Equine Assisted Growth and Learning
How do you use the horses?
The horses are used as the tools for clients to work with to get a specific task done.
How does working with a horse help with personal growth?
Horses don't make judgments and they don't lie. They are good mirrors for human behavior and attitudes.
What if I am afraid of horses?
You are taught safety and are asked to do only what you feel comfortable doing.
Why do you use horses?
Horses are big enough so that people cannot manipulate them and honest enough to require authenticity in those that work with them.
Why can't I just go to a riding stable?
EAGAL sessions are not about horsemanship nor learning to ride. EAGAL leaders are a team of specially trained professionals.
Who is going to watch the sessions?
The sessions are private and confidential. No other arena or field personnel will be permitted to watch or listen to sessions.
How long are the sessions?
Usually, a session last from 1 ½ to 2 hours. However, more questions require longer.
What if I get hurt?
You will be taught strict safety measures and be prompted if safety becomes a concern.
What do people wear?
Clothing suitable to being around horses and being outdoors is best – long sleeves, jeans,& sneakers.
What kind of problems can I work on with EAGAL?
It is possible to work on all personal problems as well as staff development programs.
Who does EAGAL?
An equine specialist and a trained counsellor work as a team to give clients the best program.
Do I have to be able to ride a horse?
No.
Isn't that what's used with mentally & physically challenged adolescents?
Therapeutic riding is the special program used with challenged children & adults.
Articles of Interest
What it's about: the benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, how it works, and the issues EAP addresses.
Article #2 Title: EAP from a Gestalt Therapist's Perspective by Catherine Johnson
What it's about: the principles of Gestalt therapy that are basis of EAP and their application to the work.
Article #3 Title: EAP at Work in the World by Jeannette Galarneau
What it's about: a camp program for 'at risk' teens and the benefits gained by participants.
Article #4 Title: Safety First on the Ground by Greg Kersten
What it's about: safety tips for being around horses.
Article #5 Title: Straight from the Horse's Mouth: The Truth about Equine-Assisted Therapy by Greg Kersten and Lynn Thomas
What it's about: how EAP began, what happens in an EAP session, the type of clients that can benefit, and the outcomes.
Article #6 Title: Equine Assisted Growth and Learning: Q & A Sheet by Winning Strides
What it's about: Frequently Asked Questions.
Article #7 Title: Why Should Administrators Support EAP? To Sierra Boys Ranch
What it's about: how to pitch EAP to your agency's administration team.
Article #8 Title: Safety or Control by Laurie Messner
What it's about: the controversy about whether or not keeping clients safe is really about too much control.