With Deborah Marshall founder of Generation Farms

Professional Training in Equine Facilitated/Assisted Wellness 

 Equine Assisted Therapy Equine Assisted Services

In 2006 we were asked by an enthusiastic group of workshop participants to teach them how to do what we were doing at Generation Farms. That was the beginning of our training program. Many of those original students have gone on to create their own successful practices and to use this knowledge to enhance other aspects of their careers and lives. I was concerned about the welfare of horses in this work, and also in having guidelines for people working in the field. 

Generation Farms has developed a safe and informed method of working with humans and horses together for healing and wellness. In all programs at Generation Farms we follow a consistent neuroscience and trauma sensitive philosophy, creating a tone of calm and flexibility for humans and horses. Our approach is drawn from principles of relational horsemanship, somatic psychology, mindfulness, nature based practice and trauma therapy, as well as the Eponaquest Approach. Sharing our knowledge is a way to expand the possibilities this wonderful work offers, and gives us many opportunities to deepen our own abilities. People have traveled from all across Canada, the USA and beyond to attend training workshops at Generation Farms.

In 2009 I was asked to join in with a Canadian group of practitioners to help create standards for the emerging equine work that has come to be called Equine Facilitated Wellness. This group became the Professional Association of Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro-EFW). After the standards were developed I was asked to become a trainer, and the chance for our students to be certified became possible. 

Training at Generation Farms is an opportunity to meet members of our qualified and experienced multi-disciplinary team. Since 2000 we have offered individual and group services to hundreds of children, youth, families and organizations, We love to share what we have learned. 

For dates and details please go to the next tabs that reference Training Dates and the individual trainings offered.For student testimonials go to the bottom if this page.

Deborah Marshall MA; Registered Clinical Counsellor, Pro-EFW Trainer

Deborah is a recognized Trainer affiliated with the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness. Pro-EFW is a Canadian organisation dedicated to quality EFW practices, where the horse is recognised as a sentient being. Certification is offered through Pro-EFW in two streams: Equine Specialist and Human Services Specialist,  All students train together enriching the experience for all. Dual Certification options are available.

In addition to the programs at Generation Farms, Deborah has offered EFW workshops in locations including Mary’s Therapeutic Farm in Victoria, Hollyhock Centre on Cortes Island, Highlands Gate in Lanark County Ontario, Willaway Farm in Almonte Ontario and PRANCE in Port Elgin Ontario. She was part of the first full time private counselling practice in Nanaimo and developed a wide variety of therapeutic skills. 

The Process Is About Connection

Horses create social engagement opportunities; the heart of well being. Connection and attunement. When people feel safe enough, their own internal healing process can be activated. We create a safe container to allow the possibility of co-regulation when we are well regulated ourselves and when we know ourselves deeply. This comes through experiences of social engagement as well as awareness of our senses and our body. Then we create this possibility for our horses and our clients. Horses naturally connect with people. Our job is simple when we are in alliance with our horses for healing.

Equine Professionals and Coaches

We have an interest in supporting coaches to integrate EFW principles into your work. We hear from many coaches that they are discouraged with the demands on the horses of  riding programs. We have two EFW Equine Professionals on our team and welcome coaches to train alongside the Learning and Mental Health professionals to explore new ways of working with their horses. It is very gratifying to see what Generation Farms trained riding coaches and therapeutic riding coaches are bringing to their important work.

Certification

We concur with and follow Canadian and international best standards on certification – International Standard ISO/IEC 17024 – that certification should come from independent and nationally recognized professional associations – and not from the organizations or individuals providing the training. This greatly enhances the credibility of the certification earned and better protects the interests of the people and horses we work with.

We do not offer certification ourselves, but do give a letter of completion for all of our training programs that acknowledges attendance of the participant. Pro-EFW manages and makes final decisions on certification.

Our programs can be taken to enhance your professional or personal development. The certification is through Pro-EFW after all of the requirements have been met. 

There are a number of professional bodies in North America that offer and/or are developing such certification processes which the Generation Farms training programs are recognized by and qualify towards. Among this is the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro EFW). This is a collaborative non profit initiative involving a wide range of experienced professionals from all aspects of the field. www.equinefacilitatedwellness.com.

At the Level One Exploration Workshop we review the current status of the various certification options, including the Pro EFW model, and help participants determine the path which best fits their scope of practice and goals in the areas of an EFW practice or personal development. Foundations and Focus Trainings add skill and practice through learning core concepts of The Generation Farms Approach in a supportive small group situation. Integration is the final formal week of training. Other certification requirements are on the Pro EFW website.

While our trainings meet the Pro EFW core requirements, as per Canadian and International best standards for certification, Generation Farms and Deborah Marshall are independent of and separate from all professional associations developing and implementing certification programs.

In our opinion, the study of Equine Facilitated Wellness is not something that can be learned in one place or from one person. It is a deep journey of learning and discovery and students are best served by having varied learning experiences. EFW includes a body of knowledge and experience that can enhance anyone’s life. Our training workshops are open to people who want to learn more about EFW to enhance connection with themselves, their horses and their relationships. When embarked on as a profession, EFW is adjunctive to additional or pre-existing skills and training in the equine, education and learning, or mental health fields.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

What a wonderful experience this has been. The training team were amazing, it felt very inclusive and I believe imparted the seed of cooperation that the whole class practiced. Role modeling has been very important to me and these guys are pros.  The team role modeled the behavior they were trying to impart to us. It was a very rich sensory experience. I felt all involved were in a beautifully safe place.

Deb is so kind, considerate, thorough and clear. I have learned so much from her and feel safe to ask questions and explore my own learning in front of her. I am so glad I chose her as my training lead, even though it means flying out from xxxx. Totally worth it!  The modelling of EFW work was inspiring and so clear. The horse were treated with such care and respect and adjustments were made if a horse felt uneasy or tired. Everyone well-being felt so valued, both horses and people. This created a safe learning environment.

I have taken many courses for university degrees, intellectual curiosity and personal growth. This EFW program is the best organized, comprehensive, respectful and responsive to student needs that I have ever encountered.

I enjoyed how supportive the environment was as it created a safe space for the students to share openly and ask questions during the training. I found the balance of theoretical and experiential learning to be helpful in keeping me engaged in the learning. I find experiential learning allows me to develop a better understanding and confidence in the material being presented. Seeing how EFW can be brought into client sessions and being able to practice some of these experiences myself first I found to be beneficial.