Spirit of the Phoenix Course

Unlock the Power of Equine Assisted Interactions

A transformational four‑day training for beginners, developing practitioners, and professionals in the additional needs sector

Whether you’re completely new to Equine Assisted Interactions or already working within therapeutic or additional‑needs environments, this immersive four‑day course is designed to elevate your skills, deepen your understanding, and expand your professional toolkit.

Participants consistently describe the experience as inspiring, practical, and career‑enhancing:

“This workshop was inspirational and informative. It exceeded expectations both personally and professionally. Naomi is both knowledgeable and skilful and I am excited to continue my journey in this area.”

Who is this course for?

Individuals exploring Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning for the first time
Practitioners wanting to strengthen their confidence and refine their approach
Professionals in the additional needs sector seeking new therapeutic methods
Anyone looking for fresh ideas, inspiration, and hands‑on experience

What you will gain

A solid introduction to the world of Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning
A practical framework for structuring and facilitating effective sessions
Hands‑on experience in a supportive, professional environment
New therapeutic tools and approaches to diversify your practice
A platform for continued professional development and future specialisation

This course gives you the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration to begin or expand your journey in Equine Assisted Interactions. Whether you’re starting out or seeking to enhance your existing practice, this training offers the perfect blend of theory, experience, and professional insight.

"A great opportunity to learn from a working therapist in a supportive and informal environment."

DAY 1 – EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

A powerful introduction to emotional development through the horse environment

Day 1 sets the tone for an inspiring, eye‑opening journey into Equine Assisted Therapy. You’ll explore how the horse environment supports emotional development, resilience, and self‑awareness — and you’ll begin building the essential foundations needed to work confidently in this field.

Participants often describe Day 1 as transformational:

“What a wonderful, informative day — Naomi encapsulates what it is to work with horses in therapy.”

DAY 1 – AM: Understanding the Emotional Landscape

The morning session introduces you to the therapeutic potential of the horse environment and how it influences inner emotional wellbeing. You’ll explore:

How to rebuild emotional awareness and reconnect with your internal cues
The Emotional Scale and how it supports self‑care and emotional regulation
The core principles of Equine Assisted Therapy
The shift from Drama to Dreams
Understanding Symptoms vs Cause
Preparing yourself and your clients for sessions
Session safety and maintaining a balanced, grounded presence

This session ensures you feel prepared, confident, and aligned with the emotional depth of this work.

DAY 1 – PM: Experiencing the Let Go, Love & Dream Process

In the afternoon, you’ll step into a deeply personal and reflective experience. Naomi will guide you through the unique Let Go, Love & Dream process with our horses. Each participant receives individual time, followed by group discussion to explore:

Observations
Emotional responses
Sensations
The subtle communication between horse and human

This is often the moment where everything “clicks” — a powerful, memorable experience that brings the morning’s learning to life.

“I would recommend this workshop to anyone interested in how horses can be used therapeutically — it really opens your mind to the possibilities.”

DAY 2 – CREATING THE SPACE FOR INNER EXPLORATION

Day 2 builds on the foundations of Day 1, taking you deeper into the practical and emotional skills required to facilitate meaningful therapeutic interactions.

DAY 2 – AM: Developing Your Therapeutic Approach

You’ll learn how to create a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their inner world. This includes:

How to ask effective, reflective questions
Understanding and respecting a horse’s responses during sessions
Preparing both the environment and yourself
Supporting clients’ physical and mental wellbeing
Navigating common challenges in this field
The power of self‑image and overcoming fear of failure
An introduction to business concepts: finance, audience, and your elevator pitch

You will also receive your 10‑hour practice log sheet to begin building your practical experience.

DAY 2 – PM: Practical Application Outdoors

The afternoon is fully hands‑on. You’ll take the morning’s learning and apply it through structured activities such as:

Goal setting
Reframing past experiences
Slow movement exercises and their emotional impact
Facilitating prepared activities in pairs or small groups

This is where your confidence grows — you begin stepping into the role of facilitator, supported every step of the way.

