4 Hooves for Hearts

4 Hooves for Hearts is an intensive, short-term therapeutic intervention for youth and adults experiencing distress. Observable outcomes can be seen in the first session and many participants are able to make life changes quickly.

Implementing changes quickly in participants' lives improves their confidence and long-term positive impacts of the treatment.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a trained horse professional that works with clients and horses to address treatment goals. EAP is considered a short-term or a “brief” approach to therapy because it has a high level of intensity.

EAP is an experiential therapy, which means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, through the processing and discussing of feelings, behaviors, and patterns.  EAP utilizes horses which are dynamic and powerful living beings.

Not all programs or individuals who use horses for growth and learning use EAGALA-model.  Based upon the EAGALA model (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) there needs to be a licensed therapist, a highly trained horse professional, and a horse to complete therapy.  The focus of EAGALA-model EAP is not based upon riding or horsemanship, but is set up around using ground activities with the horse. 

At 4 Hooves for Hearts, the core foundation to the EAGALA model, includes:

The Team Approach – The team consists of an Equine Specialist, a Mental Health Professional, and the horses. Together the team works with clients in all EAGALA sessions.

Focus on the ground – All EAGALA sessions are on the ground with horses (no mounted work).

Solution-Oriented – The belief that our clients have the best solutions for themselves forms a foundation for the EAGALA approach.  Rather than instructing or directing solutions, we allow our clients to experiment, problem-solve, take risks, employ creativity, and find their own solutions that work best for them.