
At Horse Spirit Connections
Ontario, Canada

FEEL Certification Program
FALL 2023
– Includes all three on-site sessions
with founder Andre Leclipteux and Janis Mirynech FEEL trainer

March 13 to 17, 2024
June 19 to 23, 2024
September 25 to 30, 2024

Contact: Andre Leclipteux
416-520-6276
Email: andre@HorseSpiritConnections.com

NEW Simcoe Campus, at Navigate Life Positively
Simcoe, Ontario, Canada

FEEL Certification Program
With Janis Mirynech
FEEL Trainer and Advanced FEEL Practitioner
Includes all three on-site sessions

TBD

Contact: Janis Mirynech
905-327-1927
Email: janis.mirynech@gmail.com

British Columbia Campus

At Mystic Water Ranch
Langley, British Columbia, Canada

FEEL Certification Program
With Brenda Brown

FEEL Trainer and Advanced FEEL Practitioner
Includes all three on-site sessions

September 13 to 17, 2023
November 7 to 12, 2023
April 24 to 29, 2024

Contact: Brenda Brown
www.mysticwatersranch.com
604 788 7524
Email: bmorhealthy@gmail.com


Sweden Campus
At The Horse  Call
Stall Lagbo, Ostervala, Uppsala Lan

FEEL Certification Program
With Mia Holm
Certified FEEL Trainer and Advanced FEEL Practitioner

March 29 to April 2, 2023
June 13 to 18, 2023
September 27 to October 2, 2023

Contact: Mia Holm
thehorsecall.se
+46 (0)70-770 07 55
Email: mia@thehorsecall.se


Are you ready?

The goal of Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL) is about FEELing the experience of the majestic horse that whispers to us about our ability to communicate with others effectively, listen to ourselves authentically and grow exponentially. We offer you a new way of being with yourself, others and horses.

We’re excited to share this with you…

How to Apply:

OR

email andre@HorseSpiritConnections.com today for your application!

  • Following receipt of the application, an interview is required either in person or over the phone.
  • Upon fulfillment of graduation requirements, participants will be provided with a certificate of program completion.
  • The FEEL Training programs accept up to 8 qualified applicants, filling on a first–come basis.

For further details contact Andre 416-520-6276.

WORKSHOPS

FEEL Training Program

Starts March 13, 2024. Register today!

Horse Spirit Connections
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