There is a lot of literature which speaks to the benefits of animal interactions for our physical, mental and emotional health. Be it with a bird, a dog, a cat, or even a tarantula, the benefits exist. In many respects, horses offer the same benefits; they are non-judgmental, they don’t care about bad hair days, they are genuine and sincere, they can make us laugh, teach us how to be responsible, and how to work in partnership. However unlike a dog or cat, horses are not accessible to everyone and going to a barn offers an opportunity to be outdoors and in nature. Horses are also large and sometimes intimidating, which means that we can overcome some of our fears and discomforts by learning to work with them. This is helpful in developing self-esteem, having a feeling of accomplishment and/or empowerment, and provides some pretty awesome stories to take back to your friends, family, and/or coworkers. Unlike dogs and cats, horses are solely prey animals, meaning that safety is their primary concern. Relating to them can help us explore themes of safety, security, trust, and courage in our own lives. Horses and humans are similar in that we are social animals, having multiple roles and responsibilities within our families/communities – or “herd”. Watching the herd’s interactions allows us to explore the similarities and differences in our own communities. There is often at least one member we can relate to and we can use those similarities to explore our own relationship dynamics.

Horses evoke response and engagement.

No matter their background or experience clients respond to horses. The horses’ receptivity and response to clients, in turn, gives us information about the client. This dynamic, coupled with the natural, experiential setting of EAGALA programs, helps people move beyond the inherent restraints of talk-only therapy and office visits.

Horses quicken social and emotional breakthroughs.

This is especially true for those affected by trauma. That’s because horses are highly attuned animals that offer safe reflection and compelling feedback for fears and anxieties clients may be facing. In the hands of a skilled EAGALA team, the horses’ unique sensitivity can help clients