This blog has been created to assist those in the field of equine assisted psychotherapy and learning who have been certified or may be certified by EAGALA - the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. Over the past few years, issues related to use of their model, certification, training, membership requirements related to certification, ethics, suspension, monitoring of members, financial interest, and control have surfaced amongst people in the field. We hear it and have yet to speak it. This is an opportunity to share questions, concerns, issues, and thoughts.
The field of equine experiential/assisted/guided therapy - whatever terms we choose to use - is important and valuable. Many individuals, organizations, and associations are practicing and supporting the work. Incredible trainings by experienced practitioners are occuring, we are blending all we have learned to best meet the needs and interests of participants. Our equine partners would appreciate this... yet EAGALA has sadly moved to a place of self-proclaimed authority and claims to a model that may or may not work for all clients. Confusion abounds and required adherence to their model, threats of sanctions and loss of certification &/or membership are curious at best.
Let our voices be heard.
