The Creation Story of HEAL
HEAL™ — Human Equine Assisted Learning
HEAL™ was created from a simple belief: connection can change how we feel, how we learn, and how we move through the world.
Make it stand out
We all deserve connection.
The HEAL™ method creates a safe and nurturing space where humans can slow down, breathe, be present and connect with horses. There is no expectation to arrive a certain way, behave a certain way, or achieve a predetermined outcome. We begin with the person who walks through the gate.
At the heart of HEAL™ is connection before expectation.
Through the quiet presence and honesty of horses, HEAL™ creates opportunities for connection, regulation, confidence, learning, self-awareness and empowerment. The horse is not simply part of an activity; the horse is a partner in the experience. We learn to notice, listen, breathe, respond and build trust.
Every HEAL™ programme is bespoke because every human is different. Their experiences, needs, strengths, challenges and ways of communicating are their own. HEAL™ meets people where they are and allows the relationship, rather than a rigid programme, to guide the learning.
My passion is to empower our people to be and feel the best they can in this one hour here at HEAL.
HEAL™ has been created by Evie Leniston-Howell, drawing together her early background in childhood development, decades of experience in communication and human connection, lived experience, and most importantly, what she has learned through her own relationship with horses.
The method has also been created with deep respect for te ao Māori and an understanding that wellbeing is about the whole person. HEAL™ acknowledges the principles reflected within Te Whare Tapa Whā, developed by Sir Mason Durie, and the interconnected importance of taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha wairua and taha whānau.
HEAL™ is about more than spending time with horses.
It is about creating a place to belong, breathe, connect, learn and HEAL.
Connection through te hā / the breath.
And this is only the beginning.
The vision for HEAL™ is to make the method available to other kind, values-aligned people so they too can create HEALn Hubs™ within their communities.
A HEALn Hub™ is a place where people can walk through the gate and know that they will be met with kindness, respect and connection - a place where horses and humans can come together and where learning and healing can happen naturally.
The vision is clear: HEALn Hubs™ across Aotearoa and, in time, across te ao - the world.
Because everyone deserves somewhere they can simply arrive as they are.
Nau mai, haere mai.
Come as you are.
Connect. Breathe. Learn. HEAL™.