Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
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Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential therapeutic process that emphasizes the interaction between human and animal partners.
Typically, a licensed mental health therapist (MH) works with a equine specialist (ES) in partnership with the horse where interactions with the horse are used as a catalyst to guide individuals through a range of experiences to address their physical and emotional needs. 
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Why Horses?
Horses are prey animals and because of this they are greatly tuned into their environment and their fight or flight response. This awareness allows horses to pick up on energies in their environment and quickly react to non verbal body language and unconscious emotional states projected by individuals. The instantaneous feedback horses respond with is much quicker than a human therapist can give. Through holding a mirror up for a individuals to view their own inner states and shifts in states based on responses from the horse, an individual gains new insight. Working with and building relationships with horses gives individuals a opportunity to see and practice how emotions, behaviors, and beliefs affect another. Is what we do congruent with how we feel? Are we aware of the action and reaction within relationships? Finally horses provide non judgmental support. Studies have shown that just being in the presence of a horse can have positive physical effects and heart rate variability (HRV) synchronization.
Equine Therapy Models
While there are several approaches to providing equine therapy, the models listed below are the most common and widely recognized. Links are provided to learn more about each model through the models official website.
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"Eagala was one of the first to develop a concrete model of professional standards for incorporating horses into mental health treatment. Founded in 1999 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit and, along with an incredible team, it has continued to evolve and develop the Eagala Model.
The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association is a revolutionary mental health treatment model incorporating horses who are highly attuned and offer a safe space for clients to discover their answers within themselves. Using a collaborative approach, the Eagala Model incorporates a licensed Mental Health Professional and a qualified Equine Specialist working together with horses and clients as equal partners in an experiential process that empowers life-changing outcomes." |
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"PATH Intl., a federally registered 501(c)3, accredits centers and certifies professionals so you have the best and safest services our industry offers. PATH Intl. accredits centers and certifies professionals so participants can experience the best and safest services in the EAS industry. PATH Intl. was founded in 1969 to promote safe and effective therapeutic — also known as adaptive — horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada. The benefits of equine-assisted services have been recognized for a long time. Partnering with horses can have a major physical and emotional impact on people with a wide variety of physical disabilities, cognitive delays or emotional challenges. Granting a PATH Intl. Member Center the privilege of your trust will enable you or your loved one to reach health and wellness goals – as well as experience fun and hope – by partnering with horses."
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"Here at Natural Lifemanship, the inclusion of equine partners is integral to the work we do. Even more important is how and why we incorporate them into personal and professional development. It is paramount to the work that we see equines as partners capable of real and authentic relationships. Sentient beings who are not to be controlled, but to be respected, trusted, and loved. Sentient beings who do not benefit from being controlled, but from being seen and valued as individuals and cared for in an attuned way.
Our specific relationship with horses and other equine partners is part of what makes our practice unique. When we speak of the power of connected relationships, this includes our relationships with horses. Horses are capable of engaging in healthy, genuine connection, relationship, and partnership. This relationship can be profoundly deeper than words." |