Who can benefit from Equine Assisted Therapy (EAP)?

This type of therapy can be helpful for anyone interested in stepping outside of the therapy office and trying something new. Research supports mental health benefits for the following: 
 

• Trauma and PTSD: Research shows EAP significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, particularly in veterans and survivors of abuse. The non-verbal, somatic nature of horse interactions helps clients process trauma stored in the body, bypassing cognitive defenses.

• Anxiety & Depression: Multiple studies report reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms after EAP interventions. Horses' sensitivity to human emotional states provides real-time biofeedback, helping clients regulate their nervous systems.

• Emotional Regulation: Horses respond immediately and authentically to human affect, requiring clients to regulate their own emotional states — creating a natural feedback loop that builds emotional awareness and self-control.
   

Why does Equine Assisted Psychotherapy work?

There are many reasons this type of therapy works well for certain people. The psychological mechanisms are outlined below:
 

• Prey animal attunement — Horses read subtle emotional cues (body language, breath, tension), mirroring back what clients may not consciously express

• Building Trust & Relationships — Working with horses helps clients develop trust, improve communication skills, and build healthy relationships

• Emotional Regulation — Interacting with horses can help clients learn to manage and regulate emotions in a safe and supportive environment

• Somatic engagement — Grooming/movement activates the parasympathetic nervous system

• Non-judgmental relationship — Reduces shame and defensiveness common in traditional therapy

• Mastery & self-efficacy — Successfully working with a large animal builds confidence

• Mindfulness — Horses demand present-moment attention

• Physical Activity — The physical aspect of working with horses can improve clients’ overall well-being and contribute to the therapeutic process

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How does an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy session work?

EAGALA, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association uses a collaborative approach to create an experiential and empowering form of therapy. The Eagala model incorporates a licensed Mental Health Professional and a qualified Equine Specialist working together with horses and clients as equal partners.
 

Eagala’s therapy is exclusively ground-based, meaning there is no riding of the horses. This is surprising to some people, but it is a very intentional model for therapeutic services. Ground work allows the horses to be themselves and have the freedom to make their choices. They are part of the team, and it’s one of the dynamics that makes sessions so powerful.

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While a primary reason for staying ground-based is to achieve the greatest benefits for clients, it’s also safer for clients to keep two feet on the ground. The goal is not to teach riding or horsemanship but to provide an opportunity for the client’s life stories to unfold metaphorically. The horses play powerful characters in this narrative by revealing relationship dynamics or other symbolic aspects of life. Because horses are free to move, they can create shifts in the client’s stories and bring about awareness and change.

For more information about EAGALA, click here.