In 1999 the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) began. This organization certifies mental health professionals and equine specialists to provide equine assisted psychotherapy and learning. EAGALA’s model prescribes a team approach consisting of a mental health professional, an equine specialist and one or more horses. The EAGALA model does not allow any riding and all activities take place on the ground. This innovative approach allows the participant to receive real and immediate feedback from the horses. When the client’s behavior changes, so does the horse’s.
Since the start of EAGALA, other educational and certifying bodies have been created. Some of these are Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association, now a part of PATH, Int., EPONA and Human-Equine Alliances for Learning among others.