Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Wyoming

Bringing Wyoming Mental Health Professionals and Equine Specialists Together in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

A woman with a horse in a Colorado field with tall grasses.

Mental Health Awareness in Wyoming

Mental health challenges touch lives everywhere—including here in Wyoming. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma can affect day-to-day functioning, relationships, and overall emotional well-being. In a state with vast rural areas and limited access to care in some communities, it’s especially important to offer mental health services that are both accessible and adaptable to a wide range of needs.

The Eagala Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy provides an innovative path forward for individuals who may not connect with traditional therapy modalities. This experiential, non-riding approach creates opportunities for personal growth and healing through meaningful interactions with horses—offering new ways to explore emotions, build awareness, and process life experiences.

The Eagala Model of Psychotherapy

The Eagala Model is a structured, ground-based approach to therapy that brings together a licensed mental health professional, a trained equine specialist, and horses as partners in the process. These co-facilitating teams work together to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can engage in meaningful, action-based experiences.

Because horses are highly attuned to nonverbal communication, they provide immediate, honest feedback that reflects the client’s emotions, behavior, and energy. This helps reveal patterns and insights that might remain hidden in a more traditional talk therapy setting. By stepping outside of the therapy office and into the presence of horses, clients can explore their challenges from a new perspective—often leading to powerful breakthroughs.

Close up of brown horse's head and blue sky in the background

Ground-Based, Experiential Work

One of the defining features of the Eagala Model is its boots-on-the-ground approach. Clients do not ride the horses. Instead, they interact with them freely in an open setting—such as a pasture or arena—where horses can respond authentically, without saddles, bridles, halters, or other equipment.

This non-riding format makes equine-assisted therapy more inclusive. Clients don’t need horse experience to benefit from the model. Likewise, mental health professionals don’t need to be equestrians—equine specialists are part of the team to manage the horse-related elements and ensure safety. This setup not only supports therapeutic effectiveness but also allows retired or non-rideable horses to play an active, valuable role in the healing process.

White horse behind a fence in rural Panaca, Nevada, USA

Eagala Certification and Professional Growth

Becoming Eagala certified is a powerful step for mental health professionals and equine specialists interested in expanding their scope of practice. The certification process equips practitioners with the skills needed to deliver experiential, evidence-based therapy that addresses complex mental health challenges in a new and dynamic way.

Certified professionals gain access to a global network of Eagala practitioners, as well as continuing education, mentorship, and training opportunities. With a strong foundation in ethical standards and professional collaboration, Eagala’s certification helps ensure practitioners are supported and prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. One of the strengths of the Eagala Model is that it can be delivered in natural settings like pastures or arenas, which are often more available in rural areas. This makes it a practical and impactful option for Wyoming residents who may not have easy access to traditional therapy offices.

Not at all. Clients don’t need any prior horse knowledge. Sessions are ground-based and fully supported by a co-facilitating team, including an equine specialist who ensures safety and guides all horse-related interactions.

Instead of talk-based sessions in an office, the Eagala Model uses experiential, hands-on interactions with horses to reveal emotional patterns and support personal insight. It allows clients to engage both physically and emotionally, leading to a deeper, more immediate therapeutic experience.

Mental health professionals must hold a current license in good standing. Equine specialists must demonstrate extensive experience with horse behavior and care. The certification process provides comprehensive training to ensure both professionals work together seamlessly as a co-facilitating team.

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Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in Wyoming