Dr. Brenda E. Abbey

As a breeder and owner of registered Thoroughbreds as well as a Child Cognitive Psychologist in private practice,  I have realized that understanding the difference between an Agenda and a Plan is important when developing the strengths of both  young racehorses and students.
Agendas are rigid and without tolerance and adhering to AGENDAS when working with young horses or children's literacy learning  does not work as effectively as having a PLAN.
A plan means you have a specific outcome or goal in mind , however the HOW of  plans are flexible and can change , depending on  the specific characteristics/ strengths of the child  or the young horse.
In essence , one size does not fit all and those AGENDA followers  who are not flexible, end up frustrating everyone. Having a Plan allows us to change with the circumstances, eliminating the methods that do not work for the child or the young horse , while still focusing on what is important . All involved appreciate the focus on a positive learning atmosphere and interactions which will help reach the desired results.
Dr. Brenda E. Abbey  

There is no finer mirror of our true nature than the horse.

This experiential nature of interacting with Thoroughbred horses on a large breeding farm in Alberta encourages self- awareness, self- regulation and personal reflection for children and youth.
 Dr. Brenda E. Abbey's counselling experience  and research indicates that Equine Facilitated Learning increases the child/ youth  client's awareness of their own emotional state and non -verbal body language based on recognizing the horse's reactions during the interaction time in the pasture or private paddock. This type of experiential learning with horses has proven very effective as a positive intervention  for children with ADD/ADHD . Even very young foals will react and provide a MIRROR for the client.
Dr.  Brenda E. Abbey has written an  article on Healing with Horses as well as another Research Paper   about How Equine- Assisted Learning Repatterns the Limbic System in children's brains { based on her own Applied research in this area}.