Advancing the Evidence Base for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

PEER-REVIEWED International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Eagala is proud to share a major milestone: the first peer-reviewed study evaluating the Eagala Model has been officially published.

MDPI
open access

The study appears in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, a respected, peer-reviewed scientific journal published by MDPI. This publication represents an important step forward in building a rigorous, evidence-informed foundation for equine-assisted psychotherapy and for the Eagala Model specifically.

About the Research

Title:

A Multi-Site Observational Evaluation of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Veteran Trauma Survivors

What was studied:

The research evaluated the feasibility, safety, treatment engagement, and preliminary outcomes of the Eagala Model when delivered across 12 Eagala-designated therapeutic equine sites serving 107 active-duty military members and veterans with trauma histories.

Key findings

Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, and functional disability
Increased satisfaction with life among participants
Exceptionally high treatment engagement and completion rates
Successful implementation of the Eagala Model across multiple sites

Together, these findings support the Eagala Model as a structured, scalable, and promising approach for trauma-informed equine-assisted psychotherapy.

Research Team & Collaboration

The study was authored by a multidisciplinary team:

Halina Kowalski Hannah Van Buiten Patricia Hopkins Connie Baldwin (Eagala) Elena Nazarenko Dr. William R. Marchand

The research was supported by Eagala and the VA Whole Health Service at the Salt Lake City Health Care System, with partial funding from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Adaptive Sports Grant.

Read the Full Study

We invite practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the full publication and review the findings directly.

EAGALA

Our Organization

Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is a global nonprofit dedicated to advancing the Eagala Model, a ground-based, team approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. For more than two decades, Eagala has trained and certified professionals worldwide, bringing together mental health practitioners and equine specialists to create impactful, experiential learning. Through training, certification, and ongoing support, Eagala empowers a diverse international community to foster growth, resilience, and meaningful change.