Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Our newest adjunctive service

at Mudflower Farm in Hanover

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Eagala is a globally recognized framework for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development that integrates horses into mental health treatment. Horses’ natural empathy and ability to read nonverbal cues allow them to co-create space for clients, to help them practice being mindful, to hold difficult emotions more gently, and gain insight into personal challenges and relationships.

Learn More

What do Eagala Sessions Look Like?

Sessions, which can be for individuals or groups, are tailored carefully for each client, are typically 60-90 minutes, and take place in our newly renovated retreat center in the beautiful, natural setting here at Mudflower farm. Each session is facilitated by an Eagala team consisting of a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist, and of course, the horses as therapeutic partners. Eagala practitioners adhere to clear ethical guidelines and best practices for human and equine interactions.

Who benefits from Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Research on equine-facilitated psychotherapy with children and adults has focused on those who have experienced trauma, grief, or stress, who struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance use, and with autistic people and others identifying as neurodivergent. In addition, Eagala retreats are also extremely popular for corporations seeking to provide team-building and stress coping experiences.

At Mudflower Farm, our unique treatment framework is to integrate evidence-based treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other exposure-based approaches, with the Eagala model. This affords clients an opportunity to learn and practice skills learned in a therapeutic environment in a unique, evocative context.

How Do Horses Help?

As prey and herd animals, horses’ survival depends on their ability to pay attention to their environment and to each other. Thus, they are highly attuned to subtle behaviors and emotions, making them exceptional listeners and teachers of presence, boundaries, empathy, and forgiveness. Unlike humans, they live solely in the moment, free from intrusive thoughts, making them powerful guides in mindfulness and emotional agility. This is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with the experiential avoidance and emotional dysregulation that is the hallmark of many mental health issues. Clients engaging in Eagala sessions or therapy alongside horses gain a unique opportunity to cultivate mindful awareness, flexibility, and to work through emotional challenges with some of the world's best four-legged practitioners.

Meet the Team

All members of our team at Mudflower have undergone a comprehensive certification process to become practitioners of the Eagala Model.

Dr. Lisa Coyne

Eagala Certified Mental Health Practitioner

Lisa Coyne grew up riding horses, working at stables, and as a college student, leading riding tours in the Dublin Mountains in Ireland. After a hiatus of many years where she didn't ride or spend time around horses, she was invited on a trail ride in the mountains around Tepoztlan, Mexico. This led her to lease a senior horse named Mac, who gently led her back to a life with horses. She began to learn natural horsemanship, and was struck by the exquisite ability of horses to communicate with each other and with humans. The more time Dr. Coyne spent with horses, the more interested she became in equine facilitated psychotherapy as an adjunctive service to the evidence-based care the New England Center for OCD and Anxiety provides.

Sue McLoone

Eagala Certified Equine Specialist

Susan is the proud owner and operator of Kismet Farm located on the South Shore, MA. Growing up in England, she spent most of her childhood at her grandparents' cottage which was conveniently located next to a stable. This early exposure sparked her dream of owning horses and a farm. With many years of experience in the horse industry she is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for both horse and rider. Her passion for horses is matched only by her dedication to creating a welcoming space for all who visit. Susan enjoys watching the natural bond between horses and their owners. In her spare time, she is with her family and friends and maybe attending a horse show or two to watch her daughter compete.

Catherine Mayes

Eagala Certified Equine Specialist

Catherine has over 30 years of experience advocating for children with different abilities, a term she prefers over disabilities. Her son Mike, diagnosed with autism at 18 months, began riding horses at four, sparking her passion for equine therapy through the transformative and healing potential within human/horse interactions. She enjoys trail riding with her 27-year-old mare, Hearts, with whom she joined the Century Club in dressage in 2023. Catherine spent a decade at Mass Advocates for Children, supporting low-income families facing cultural and economic barriers with children with autism, and later developed social and life skills programs for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum at AANE.