The Benefits of EAGALA Equine Therapy

Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) therapy is a style of many, within the equine therapy modalities. I have listed nine symptoms people may be struggling with that can benefit from using interactions with horses to aid emotional and psychological healing. Equine therapy uses the intuitive, non-verbal connection between horses and humans to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation and behavioral change.

What is EAGALA Equine Therapy?

EAGALA is a specialized form of equine therapy that focuses on the unique relationship between horses and humans. EAGALA is a ground-based therapy, meaning the sessions are conducted with the client and horse interacting on the ground, without riding.

Horses, as prey animals, are incredibly sensitive to their environment and respond to human emotions and behaviors in real time. This makes them ideal therapeutic partners because they mirror the emotional state of the people they interact with. They show an immediate reflection of the client’s mood, stress levels and non-verbal communication. By working with a licensed therapist and an equine specialist, clients can reach deeper insights into their personal challenges through their interactions with the horse.

What are the benefits of EAGALA therapy?

Research supports the effectiveness of equine therapy in treating a variety of mental health conditions. Clients who participate in EAGALA therapy often report benefits like improved emotional regulation, increased self-awareness and better communication skills.

Some specific advantages of EAGALA therapy include:

Non-verbal communication: Many clients, especially those dealing with trauma, find it hard to express their emotions verbally. Working with a horse helps them explore and understand their emotions without needing to speak.
Immediate feedback: Horses provide real-time, non-judgmental feedback. For example, a horse may walk away if the client is anxious. He might approach if the client is calm. This shows clients how to recognize and adjust their emotional state.
Safe emotional exploration: Equine therapy creates a structured and safe environment for healing. Clients can explore deep emotional wounds in the presence of an empathetic and intuitive animal, which may feel less threatening than traditional therapy.
Connection and trust-building: By working with a horse, clients build trust and emotional connections, which helps them have improved relationships in their everyday lives.

Who can benefit from EAGALA Equine Therapy?

EAGALA therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health challenges. Clients dealing with any of these nine symptoms will benefit from the non-verbal, emotionally intuitive nature of horses:

Trauma – The immediate feedback from the horses allows clients to release repressed emotions safely.
PTSD – Horses mirror emotions, and provide real-time calming feedback.
Depression – The bonding process can help individuals with depression feel less isolated and more engaged in their healing.
Anxiety – The non-verbal approach helps reduce anxiety by allowing clients to focus on the calming presence of the horse.
Addiction – This therapy supports individuals in recovery by helping them build self-awareness, trust, and healthier coping mechanisms.
Behavioral issues – The real-time feedback from horses can reveal patterns of behavior, allowing individuals to see the impact of their actions.
Relationship challenges – The empathy and feedback clients receive from the horses can also be applied to their human relationships.
Developmental disorders – The ground-based activities can assist those with developmental disorders in improving communication and social interaction skills.
Emotional regulation issues – The instant feedback from these horses, helps clients become more aware of their emotional state and develop strategies to regulate emotions more effectively.

EAGALA can provide a unique, engaging therapeutic process that is less intimidating than traditional therapy settings.

Is there evidence of EAGALA’s effectiveness?

Several studies point to the benefits of EAGALA and other equine-assisted therapies. For example, research published in the journal Animal Frontiers found that interacting with horses can positively impact mental health by improving individuals’ ability to manage their emotions and believe in their own capabilities. Another study from The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that equine therapy significantly reduced PTSD and depressive symptoms three months post-treatment.

A comprehensive review published in The Environmental Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health also highlighted the effectiveness of equine therapy for treating adolescents with behavioral and emotional issues, noting improvements in self-esteem, trust and problem-solving abilities.

How to find EAGALA programs.

EAGALA therapy is practiced worldwide within private practices and treatment programs. This is a widely used modality within short term and long term residential treatment centers.

Final thoughts on EAGALA Equine Therapy.

EAGALA equine therapy offers a unique and effective way to address mental emotional health challenges. Its non-verbal nature and the immediate feedback provided by horses make it especially powerful for individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety and emotional regulation. If you’re seeking alternative therapeutic approaches for yourself or a loved one, the unique relationship between human and horse may be just the thing you need.

As a Therapeutic Consultant, I help families identify the best programs and treatment providers for all things mental health, specializing in adolescents and young adults.

Schedule a no-cost discovery call with Rae Guyer, your therapeutic consultant to discuss options.

Photo credit, EyeEm