"Naomi's sessions are inspirational! She shares her experiences which helps cement the learning. She makes the work come alive and I feel privileged to have been able to attend her workshops."

DAY 3 – EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING

Empowering confidence, independence, and a love of learning through the horse environment

Day 3 opens the door to the world of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) — a powerful approach that supports individuals in building confidence, self‑esteem, independence, and resilience. You’ll discover how the horse environment can reignite a person’s curiosity, motivation, and ability to learn in a way that feels natural, joyful, and deeply empowering.

Participants often describe this day as eye‑opening and inspiring:

“It was a fantastic experience that has opened my eyes to how horses can assist with learning and what an impact it can make on a person’s life.”

DAY 3 – AM: The Learning Potential of the Horse Environment

In this morning session, you’ll explore what individuals can learn from the horse and about the horse during an EAL session. You’ll gain insight into:

The advantages of using the horse environment for learning
How to support curriculum‑based activities through experiential interaction
Personal care, self‑respect, and respect for others
Activities that promote personal growth and emotional wellbeing
The power of “soak time” and how playful learning enhances retention

This theory session is rich with ideas, inspiration, and practical tools you can immediately apply.

“I had a great morning learning about equine assisted learning and horsemanship. Naomi broke our time down into theory, mental aspects, and practical demonstrations. A very interesting time that inspired me to learn more.”

DAY 3 – PM: Practical Horsemanship & Human Learning Activities

The afternoon takes you outdoors for hands‑on learning. You’ll develop a basic level of horsemanship and explore how these skills translate into powerful learning experiences for clients. Activities include:

Circling a horse
Assessing whether a horse is safe to work with
Approaching and haltering
Weaving exercises
Communication and connection work

You’ll also explore human‑focused activities supported by the horses, including:

Understanding feedback
Non‑verbal communication
How our words shape connection and learning

This session brings the morning’s theory to life and builds your confidence in delivering EAL sessions.

DAY 4 – ADVANCED EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING

Deepening your skills, refining your approach, and stepping into the role of facilitator

Day 4 takes everything you’ve learned so far and elevates it. You’ll deepen your understanding of how to design, analyse, and deliver effective Equine Assisted Learning sessions that truly support growth and transformation.

DAY 4 – AM: Designing Successful Learning Experiences

This session builds on Day 1 and takes you deeper into the structure and purpose behind EAL activities. You’ll learn how to:

Analyse an activity to ensure it meets your intended outcome
Create an environment that enhances learning and emotional safety
Understand sensory needs and how they influence engagement
Work with the three learning styles
Apply principles of child development
Recognise the difference between ridden work and liberty work

You will also receive your 10‑hour practice log sheet to continue developing your skills beyond the course.

DAY 4 – PM: Facilitating Your Own Sessions

The final afternoon is a powerful, hands‑on integration of everything you’ve learned. You’ll participate in practical activities such as:

Emotional fire drill
Season wheel
Coke bottle effect
Horsemanship A, B, C’s

Then, in small groups, you’ll take turns facilitating your own session, supported by Naomi and your fellow participants. This is a safe, encouraging space to:

Practice your new skills
Ask questions
Explore your ideas
Build confidence in structuring and delivering activities

This final session brings the entire four‑day journey together, leaving you inspired, capable, and ready to take your next steps in Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning.

"An amazing emotional and thoughtful day. I have been truly inspired to continue my pursuit of helping disenchanted children learn and heal through horses. Thank you very much Naomi."

