The Horse Farm proudly offers a unique opportunity for children within the foster care system to spend time outdoors in a safe farm setting to connect with animals and nature. During the StableMates experience, a child in foster care will be partnered with a mentor and the animals residing at The Horse Farm. Children can experience the barn and learn a little about horses, responsibility, the joy of connecting with these wonderful animals, and maybe a little about themselves. Offered weekly for one hour on the weekend.

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For children and adolescents who are struggling with any variety of behavioral health challenges. They have difficulty with relationships, understanding their emotions and behaviors, and they feel stuck. They are open to new ways of treatment. Often lacking in self-confidence and self-respect, they are earnest and willing to try new ways to feel better in life. They require compassion and a safe space to explore their own inner landscape of emotions and feelings, in a non-judgmental process. Where traditional therapy leaves them frustrated and discouraged, they are seeking an opportunity to ‘see’ their behaviors and how those behaviors impact themselves and others. Eating disorders, ADHD, behavior disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD are just a few of the emotional/social issues from which they want liberation from. 

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With the growing mental health needs of individuals, families, and communities, especially during this time of global fear, anxiety, loss, and trauma, Eagala’s services are more important than ever. Eagala’s team approach, integrating mental health professionals, equine specialists, and horses working collaboratively with clients to strengthen resilience and confront challenging mental health issues and stressors, provides a unique, engaging approach that works for many when traditional mental health methods do not. As the leading professional organization for mental health services incorporating horses, Eagala continues to work towards our vision of every person worldwide having access to these life-changing programs.

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Because Eagala’s approach incorporates horses, it is especially culturally engaging in agricultural and rural communities where access and stigma for mental health services may still be prevalent, yet the need is still high. The Eagala Model focuses on a strengths-based, client-directed approach. Hands-on experiences with horses are provided which help clients discover their strengths, experience their own solutions, and apply new behaviors, which creates longer-lasting results. With over twenty years in the field, the Eagala Model is tested and subject to ongoing study and development, with a growing body of peer-reviewed evidence supporting its quality of practice, outcomes, and effectiveness. Program results include a much higher rate of engagement where clients start and complete treatment more readily than in traditional office approaches.

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“The Eagala Model is a kind of catalyst and agent of change during the children’s process. We haven’t found anything else which has achieved better results than these.” 
- Administrator at Covenant House, Mexico, on working with human trafficking victims

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“Because of their size, innate and acute sensitivity, and non-verbal nature, horses have a unique appeal helping clients of all ages become more engaged in the psychotherapy process. This form of therapy is especially helpful for children and their families as the horses provide an emotionally safe way to project the strong and difficult feelings stemming from trauma and loss. Trauma is held in the body both physically and emotionally and the horses help healing occur in both these critical areas." - Lynn Thomas, LCSW, Founder & CEO of Eagala