Retired Racehorses

About EAGALA Military Services
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, also known as “horse therapy,” is a growing modality of treatment which
specifically benefits PTSD, issues surrounding pre and post deployment, family therapy, addictions, and builds
resilience. It is important to note that just because horses are involved, it does not mean these treatment
issues or needs are being addressed. Other approaches such as therapeutic riding or hippotherapy focus on
physical and occupational therapy needs. Still others teach horsemanship and riding and although there are
therapeutic benefits, are not focused on directly addressing the intensive psychological needs of service
members and their families.
Founded in 1999, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is a nonprofit, international
professional association with over 3,500 members in 40 countries. The EAGALA Model of Equine Assisted
Psychotherapy (EAP) provides a focused comprehensive treatment and education approach to address
presenting psychological issues where horses are incorporated in an experiential, hands-on, solution-oriented
process.
The EAGALA Model is unique in that:
- Team approach – A licensed Mental Health Professional and a qualified Equine Specialist work as a
team with the clients and horses. This level of care is provided in all sessions.
- Ground-based- No horseback riding is involved. Instead, effective and deliberate techniques are
utilized where the horses are metaphors in specific ground-based experiences.
- Solution-oriented- The basis of the EAGALA Model is a belief that all clients have the best solutions for
themselves when given the opportunity to discover them. Therapy-focused experiences allow service
members and their families to explore, problem-solve, overcome challenges, and discover which leads
to resiliency in all aspects of life.
- Code of Ethics – EAGALA has high standards of practice and ethics and an ethics committee and
protocol for upholding these standards – ensuring best practices and the highest level of care.
Why horses?
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As a prey animal, horses are very sensitive, highly alert, and exceptional at reading non-verbal
communication. This high alert state is something service members relate to.
Because horses read non-verbals so well, they respond in ways which begin to feel very
familiar, i.e. just like their wives, husbands, kids, unit, elusive dreams, fears, etc. They become
very real symbols of these relationships and allow them the opportunity to work through how
to change these aspects of their lives in an experiential, in-the-moment and emotionally safe
method.
Size – Horses being big and powerful, multiple metaphoric opportunities arise such as facing
overwhelming fears and challenges.
Service members and their families are able to interact in a peaceful environment with a horse that does not
judge or label. Through experiential non-directive activities, participants are able to express their fears,
worries, and struggles in a non-threatening environment.