How We Work
Berkshire HorseWorks was founded in 2013 with a focus on providing highly effective, evidence-based Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs with Eagala Certified professionals. Over the past decade, BHW has evolved to meet up with the changing needs of the community and now offers a range of programs including traditional EAP & EAL, as well as Eagala-informed activities such as Equine Assisted Team building (EAT) for corporations, youth summer programs, and family experiences, among others.
Eagala programming is not a riding or horsemanship program: all legs are on the ground, human and horse side by side, ready to learn. The emphasis is on non-mounted activities which incorporate horses and require individuals or groups to discover and apply certain skills. Participants learn about themselves and others by connecting with the horses and then observing and discussing the team dynamics, behaviors, and patterns that arise. What happens in the arena is often a metaphor for one’s life, family or group interaction.
With the goal of taking a holistic approach to mental health – addressing not only the symptoms of mental illness but also the underlying causes and contributing factors – our vision is to create a community where mental health is a top priority and individuals can access the resources they need to achieve optimal well-being.
EAP, EAL, EAT & Eagala Explained
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, at-risk youth, couples, families, and groups, as well as on active duty military, first responders and veterans. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and behavioral challenges ranging from autism, PTSD, sexual abuse, trauma, addiction, ADHD, eating disorders, depression, anger management, and anxiety, to boundary issues, relationship problems, effective communication, resiliency, and reintegration.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) focuses on education, personal growth and developing specific life skills which impact team dynamics including effective communication, assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, taking responsibility, teamwork, and confidence.
Equine Assisted Team Building (EAT) emphasizes education, personal and professional growth, and developing life skills that can influence team dynamics. Outcomes often include more effective communication, increased mindfulness, increased assertiveness & confidence, enhanced creative thinking, improved problem- solving, creation of healthy boundaries, and self-care skills. It also provides a safe environment to have fun and build friendships.
Eagala is a nonprofit professional organization with over 4,500 members in 50 countries committed to setting the standard of professional excellence in how horses and people work together to improve the quality of life and mental health of individuals, families and groups worldwide.
