On the Ground

I was thinking about the things I really like about the EAGALA model. There are four principles to the model: there is a team approach, activities are focused on the ground, sessions are solution-focused, and follow a code of ethics. Sounds simple enough, and it is! The EAGALA model allows for a great deal of flexibility, and assumes the client has the best answers for themselves. This has proven to be true even with clients who struggle with cognitive or other disabilities. Today, I want to focus on the term 'On the Ground' because I think this one has more than one meaning. 

Recently, there was an interesting discussion on the EAGALA FaceBook page. One individual had comments about how she felt there should be rules about when and how the horses can be used in the sessions. There was a bit of debate about it, but for the most part, EAGALA practitioners supported the notion that the TEAM, following the CODE OF ETHICS, which includes the code of ethics from EAGALA and the Code from the therapist's credentialing body, make decisions 'on the ground'. We think of 'on the ground' as meaning non-riding activities, but there is more. It also means that the team makes decisions 'on the ground' to determine the safest course of action for everyone involved. This is where the flexibility comes in...

I and my equine specialist (ES) are familiar with the horses we use in our program. We know they have good days and bad, and we have even seen them need to call in sick for work on a particular day. These decisions are made by us, we don't need any rules other than those provided in the Code of Ethics. We depend on our animals for so much, and we couldn't do this model without them! They ARE a part of the team. 

That being said, I remember having one horse not feeling well, and seemed to be having gut problems. This mare had been working with a young woman for a few months, and I was concerned about what we might do, since we felt it necessary to call the vet out to have a look. I called the parent, and explained the situation. I asked if she felt her daughter could handle having the vet come out during her session. She said she felt it would be O.K. (The horse was not at risk of having to be put down). The young woman was able to observe and ask questions of the vet, for about 15 minutes during her session. 

I am sure there might be mixed feelings from the general public about this decision, but anyone who would speak out against trying this is certainly missing the purpose and beauty of the EAGALA model! As it turns out, this same young woman, who is usually very healthy and athletic, was experiencing some health issues that also had to do with her gut! If we had not offered the opportunity to do this unusual session, we would have taken away an opportunity for this youth to feel even more connected to her horse, realizing that she too struggled with health problems from time to time! This normalized the girl's situation as well!

In sum, if you can justify it, you can do it! The EAGALA model allows for individuals to learn and grow in a unique and beautiful way! Embrace it!