What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

The OTD, 710 Psychosocial students at Huntington University's Occupational Therapy Program visited Summit Equestrian Farm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to learn about EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) Programs. The students also learned how EAGALA Programs differ from Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding by being conducted on the ground, only, with team facilitation (Horse, Horse Specialist, and MH Specialist).

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy focuses on individuals/groups with mental health issues, while Equine Assisted Learning can be used to promote growth and learning experiences with individuals, organizational groups, and students. Hippotherapy is a form of physical, occupational, and speech in which a therapist uses the characteristic movement of the horses to provide carefully graded motor and sensory input. Therapeutic Riding is an equine assisted activity designed to positively impact cognitive, physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals with special needs.

Watch how the Equine Assisted Learning Program shaped the perspective of two students.