Equine Facilitated Therapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning. EAP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Because of the intensity and effectiveness of EAP, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach.

EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This approach has been compared to ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development courses around the world. EAP has an added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.

Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. First a licensed clinical professional need to be involved for it to be considered "psychotherapy". The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship. The focus of EAP involves setting up ground activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs. Why Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

More Effective than Traditional Talk Therapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy uses horses as an experiential tool which allows the client and therapist to “see” where the problems are and find solutions that work.

Short Term Treatment that Renders Long Term Results

Because the sessions with horses mimic real life issues, clients quickly recognize unhealthy patterns and enact new behaviors. The horses don’t accept “talk” - clients have to make sincere, life-long changes, eliminating months or years of work required in an office setting.

It is Versatile

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has been used to successfully treat addictions, eating disorders, behavioral disorders, victims of sexual abuse, neglect and violence, recidivism, autism, learning disabilities, anger management, stress management, coping skills, aggressive behavior, team work, leadership skills and more.

It Is Not About Riding

100% of EAGALA sessions are conducted on the ground and are focused on improving life skills, not horse skills.

It WORKS

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has success with long term results. EAGALA’s evidence-based practice demonstrates the effectiveness of our team approach, format and techniques.