IFEAL and The Epona Approach
The Epona Approach was co-created by Kathleen Barry Ingram and Linda Kohanov author of Tao of Equus, Riding Between the Worlds and Way of the Horse: Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery
The Epona Approach allows you to experience what it means to truly thrive in life, offering you tools that open other worlds of creativity, insight, and empowerment, expanding your vision, helping you reconnect to nature, to the herd and to the community.
Tao of Equus by Linda Kohanov
It is an educational model based on experiential learning that is facilitated by horses and is suitable for individuals as well as groups. The Epona Approach translates and integrates knowledge and understanding into effective behaviour through innovative, powerful and experiential (therefore memorable) experiences.
IFEAL evolved through the initiative of Sun Tui and the collective research of Sun Tui, Kathleen Barry Ingram, Dr Barbara Murry and Shelley Carr. IFEAL is a progressive and innovative model of Equine Facilitated Learning and Equine Assisted Therapy. It is recognised internationally as a leading, comprehensive and professionally ethical entry point to working in the EFL/EAP field .
IFEAL methodology
- is delivered through the objective lens of scientifically validated methodologies and evaluated research in the following 3 significant independent fields of science and the research and scientific studies of outcome: MBSR mind based stress reduction scientific research, Neural brain studies and extended nervous system using data showing correlation that regulates the of whole state of being and Clinical Psychology and Attachment theories which includes Compassion Focused Therapy
- ensures commitment to recognising the innate needs of horses as free roaming, herd orientated sentient beings and their right to choose whether to participate in EFL/EAT work
Sun Tui (Director and Founder of IFEAL) is the only Advanced Epona Approved Instructor based in England and was part of the last Instructor intake to be trained by both Kathleen Barry Ingram and Linda Kohanov. Sun Tui went on further with her studies and has worked along side both Linda and Kathleen for over three years. Her continued studies include mentor ship and supervision with Kathleen Barry Ingram MA
At IFEAL any working group is made up of the client and the horse (who choose each other) and the facilitator. In some areas of work such as trauma and in group workshops the facilitator (who needs to be a fully insured counsellor or psychotherapist) will have a qualified assistant and the horse/s may have a staff member who supports them.
Certification in Equine Assisted Facilitation and Master Trainer Qualifications incorporating The Epona Approach™ with Kathleen Barry Ingram MA. This non-directive approach, originated with the foundational co-creative work of Kathleen Barry Ingram MA , Barbara Rector and Linda Kohanov. The Epona Approach™ allows for uniquely powerful Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning experiences, which are frequently described as life-changing. In her books, The Tao of Equus, Riding Between the Worlds and Way of the Horse: Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery, Linda Kohanov masterfully weaves Quantum Scientific Psychological Theory with the mysterious yet masterfully enlightened Taoist and Esoteric Principles. The Power of the Herd Linda’s latest book, explores the history of Power in society and the building of Social Intelligence in visionary leadership for effective business paradigms of the 21st Century.