What You’ll Receive as a Course Participant

A small, friendly group (maximum of 8 people)
This keeps the atmosphere relaxed, personal, and supportive, giving you plenty of space to learn, ask questions, and grow at your own pace.
Hands‑on time with the horses
You’ll have scheduled time in the field to put your learning into practice, explore new possibilities, and experience how the horses become your co‑workers in this unique approach.
A detailed workbook
Packed with all the course content, reflections, and guidance so you can revisit everything whenever you need to.
Access to a private Facebook group
A safe, friendly space monitored by Naomi, where you can ask questions, share experiences, and stay connected with others on the same journey.
Ongoing support and mentorship from Naomi
You’ll have the chance to ask about any area of her work and benefit from her experience long after the course has finished.
A relaxed, open, and confidential environment
A judgement‑free space where you can share your thoughts, explore ideas, and talk openly — personally or professionally.
A certificate of completion
A lovely reminder of your achievement and the skills you’ve gained.
And of course… endless cups of tea!
Because learning feels better when you’re warm, comfortable, and looked after.

"Absolutely loved today. The learning, knowledge and experience of being part of the group was so rewarding. I will no doubt continue to process and gain insight from today in the weeks ahead."

Check out the centres that have formed after attending the courses

Here's what others had to say

'This experience with Naomi and her four legged friends (hooves and paws) has been one of my best. I have gained so much, including friends for life. I felt safe to develop and learn'

'Naomi is a fantastic, inspiring teacher . . . giving support on a very practical, real level as well as empowering you in your heart and spiritual mission. I feel I have found the missing piece of the puzzle, Thank you'

'Thank you Naomi for all at your insight and knowledge. This course has helped me to feel confident to move past block and into a space where I can reach my goals/ dreams'

'This course is brilliant & transformative'

'Naomi is incredibly knowledgeable., a great teacher and her passion inspires you to be better in both work and personal life'

'Naomi is extremely allowing. A very passionate, dedicated and loving human being. She makes everything fell possible. A fabulous learning environment, she is one of life's special humans'

Naomi is inspirational in recognising a persons persona and difficulties and being able to unlock/ unblock the walls/ difficulties'

'Confidence boosting and educational'

'Would 100% recommend, couldn't ask for a better environment and people to learn in & around!'

'An absolutely fantastic course. Naomi is so knowledgeable & experienced, her passion is infectious. Seeing her work her horses and patch is inspirational. She is extremely assertive, intuitive, generous with her time and expertise. Fantastic handouts/ resources. I cant recommend highly enough.

'Excellent course thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Naomi is so passionate, enthusiastic and honest, felt like a great support network in Naomi and other attendees. Thank you'

'This course gives you a toolkit to work in the field of EAT & EAL. It is supportive and practical, I would highly recommend it!'

'Fantastic course well worth attending, and you will learn a wealth of information and knowledge'

'A very well balanced view point to support children in a new non-invasive manor'

'I am very excited to take what I have learnt and help the young people in our care. It feels like it is making therapy fun.'

'I really enjoyed the course Naomi gave me further insight, knowledge and skills to make me feel that I can do this! Truly inspirational experience'

'I would recommend everyone to partake in this course to help in personal and professional parts of your life'

'I found the course very well presented and the whole experience amazing'

'Informative, balanced, well conducted course that has given me the seeds and tools to move forward with the theory and practice learnt in a safe, enjoyable and patient way'

'I have thoroughly enjoyed the course. It has been inspirational and truly life changing. I will carry the new tools with me and create an exceptional life and business."

"I feel ready to hold my first client session, and feel I am supplied with enough tools to hold that session in a positive, beneficial and professional way. I am very much looking forward to doing it. Thank you for giving me the experience and confidence."

"Having been on many training courses over my professional life I can honestly say this has been the very best. I have been taught the skills I need to begin to practise EFL, but more than this, this has been the very best personal development course I've ever attended!"

"Naomi one of the best training facilities I have experienced, this has been invaluable learning that has extended my knowledge and practice"

"This has been the most enjoyable course I have ever attended. I felt safe to be honest and open and make mistakes. Naomi gave me the confidence to explore my style and areas to work on"

"Thanks for an inspiring 4 days Naomi- I feel energised and excited about stepping out and following my dreams! Such a great group of like minded souls- thank you all!"

'Enlightening. I arrived not knowing what I was coming to and left with a box of tools ready to start my journey as a practitioner and my own self enlightenment'

"First class course, run professionally. Horses are excellent in their role. Can't recommend the course highly enough - THANK YOU."

