Mane to Heart

💚 What Is Mane to Heart?

From Mane to Heart is a 12-week emotional intelligence course designed to support young people through a transformative blend of science-based education and equine-assisted activities. This innovative program promotes mental well-being, emotional literacy, and personal growth, particularly for individuals who have faced trauma or struggle with emotional regulation.

Each week includes:

• 1-hour classroom session grounded in neuroscience and psychology
• 1-hour practical session working hands-on with horses

Why Emotional Intelligence?

Research shows that emotional intelligence (EQ) is a stronger predictor of long-term success and well-being than IQ alone. Individuals with higher EQ demonstrate:

• Improved self-regulation and decision-making
• Healthier interpersonal relationships
• Greater resilience and reduced anxiety

This program helps young people:

• Understand and name their emotions
• Recognise emotional states in themselves and others
• Respond to stress with awareness, not reactivity

Who Is This For?

This course is designed especially for:

• Children in care or foster systems
• Young people recovering from trauma
• Adolescents navigating puberty and identity
• Individuals facing emotional or mental health challenges

How Horses Help

Horses are highly attuned to nonverbal cues and emotional states—a reflection of their status as prey animals. Working with them encourages mindfulness and authentic presence.

According to research in animal-assisted therapy:

• Equine interaction lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels
• It promotes co-regulation of nervous systems between human and animal
• It provides immediate, nonjudgmental feedback, enhancing self-awareness