WHAT IS EQUINE ASSISTED SOLUTIONS™ - EAP, EAL, EAPD & HHH?

Humans and horses have had a close and dynamic relationship over thousands of years and the way in which horses can influence people in powerful ways has long been recognised and understood. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine Assisted Professional Development(EAPD) are emerging disciplines in which horses are used to create a unique therapeutic and learning experience employing an experiential, action-based model - the Equine Assisted Solutions™ approach.

The foundation of EAS - The EAGALA model of  Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).

From the introduction to the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) resource handbook 2005:

"Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) [and related approaches] is an emerging field in which horses are part of a therapeutic process to help promote emotional growth and learning. EAP is a collaborative effort between a qualified and experienced therapist and an experienced horse specialist. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or 'brief' approach. 

EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviours, and patterns. EAP has the added advantage over other activities (e.g. drama, art, adventure activities) in the way it utilizes horses as dynamic and powerful living beings.

Not all programs or individuals who use horses for therapeutic work practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For one,  a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist (licensed clinical professionals in USA) needs to be involved for it to be considered “psychotherapy" or "counselling".

The focus of EAP is not about learning to ride or horsemanship. In fact, 90% of EAP takes place purely on the ground. The focus of EAP involves setting up activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills: non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and management groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioural issues, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs."

What is Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)?

The philosophy, principles and practice of the Equine Assisted Solutions™ approach are applied to individual and group learning for young people and adults. Examples of areas addressed include confidence building, creative problem solving, planning and organising, communicating with others, relating to others and learning to learn. An experiential learning process model - learning by doing - is central to the approach helping with developing life skills - with the help of horses.

The Experiental Learning Process Model

What is Equine Assisted Professional Development (EAPD)?

The philosophy, principles and practice of the Equine Assisted Solutions™ approach are applied to professional development for individuals, organisations and businesses. Examples of areas addressed include coaching, teambuilding, leadership, crisis management, goal setting and conflict resolution. An experiential learning process model - learning by doing - is central to the approach helping with developing personal and professional skills - with the help of horses.

What is Horse Human Harmony (HHH)?

The philosophy, principles and practice of the Equine Assisted Solutions™ approach are applied to horse training for individuals and small groups.  An experiential learning process model - learning by doing - is central to the approach helping with developing horsemanship skills focusing on the Communication, Relationship & Partnership triangle in all activity with the horse.