Drybeck Farm • Armathwaite • Nr Carlisle • Cumbria CA4 9ST

Telephone: 01697 472559         email: info@halona.co.uk

What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?

EAP is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth & learning.  In interaction with horses it is possible to learn how to approach relationships and difficulties in everyday life. The horse is a key part of the equation is a psychotherapeutic process that involves client’s working on themselves.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an effective alternative to traditional ‘talk’ therapy especially beneficial for adolescents and clients resistant or ‘stuck’ in their therapeutic work.

Clients learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses and then processing feelings, behaviors and patterns. Horses provide great metaphors for mirroring how the client is with partners, colleagues, friends and family.

The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship, in fact, 90% of EAP takes place on the ground. The focus involves setting up activities with horses, which require the individual or group to apply certain skills. These include:

• Non verbal communication
• Relationship
• Assertiveness,
• Creative thinking and problem solving
• Leadership skills
• Work
• Taking responsibility
• Teamwork
• Self confidence
• Awareness of self and others

The sessions are facilitated by the treatment team made up of a horse professional, a mental health professional and one or more horses.

We are certified Level 1 members of Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association (EAGALA). We work to their code of ethics and practice.

As with any experiential approach, the best way to learn more is to experience it. For more information on EAP and to arrange demonstrations, training or therapy sessions Contact Us

Organisational Events Links Our Horses Therapy What is EAP? Why Horses?