Virginia Intermont Certified for Leading Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Program

Horses and people can be a match made in heaven. No wonder equine assisted therapy is becoming more popular.

Virginia Intermont College, Bristol, Va., has become one of only two colleges in the nation to achieve endorsement by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) for its Equine Assisted Growth and Learning program.  Founded in 1999, EAGALA is a nonprofit organization, which sets the global standards for education, practice, ethics and safety in the field of equine assisted psychotherapy and learning.

With growing evidence of equine assisted therapy improving the mental health of individuals, families and groups, the EAGALA endorsement bolsters Virginia Intermont’s expanding course of study combining social work and equine studies curriculum as Equine Assisted Growth and Learning. In the program, the college presents a team approach to training professionals for equine assisted psychotherapy treatment.

The program endorsement follows EAGALA certification of Pam Davison, Virginia Intermont associate professor of social work, who completed all sections of a rigorous certification process. Kristen Bowen, a Virginia Intermont graduate, is also certified by EAGALA as an equine specialist and is the college’s research assistant for equine nutrition.

“This is an excellent minor for students who have the love of horses and wish to combine it with the love of helping others,” said Davison. “The therapy is about collaboration between a mental health professional and an equine specialist working with individuals and horses to develop emotional healing.”

EAGALA has more than 3,500 members in 40 counties and plans to expand its reach in helping those with mental, emotional and behavioral challenges.

“We are very excited that Virginia Intermont will be integrating the EAGALA model into their curriculum and offering their students exposure to this growing, innovative and rewarding discipline,” said EAGALA founder and Executive Director Lynn Thomas.

Equine assisted psychotherapy is recognized as a powerful treatment approach for a growing number of mental health issues, including substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma and more. Working with horses often challenges individuals to overcome fears, build trust, develop compassion and improve communication skills, coping techniques and self esteem. Professionals use the therapy as part of counseling and rehabilitation in the general field of mental health, as well as in youth services, victim’s assistance and veteran’s services. The practice is applicable to employers in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, residential and day treatment programs, veteran’s hospitals and private practices.

While Virginia Intermont’s curriculum appeals to equine studies and social work majors or students choosing to double major in those areas, it is open to any student, regardless of major.

Davison is the field director of Virginia Intermont’s social work program and worked with equine faculty to develop the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning minor. She earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work, and previously had a career in social work before joining Virginia Intermont six years ago.

In addition to working as research assistant for equine nutrition at Virginia Intermont, Bowen is office manager of the college Riding Center. She has been working at the college since earning her bachelor’s degree in equine studies in 2007. She also has a bachelor’s degree in English from Roanoke College.

Photo: Virginia Intermont College’s Pam Davison (left) and Kristen Bowen are newly certified to train students to become professionals in equine assisted psychotherapy. Courtesy: Virginia Intermont College

For more information about the program, please contact Davison at (276) 466-7990 or email, pamdavison@vic.edu.

Virginia Intermont Website

Carroll College in Helena, Mont., also has an EAGALA certified program.