From Australian Classroom to Horseback: Equine-Assisted Learning

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For many educators, the classroom is more than just a place of learning; it’s a calling, a passion, and a central part of their identity. But what happens when that passion evolves or the classroom no longer fits perfectly? Vivian Oberhollenzer’s story is a compelling example of how following one’s heart and leveraging unique skills can lead to a fulfilling career transition to Equine Assisted Learning. This blog delves into Vivian’s inspiring journey from teaching to establishing an Equine Assisted Academy, offering valuable insights for teachers contemplating a similar shift.

A Diverse and Global Career Path

Vivian Oberhollenzer’s career began with a clear intention: to improve school nutrition curriculums. Starting as a Nutrition Consultant, she decided to further her impact by becoming a teacher. She pursued a Diploma of Education (DipEd) in Biology and Health to bring positive change to school nutrition programs. However, life had a broader adventure in store for her.

Determined to expand her horizons, Vivian embarked on a global journey. Her mission was to live, work on three continents, and learn three languages. Her adventure began in Germany, where she landed a position as a Kindergarten teacher at an international school. This experience was the first step in a series of diverse educational roles across the globe.

In Honduras, Vivian transitioned into teaching science, and in Uganda, she collaborated with a company creating educational materials for the World Health Organization. While in Uganda, she began a Master’s in Education, which she completed upon returning to Australia. Each experience added a new layer of depth to her educational philosophy and practice.

Upon her return to Australia, Vivian found her dream role as a Special Education Teacher. She thrived in smaller class sizes and had the opportunity to provide personalised attention to her students. “I loved every bit of it,” she recalls. The supportive environment, enthusiastic colleagues, and the ability to integrate her love of animals into her teaching made this role particularly rewarding.

The Genesis of Equine-Assisted Learning

Vivian’s longstanding passion for horses began at the age of nine. Over the years, she developed expertise in groundwork and horsemanship skills. This passion began to merge with her teaching career when she introduced various animals into her classroom, including guinea pigs, chickens, and a dog.

The turning point came when Vivian volunteered to manage the Miniature Horse team after school. She then proposed incorporating horse sessions into the classroom for self-regulation, a suggestion that the school administration warmly received. “It was a dream come true,” Vivian reflects. She combined her lifelong love of horses with her educational expertise by bringing in her personal horse to run sessions.

Through this innovative approach, Vivian discovered the field of Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL). She realised that what she was doing had a name and could be formally trained. “I arranged for four co-workers and myself to be trained in EAL,” she explains. This training validated her efforts and expanded her ability to help students build self-awareness, social skills, and emotional intelligence.

Leveraging Transferable Skills from Teaching

One critical factor in Vivian’s successful career transition was her ability to transfer skills from teaching to her new business. As an Inclusion Specialist, Vivian was accustomed to developing detailed unit plans, creating PowerPoints, and designing assessment items tailored to students’ Individualised Curriculum Plans (ICPs). This experience was invaluable when she started creating her EAL course materials.

“The only way I could create my EAL course so efficiently was because of the practice I had as an Inclusion Specialist,” Vivian notes. Her background in educational design and understanding of diverse learning needs provided a solid foundation for her new venture. This ability to adapt and apply existing skills in a new context was instrumental in her transition.

Navigating the Transition out of the Classroom

Vivian’s approach to transitioning into her new career involved a commitment to continuous learning. She actively sought professional development opportunities related to horsemanship, inclusion, and skill-building. “I am constantly learning and updating my skills in this space,” she says.

Starting her own business was a gradual process. Vivian did not impose a strict deadline on herself. “I started slow and had no expectations. I just knew that I wanted to do something from my heart,” she explains. With guidance from her sister, a business consultant, Vivian assessed the viability of her idea and began building her business.

The initial success of her business came through word-of-mouth referrals rather than extensive advertising. “I didn’t have to market aggressively, which was lovely,” she recalls. However, as her business grew, she faced new challenges, particularly in marketing and managing finances. Vivian plans to address these by outsourcing tasks like marketing and finance management to focus more on her passion for EAL.

