We are thrilled to announce two accomplishments in 2024 that will benefit the youth and families we serve as well as our resident equines at our J. Brad Herman Equine Center.
Two of our employees have completed the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) training and certification process to bring Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning to our Agency’s Equine Center. The EAGALA Model is the global standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development, which incorporates the horse’s unique intuition to help clients heal, learn, and grow from the horse-human relationship. Using a collaborative approach, a licensed Mental Health Professional and a certified Equine Specialist work with horses and clients as equal partners in an experiential process that will empower life-changing outcomes for the youth we serve!
Congratulations Equine Director, Mikalla Tweedie, and Director of Operations/Compliance Officer, Danielle Chase, on becoming EAGALA Certified Professionals! Thank you to Alfred University Equestrian Center for hosting this fantastic training opportunity.
In addition, our Equine Center has been granted Premier Accredited Center status with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.)! The purpose of the accreditation is to provide a process of evaluation that recognizes that a center’s program meets all health and safety standards and promotes the well-being of all participants and equines. The entire process took an incredible amount of hard work that lasted for over a year. Special thanks to our Equine and Facilities Departments for helping us reach this goal.
Why Horses?
Those familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in compelling ways. Horses are social prey animals. They do not have predatory protection (claws, sharp teeth, venom, etc.); they must rely on their keen five senses to protect them from harm. Horses are masters at nonverbal communication, pay close attention to even the subtlest shifts in behavior and intention, and mirror their behavior accordingly. They have distinct personalities and moods, just like people. They can be timid and grumpy or playful and silly. They have a hierarchical structure similar to that of our families or workplaces. Like people, horses form unique relationships, give and accept affection, and set boundaries with one another. This allows people to relate to the horses and build metaphors quickly.
Horses offer truthful and honest feedback at the moment, which allows people to become aware of their conscious and unconscious intentions and energy. The horse’s behavior challenges clients to reflect upon their attitudes, emotions, body language, and boundaries and highlights any incongruences. This nonjudgmental feedback from the horses allows participants to experience themselves differently. Then, the treatment team helps clients understand, access, and validate the information and translate their awareness into action in their everyday lives.