ABOUT US
Learn more about the heart behind the program, and why providing quality equine-assisted services is so important to us.
What is Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)?
Equine-Assisted Learning is an experiential, hands-on learning model that builds a partnership between a human and a horse (alongside a trained facilitator), to engage in activities that are designed to meet goals. These goals are often centered on learning life lessons and practical skills. EAL uses horses to teach participants how to build healthy boundaries and relationships, increase leadership skills and confidence, to learn communication skills, and to show compassion and respect for both people and animals. EAL harnesses the unique nature of horses to relate to us and help work through challenging situations participants face.
While Equine-Assisted Learning has many therapeutic and healing benefits, it is NOT considered a therapy model due to the absence of a therapist, mental-health, or other medical professional. Additional benefits of EAL include a working knowledge of horses, riding, and basic horsemanship.
Why the need for EAL?
So many people in our world are hurting – whether those hurts are physical, emotional, mental, behavioral, or spiritual in nature. People everyday deal with trauma, crisis, diagnoses, and disabilities. There is a great need for spaces where people can heal, learn life skills, and find hope. EAL sessions offer a unique opportunity because they are highly customizable to the individual needs of the participant, and are rising in popularity and demand (particularly since the pandemic). While it is not traditional therapy, it offers a non-clinical option for healing and processing, and offers space for new growth and learning.
Who can benefit from EAL?
Horses naturally reflect and react to human emotions, and are highly sensitive to our heartbeats, feelings, and moods. Anyone who enjoys animals can benefit from spending time with them. From calming anxiety to lowering blood pressure, some of the benefits of time spent with horses are immediate and tangible. Some things take longer to see results; things like processing grief, increasing physical mobility, or perhaps building a friendship with an equine partner or mentor. No matter what a person faces, they can benefit from time spent with horses.
In a nutshell, Equine-Assisted Learning explores the deeply relational nature of horses to encourage questions, spark curiosity, and create new perspectives that lead to personal growth.
We are a faith-based equine ministry, and Christ is the beating heart of everything we do.
We are here to love and serve people. Our hope is that we can provide a safe space for growth, mentorship, and the development of key life skills including communication, confidence, leadership, and developing healthy relationships alongside our gentle and well-trained horses.
North Star Stables is located at Silver Birch Ranch in the beautiful Nicolet National Forest, surrounded by trails, nature, and wildlife. Indoor and outdoor spaces allow us to provide programming year-round. For more information on the barn and the facilities, visit www.silverbirchranch.org.
We share access to a large and varied horse herd, each with different backgrounds, breeds, experiences, and training to offer a perfect equine partner for each person who steps foot on the property.
North Star EAL was recently featured on the Stand Up For The Truth podcast hosted by Q90 FM Radio. Check out the episode!
“In this episode of Stand Up For The Truth, host Dave Wager welcomes Ivy Bledsoe, an equine-assisted learning facilitator working with North Star Equine Assisted Learning in Langlade County, Wisconsin. Ivy shares how her work with horses helps children and adults develop relational and emotional skills by connecting with God’s creation. The conversation explores the symbolic and spiritual significance of horses, drawing parallels between how horses guide and how God guides us, referencing Isaiah 30:21: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Dave and Ivy reflect on how horses teach patience, trust, and obedience—mirroring the way God patiently leads us through life.
Throughout the podcast, Ivy shares some of her personal journey from being a high-achieving but struggling student to finding healing and connection through working with horses. She explains the difference between equine-assisted learning and traditional therapy, emphasizing that her program focuses on present growth and building healthy life skills through hands-on interaction with horses. The program is designed to be accessible and adaptable for individuals, families, and even school groups—whether they’re new to horses or seasoned riders. Ivy and Dave encourage parents, educators, and ministry leaders to recognize and nurture the unique passions of young people and to consider alternative, nature-based learning environments as a powerful tool for relational and spiritual development.”
Core Values:
1. To Know Christ and to Make Him Known - Following the pattern Christ has set forth by imitating His love and compassion for all people (See Philippians 3:7-12, Romans 12:1-2).
2. Eyes for Eternity - Making a lasting impression on each and every precious life knowing that the impact will be beyond what we can possibly imagine (See Ecclesiastes 3:11, Psalm 139).
3. Give Grace - Giving selflessly and offering forgiveness, mercy, and second chances because we have received these ourselves (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18:21-22, Romans 3:23).
4. Authentic Connections/Open Communication - providing a safe space to be vulnerable, build relationships, and find real connection and community with others (Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 12:18, James 1:19).
5. Step out in Faith & Trust the Healer - Every broken heart can be restored, and every hurt can be healed - He’s got the whole world in His hands (See Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Timothy 4:18, Philippians 1:6).
Foundational Scriptures:
Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.””
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jeremiah 31:25 “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.”