If you’re a coach, facilitator, or leadership consultant looking for new ways to help people grow, the Eagala Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a unique framework that pairs powerfully with coaching. While Eagala does not provide a separate “equine coaching certification,” many professional coaches discover that the Eagala approach enhances their work by creating hands-on, experiential opportunities for growth, leadership, and meaningful change.
Through Eagala certification, mental health professionals and equine specialists form a co-facilitating team to guide sessions with horses as four-legged partners in the process. Coaches can collaborate in this work as well—bringing their skills in communication, leadership, and goal setting to enrich client experiences in the arena.
What Is the Eagala Model?
The Eagala Model is a standardized, ground-based approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. It is facilitated by at least two professionals—a licensed mental health professional and a certified equine specialist—who partner with horses to help clients explore challenges, uncover insights, and practice new skills. Coaches fit in this mix too – as a third person in the facilitating team and an Eagala Specialized Professional!
Because horses respond honestly to nonverbal cues, they create immediate feedback loops. Clients gain self-awareness, confidence, and clarity through their interactions, guided by the facilitating team. Coaches who collaborate in this process often find it complements their existing practice, providing clients with experiential depth that traditional coaching alone cannot achieve.
How Eagala Enhances Coaching
While coaching is not therapy, its focus on growth and forward movement pairs naturally with the Eagala Model. Coaches who engage with and become part of Eagala-certified teams can:
- Enrich Leadership Development – The Eagala Model’s experiential exercises help leaders build trust, presence, and confidence that extend beyond the coaching conversation.
- Support Team Building – Horses mirror group dynamics, allowing coaches to help teams see patterns and practice more effective collaboration.
- Navigate Career Transitions – For clients facing burnout, change, or new direction, Eagala sessions create space for self-discovery and goal setting.
- Strengthen Confidence and Communication – By observing horse responses, coaches can help clients refine body language, energy, and communication strategies in real time.
In these settings, a coach may serve as an additional partner in the process and a third person in the facilitating team, working alongside the mental health professional and equine specialist to support client outcomes.
Coaching vs. Therapy: Understanding the Distinction
It’s important to note that equine-assisted coaching and equine-assisted psychotherapy are not the same.
- Eagala Model (Psychotherapy) – Delivered by a licensed mental health professional with an equine specialist, addressing clinical issues like anxiety, trauma, or depression.
- Coaching Integration – Coaches may collaborate in Eagala-based sessions to support leadership, career development, and personal growth goals. These applications are non-clinical and forward-focused.
This distinction ensures ethical practice while allowing coaching and Eagala work to complement one another meaningfully.
What Coaches Gain by Partnering with Eagala
- Experiential Learning Tools – Horses create unscripted, honest responses that deepen coaching insights.
- Collaborative Practice – Coaches can serve as a third professional in sessions, working with Eagala-certified teams.
- Expanded Offerings – Adding equine-assisted work differentiates coaching services and appeals to clients seeking immersive, hands-on growth experiences.
- Global Network – Coaches who pursue Eagala certification gain access to a worldwide community of professionals dedicated to innovative approaches to growth and development.
FAQs
Does Eagala offer an equine coaching certification?
No. Eagala certification is focused on equine-assisted psychotherapy. However, coaches can collaborate with Eagala teams or pursue certification to expand their professional skills. Coaches can qualify as a Specialized Professional in the Eagala Model, provided they meet certification requirements
Can coaches be part of an Eagala session?
Yes. Coaches may work as part of the facilitating team (mental health professional + equine specialist) as a third professional, supporting leadership development, team building, and other non-clinical goals.
How does this benefit clients?
Clients experience powerful, hands-on learning in the arena with horses as partners. Coaches help translate those experiences into practical strategies for leadership, communication, or personal growth.
Do I need horse experience to get involved?
No. As with all Eagala training, equine specialists bring horse expertise to the team. Coaches contribute their coaching skills and collaborate as part of the process.
Is coaching the same as therapy?
No. Coaching is forward-focused and non-clinical, while psychotherapy addresses mental health conditions. The Eagala Model makes this distinction clear while allowing both modalities to complement one another.
Explore the Eagala Model for Your Coaching Practice
If you’re a certified coach seeking to expand your impact, the Eagala Model provides a powerful experiential framework to pair with your skills. Whether through direct collaboration with certified teams or by pursuing certification yourself, Eagala opens new doors to help clients grow, lead, and thrive.