**ALSO AVAILABLE — Bring the Course to Your Yard**

Would you love this training to take place at your own facilities?
Now you can host one of Spirit of the Phoenix’s Equine Assisted Therapy or Equine Assisted Learning courses right at your yard.

This option is perfect for centres, yards, organisations, or teams who want to:

Train multiple staff members at once
Reduce travel time and costs
Learn in a familiar environment
Offer something truly special to their community

We’re thrilled to offer this service nationwide — from the very top of Scotland all the way down to the tip of Cornwall. If you can provide the participants, facilities, and horses, Naomi will come to you.

What’s Included When You Host a Course

You’ll receive the same high‑quality four‑day structure as our main programme, along with:

Professionally designed work booklets for every participant
Certificates of completion
Consent and feedback forms
Naomi’s full guidance, expertise, and support throughout the course

Hosting a course at your yard is a fantastic way to bring this powerful work to your own community, create new opportunities, and offer a unique learning experience that people will travel for.

We have hosted courses at different places for instance Bishop Burton College, Spirit & Soul CIC, Stable Life and many more.

Contact Us for more information about hosting a course

Name

Phone

Which package are you interested in?

4 days

Any additional information

Learn More

Continuing Professional Development Day

For those who have completed the courses, they will be invited to join us on our CPD day. This gives us a chance to connect, share ideas, plan and development and bring new perspectives to this area of work. This is a great day, of connecting with like minded people who have become part of our phoenix family.

Here are their thoughts about the day:

'I am more confident in pushing my therapy business forward, much more knowledge from the other participants too'

'Very wide ranging training, taking into account variety of perspectives or influences, highly recommend'

'Always lovely to do extra training, I go home with new information and lots of new things to do'

'A thoroughly enjoyable day with like minded people, sharing experiences and gaining more knowledge'

'Naomi has such a wealth of experience that she wants to share for the benefit of the industry, thank you'

'I have loved coming back to Spirit of the Phoenix! Its been wonderful to top up on new knowledge and ideas as well making new connections + reconnecting with past course attendees'

'The training has enhanced my professional practice, Naomi is very encouraging & supportive with a vast amount of knowledge + professionalism, thank you so much'

As if what you have read wasn't enough, here are some more reasons to book on the

4 day course

'I not only gained knowledge and materials to apply to my work but I have opened a door to finding myself'

'Naomi, Buzz, Edith & Scrumpy were amazing. A truly inspirational 4 days, when is the next one'

'Wow what an amazing four days, not only have I learnt lots of new knowledge and skills. I've learnt a lot about myself, what a journey!'

'Lovely group of people, excellent tutor, its given me a sense of excitement to take the next steps'

'I felt supported and guided throughout, really pleased to have attended'

'An incredibly ran course with all the knowledge we need to kick start something special'

'Naomi is so knowledgeable! I really enjoyed the course and wish it was longer! I feel like I have the tools to be able to move forward'

'Thank you Naomi for an empowering and insightful way to use the horses to help people emotionally and physically achieve life tasks and lessons'

'I've had the best time Naomi's knowledge and understanding, including her sense of humour is second to none thank you'

'This course was life changing in so many ways and I cannot thank you and the horses enough'

'Naomi is an extraordinary translater of how the bringing of the truth home to yourself can instantly transform your life and teaches these skills beautifully'

'Naomi is the most knowledgeable person I've ever met in multiple fields- wow!, she fills me with confidence and just knows how to enable me to fix it.'

