History

After working as a psychiatric nurse for several years in a local mental health institution, wishing to nurture her passion for horses, the founder decided to combine the two and created 'Helpers on Hooves'. In many moments, her horses would share endless, unconditional love and special moments that brought about a complete transformation in her life , which she wanted to share with others. This is the foundation on which the organisation is built on. Now growing, the need to offer our services to individuals with special circumstances and needs has been established. Helpers on Hooves was originally founded by Elaine Agius in 2023 striving to educate more about our equine partners and to create a connection between horses and humans. Unfortunately, at the beginning of 2024, the organisation lost one of its beloved equine partners , Loustic de l'Ain ( the horse in the photo ) and the initiative to rebrand to De l'Ain Academy was completely led by the honour to the many great years he has given in service and as a companion. Our unique sessions and enriched programmes of equine facilitated learning are designed by the founder, Elaine Agius, in order to create a partnership and healing connection between the horse and human. We incorporate the companionship of our therapy horses with individuals, who are desiring an innovative approach in therapeutic and self-development options. Our customized sessions and designed programs may include:
Interacting with the horse through haltering and leading
Grooming the horse
Obstacle Courses
Exercising the horse from the ground
Riding

Why choose Horses?

Even if you are not into pursuing horses , it's ok as most of the things horses teach us , in reality have nothing to do with horses ! For many years horses have relied on their abilities to adapt to change, sense their environment and thrive by relying on herd instincts. As prey animals, horses are very sensitive to their environment in order to ensure their safety. Horses do not think in language, but rather feel the energy within and around them, which makes them highly intuitive and emotionally attuned to the slightest gesture, body posture or tension, tone of voice, or glance. They have a heightened sensitivity to human emotion, which is what they are most attuned to when around us, including those emotions that are often out of our conscious awareness. They respond to our behavior and feelings through their body language, which is clear and immediate; thus, they can teach us how we impact those around us. Horses are considered living, breathing biofeedback machines. The connections between people and horses have proven to be therapeutic in many populations due to the non-judgmental, unconditional interactions horses offer to humans.

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