Recommended Resources for a Smooth Transition

Vivian’s journey underscores the importance of utilising relevant resources to support career transitions. For those interested in EAL or similar fields, she recommends several valuable resources:

“Emotional Horsemanship” by Lockie Philips is an online course that focuses on the emotional bond between horse and human and offers practical insights for those working in EAL.
“The Principles of Training” by Warwick Schiller provides a range of principles that help understand effective training techniques and the human-horse relationship.
“Sacred Space” by Dr. Susan Fay: This book explores the deep connection between horses and humans, emphasising the spiritual aspects of EAL.
Books by Rachel Draaisma: Draaisma’s works focus on calming signals and stress indicators in horses, which is essential knowledge for anyone working with horses.
“Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship” by Janet Jones: This book delves into the neurological connections between humans and horses, offering a scientific perspective on horsemanship.

Staying Motivated and Resilient

Maintaining motivation and resilience is crucial during a career transition. Vivian’s strategies include:

Part-Time Work: Vivian runs her business only two days a week, which maintains her high level of motivation and productivity. “I’m often thinking about the next step, but having to wait builds my enthusiasm for the task,” she says.
Ethical Focus: Vivian’s commitment to improving horse well-being through EAL is a significant source of inspiration. “I want to ensure it’s a two-way street to be ethical,” she emphasises.
Client Interaction: Vivian is motivated by working closely with clients and witnessing their progress. The one-on-one nature of her sessions allows her to build meaningful connections and see tangible results.
Positive Mindset: Vivian actively cultivates a positive outlook and avoids negativity. “I believe the world is what you choose to see it as,” she states.
Self-Care: To manage overwhelm, Vivian practices self-care, such as taking time to watch a movie. “Sometimes, less is more,” she notes, recognising the importance of balance.

Advice for Teachers Considering a Career Change

Vivian’s advice for teachers contemplating a career change is to take a gradual approach. “Reduce your workload first and give yourself time to think without expectations,” she suggests. Allowing oneself to become bored can lead to unexpected and innovative ideas. “My best ideas have come about when I’m on a Facebook Fast!” she adds.

Financial Transition and Future Goals

Vivian is on track to replace her teacher income with her EAL business. “I’m getting there! I should crack it next financial year,” she shares. While transitioning to a new career has been rewarding, managing the business’s finances has presented challenges. Vivian plans to outsource tasks like marketing and finance management to focus on her passion for EAL.

Final Thoughts

Vivian Oberhollenzer’s journey from teaching to establishing Equine Assisted Academy is a powerful example of how pursuing one’s passions and leveraging existing skills can lead to a fulfilling career transition. Her story offers valuable insights and inspiration for teachers considering a similar shift. By embracing continuous learning, maintaining a positive mindset, and focusing on ethical practices, Vivian has successfully navigated her career change and created a meaningful impact in the field of Equine Assisted Learning.

Typical day as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator

We asked Vivian what it’s like working as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, she has described what her day might look like but this is just an example and is flexible to fit in with her schedule.

Overview of the day:

7.30am Feed and care for horses.

All sessions follow the general script of where sessions start with a grounding activity, or meditation. Then they build on the last session, or begin a new activity within the goal/s. They end with a reflection with the client.

8:00am – 9:00am Client 1 – Teenager with an Intellectual Impairment working on social-emotional skills

9:00am -10:00am Client 2 – Adult working on Mindfulness to help cope with stress

11:00am- 2:00pm Break – Includes writing up notes from the session and invoicing.

2:00pm – 3:00pm Client 3 – Child with Autism to work on self-awareness and communication

3:15pm – 4:15pm Client 4 – Teenager with physical disabilities to work on self-confidence.

Connect with Vivian Oberhollenzer

For those interested in learning more about Equine Assisted Learning or connecting with Vivian, here are her contact details:

Business Name: Equine Assisted Academy
Email: v.oberhollenzer@gmail.com
Phone Number: 0411 644 313
Social Media – Facebook – Equine Assisted Academy
Website – www.equineassistedacademy.com.au

Vivian also offers courses to train others in EAL and is available for sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays. She balances her professional commitments with family life and part-time teaching, creating a harmonious work-life balance.