'What an outstanding course Naomi! Very well put together and delivered. So informative and interesting. It was a joy to attend'

'Beautiful, magical, yet grounding and grounded training. Somatic changes happened that I feel would be significant in moving forward in my business. I feel well-equiped to start experiementing with friends and family first then clients'

'The 4 days with Naomi were informative, fun and helped build a solid foundation of both subjects. Naomi is clearly experienced and has an amazing level of knowledge and expertise and is so open in terms of sharing these'

'I want to say thank you for organising this course. This has been life changing for me, opened up new doors and made me see what I truly need to do'

'Naomi is highly knowledgeable and capable clinician within this field'

'A really enjoyable and informative course. Thank you Naomi & Buzz Lightyear'

'I had the best experience and loved all 4 days. I cannot recommend doing the course enough even if it is for self awareness or for the support and encouragement to venture out on your own'

'Endorsed by Italians and British psychiatrists! Alternatively: I explored worldwide options on training and am completely confident I chose correctly'

'very informative, friendly and supportive a great course that has enabled me to grow as a person and the freedom to follow my dreams'

'Awesome 2 days love the ponies, Naomi is amazing and so supportive'

'I have had the most amazing wonderful experience of learning and meeting like minded people as myself. The encouragement to start my own business. The information was easy to understand and follow and what a wonderful tutor'

'Naomi is a wealth of information and knowledge on EAL & EAT + life in general. She has so much to offer and I would highly recommend this course!'

'I have had the most amazing four days! fantastic horses, facilitators and people!'

'This is the course for you if you want to make dreams come true!'

'I cant recommend this course enough for anyone who wants or needs to understand more about the subject'

'The course was well prepared and presented in an engaging way, it was a joy to attend'

'An extremely enlightening course all the honesty and compassion was brilliant'

'The equine assisted learning course has given me a wealth of skills and knowledge'

'Fantastic course with lots of new incentive's and life skills. Fantastic tutor and so energising + inspiring.'

' A weekend can restore faith, confidence and re-evaluate life. As one door closes another door opens. its reaffirmed in the positive, self, therapeutic environment'

"A Lovely couple of days with some nice people of learning and self reflection and finding things out about myself. Naomi makes it a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere"

'I have grown so much not only as a professional, but as a person too. I've found myself and myself worth, and empowered to help my young people to do the same'

'I've really enjoyed training, it's empowered me not only as a person but as a worker'

'Very interesting and informative course, very well planned and very welcoming'

'Therapy based on huge respect and care for both people and horses'

"An enjoyable, rewarding & enlightening experience that will stay with me"

"Totally not what I expected but great opportunity for some really in depth personal learning and inner change. Very useful, collaborative and accepting environment to learn in"

'Very interesting, enjoyed increasing my knowledge and understanding there is a lot more to riding horses Naomi is a very friendly, fun and caring teacher''

'Both EAT & EAL are amazing. Thank you so much. I cant wait to get home and start'

'A huge learning curve about human emotions and how the horses read our intentions/ thoughts'

'This workshop/ course has give me new inspiration and the motivation as well as new skills to take my work in a new direction'

'4 days of practical hands on training. Relaxed fun and knowledgeable'

'Bit of a voyage of self discovery of seeing how powerful a horse is in reading our emotions'

'Coming on the course to help others and heling yourself along the way whilst building bonds and relationships with horses and people was eye opening, thank you'

'Brilliant course, would recommend, thank you'

'This training has been life changing, inspiring and magical, fantastic!'

'A course that allows an individual to grow and develop in a safe environment and experience profound and lasting change'

'Absolutely amazing 4 days spent learning about myself and where I want to be. Naomi is a fantastic tutor explaining everything in easy to learn terms'

'Interesting and informative, an emotional discovery'

'Attending this weekend gave me a clear insight to E.A.L and how to move forward with my own dream, Thank You Naomi'

'Another amazing weekend! Learning not only about E.A.L but a snap shot into my personal journey, where I am and where I am heading. It truly is the best environment not only to explore E.A.L but to learn about yourself'

'Great learning, good fun and I now have the confidence to facilitate my own session'

'A feeling of excitement that change can happen in a simple stepped approach and its ok to make mistakes as they are life lessons, I leave the weekend knowing there is a new way forward that is so simple and effective'

'Absolutely excellent weekend. Incredibly informative Naomi is a fantastic teacher. I have learned a lot about myself which will help me on my journey, Thank You'

'I would totally recommend training with Spirit of the Phoenix. Naomi waspatient, consistent and got to the point'

'A very professionally delivered course, which is both informative and elightening. Allows your confidence to grow in practice and methodology'

'Naomi is a fantastic teacher, with contagious passion. Wonderful experience, eye opening, basically I loved it!'

