Wild Souls Ranch Equine Assisted Growth and Learning

Wild Souls Ranch is a nonprofit organization offering Equine Assisted Growth and Learning (EAGL) for individuals and groups. Our program uses an experiential approach that incorporates horses in a respectful, interactive process designed to support personal growth, self-awareness, and learning. 

EAGL is a ground-based, experiential modality that empowers participants through meaningful interactions with horses. All sessions are facilitated using the internationally recognized EAGALA Model, which emphasizes safety, ethics, and client-centered learning. 

What is Equine Assisted Growth and Learning?

EAGL is an innovative and creative approach for addressing a wide range of emotional, social, and developmental needs. Through guided interactions with horses, participants are invited to explore patterns, challenges, and strengths that may be present in their everyday lives. 

Sessions are facilitated by a team of two EAGALA trained professionals, each bringing specialized expertise while working collaboratively with the horses and participants. Together, they create a safe and supportive environment that encourages reflection, insight, and meaningful change. 

How the Process Works

EAGL is a client-centered and experiential process in which horses act as active partners in learning. Horses naturally respond to human behavior, emotions, and energy, offering immediate, honest feedback without judgement. This allows participants to gain insight into themselves through real-time experiences rather than discussion alone. 

Participants engage in ground-based activities only. Through these activities, metaphors naturally emerge that reflect the participant’s life experiences, relationships, and challenges. Facilitators support participants in identifying these metaphors and connecting them to real-world situations. 

Why Horses?

Horses are powerful partners in the EAGL process because they respond honestly to what is happening in the present moment. As highly perceptive animals, horses naturally attune to human behavior, emotions, and intention, offering immediate, non-judgmental feedback. 

Their real-time responses often highlight patterns related to communication, boundaries, stress, leadership, and problem-solving. Interactions with the horses create meaningful metaphors that make personal insights tangible and easier to apply to everyday life. 

Because this process is experiential rather than talk-based, participants learn through direct experience. Working alongside horses in a natural setting engages the mind, body, and emotions, supporting deeper self-awareness, confidence, and lasting personal growth that extends beyond the arena.  

Who Can Benefit?

Equine Assisted Growth and Learning may benefit adults who are seeking personal growth, increased self-awareness, or new ways of approaching challenges in their lives. This approach can be especially helpful for individuals navigating life transitions, stress, relationship dynamics, leadership roles, or personal development goals. No prior horse experience is required. 

Goals Addressed

EAGL may support participants in: 

• Increasing self-awareness and emotional insight 

• Improving communication and interpersonal skills 

• Developing healthy boundaries and problem-solving strategies 

• Building confidence, resilience, and adaptability 

• Gaining perspective during periods of change or uncertainty 

Participant Quotes

“I’ve learned how to set boundaries, read body language, and confront challenges instead of ignore them.”  

“Working with the animals helps me with understanding my own problems, fears, and doubts. It’s a physical activity with a spiritual meaning that applies to my life. Doing it with animals is easy because it’s not pressured.”  

“I have learned how to set boundaries with others and that I have the ability to influence the room.”  

“It is good to get out of my comfort zone so that progress can be made. It’s happened once here, and it really helped me see my fears and begin to understand them.”