Mission
ELSA (acronym for Experience Learning Support w/ Animals) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving children, teens and young adults with disabilities through the benefits of human-animal interactions (HAI) and equine-assisted activities. Since programs began in 2010, ELSA has served over 1,700 individuals with disabilities including autism and other special needs, and their families, teachers or coaches from Los Angeles, Malibu, San Fernando Valley and Conejo Valley communities (all located in LA County). ELSA's programs immerse participants in the natural environment of the ranch, providing them with empowering equine and animal connections using a carefully tailored curriculum inspired by emerging research on the benefits of human-animal interactions. Our equine activities are guided by the methodologies of the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) as well as Natural Horsemanship techniques