"Thank you so much for allowing me to dream and begin a new journey of discovery"

"There is plenty of fresh air, majestic creatures around you and information to make changes if you so wish to, Brilliant!"

"The workshop was educational and insightful. It was a very enjoyable day and i would like to attend other sessions. Thank you"

"The experience is subtle, peaceful and strong."

"Such a privilege to learn from Naomi's continued journey and wisdom - thank you as always"

"Stepping stones on my journey to achieve my dream"

"A calming and relaxing experience where you can be at one with a horse"

'Helped me look within myself for the answers that I needed'

"This overwhelming feelings I'm left with is how can we share this with more people and scale its impact"

"Once again Naomi blew us all away with her insights. Red and Mac were perfect mirrors and as always showed us all how to take steps into reaching our dreams"

"I now believe that this type of therapy can be extremely rewarding, I wasn't sure at first but the relationship between Naomi and her horses makes for a comfortable environment"

"A good and interesting workshop"

"It amazed me how much i learned about myself and my current feelings/ behaviors so instantly through the interaction with the horse. It immediately reflected to me what was going on inside and how this related to my behavior in my everyday interactions in life…..It could save years on counseling!.. Naomi was calm, non-judgmental supportive and patient, and Red was a star!.. I would like to learn a lot more about this work I find it fascinating. Thanks Naomi and Red!"

"The horses gave me so much to learn from today and showed how intuitive they are"

"I had an amazing afternoon at Spirit of the Phoenix, Why? nice to get to know me!"

"Simplicity is powerful and a horse is that. Wonderful experience thank you Naomi, Mac, and Red"

"if you want to understand your horse better and make your horses life better and consequently make your own life better then you need to attend this workshop (herd dynamics)"

'The most exciting, interesting and worthwhile experience, Thank you Naomi'

'Confident course in a spacious honest environment'

'Amazing day- really well structured and lots of useful information. Naomi is an amazing, the horses are brill and so is the dog Patch, thank you so much'

'As a counsellor this gives one a different way of working with clients who don't know where to begin or how to stay in the here and now'

'A super run and informative course that provides insight and skills for the profession and the encouragement to grow and develop personally and professionally'

'Insightful and amazing'

'Stimulating and thought- provoking, professionally led and facilitate, Wonderful and loved herd, stunning location, a privilege to participate in, Thank you.'

'Thouroughly enjoyed the 2 day EAL course. It has been informative and friendly and very relaxed. Naomi is a great teacher and communicator and hopefully a friend for life. Thank you so much'

'Thoroughly enjoyed the experience from both a professional and personal point of view. Thank you Naomi for inspiring so beautifully'

"Everyone should experience a session of equine assisted horse therapy'

"I really enjoyed my 4 days, I would come back and do more workshops"

"Naomi is so passionate about how much horses and mother nature can help, and is extremely generous with her knowledge to encourage the field of Equine Assisted Therapy to grow and reach all those who need it. Thank You"

"Excellent course, very relaxed enjoyable environment. Would highly recommend it!"

"I have found this workshop mind blowing- Naomi's honesty and dedication provided a real learning experience"

"Another wonderful day at Spirit of the Phoenix- Naomi's knowledge never fails to inspire me! It's like opening a window to the sunny outside!!"

"Great experience, very informative learning opportunity. Naomi is very knowledgeable and happy to share experiences."

"I found the experience day empowering, interesting and deeply insightful. I feel that it has built my confidence about my outlook/philosophy on life whilst building/ learning new skills and perspective which i can utilize both personally and as a therapist"

Life Coaching

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Equine Assisted Therapy & Learning Course