EAGALA-certified centers meet specific training and safety standards set by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association
EAGALA certification means a center has met standards for staff training, facility safety, horse welfare, and how sessions are run. EAGALA is a professional organization that sets these standards and maintains a directory of certified centers. Certification does not mean a center is the only option for equine therapy — many effective programs operate without it — but it does mean the center has documented its practices against a published standard.
EAGALA-certified centers must have at least one EAGALA-certified equine specialist, one EAGALA-certified mental health professional, and one EAGALA-certified horse specialist working together in sessions. Each role requires separate training and renewal. The organization also sets rules for how many people can be in a session, how horses are selected and cared for, and what the physical space must include.
Certification is voluntary. A center chooses to pursue it, pays fees to EAGALA, and undergoes review. If a center does not display EAGALA certification, it may still offer equine therapy — the field includes many reputable programs that use different training models or professional credentials.
Key Takeaways
- EAGALA certification requires three separate certified professionals — an equine specialist, a mental health professional, and a horse specialist — to work together in sessions.
- The EAGALA directory lists certified centers by location, so you can search for programs near you that meet these standards.
- Certification covers staff training, facility safety, horse care standards, and session structure, but does not may provide outcomes or cover the cost of sessions.
- Many equine therapy programs operate without EAGALA certification and may use other professional standards or training models.
The three professional roles required in EAGALA-certified sessions
EAGALA requires three people in the room during a session, each with a specific certification. The equine specialist has training in equine behavior, horsemanship, and how to use horses in a therapeutic setting. The mental health professional holds a license in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field and has completed EAGALA training. The horse specialist manages the horse's welfare, health, and readiness for work.
Each person renews their certification on a schedule set by EAGALA. The organization requires ongoing education — it is not a one-time credential. This structure means a certified center has invested in training multiple staff members and maintains that investment over time.
Some centers may have one person hold two of these roles if they have the credentials for both, but EAGALA still requires at least three separate certifications present in the room. A center that advertises EAGALA certification should be able to name the certified professionals on staff.
How to find EAGALA-certified centers in your area
EAGALA maintains a searchable directory on its website organized by state and sometimes by city. You can search by location to see which centers near you hold current certification. The directory includes the center's contact information and sometimes a brief description of the populations they serve.
When you contact a center, you can ask when their certification was last renewed and which staff members hold which certifications. Centers are required to display their certification status, so a legitimate certified center will answer these questions directly.
If you do not find a certified center nearby, you have two options: contact centers in your area that offer equine therapy and ask what training model they use, or ask your therapist or doctor whether they have referrals to programs they know and trust.
What EAGALA certification covers and does not cover
EAGALA certification sets standards for how sessions are structured, who can run them, facility safety, and horse welfare. It does not set standards for what conditions equine therapy treats, what outcomes to expect, or how much it costs. Certification also does not mean insurance will cover the sessions — that depends on your insurance plan and the center's contracts.
The organization publishes its standards publicly, so you can read exactly what certified centers must do. These standards address things like arena size, fencing, lighting, how horses are selected, how many people can be in a session, and what training the staff must complete. They do not address whether equine therapy works for a specific condition or person.
Cost varies widely among certified centers and depends on location, session length, and whether the center is nonprofit or for-profit. Certification does not make sessions more or less expensive — it reflects the center's commitment to meeting a published standard.
The difference between EAGALA certification and other equine therapy credentials
EAGALA is one credentialing body, but it is not the only one. Some centers use credentials from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), which has a different training model and standards. Others may have staff with individual certifications in equine therapy from various training programs. Some centers use no formal certification system at all.
The main difference is transparency and documentation. A center with EAGALA or PATH Intl. certification has chosen to meet a published standard and submit to review. A center without formal certification may still employ skilled, trained staff — you would need to ask about their training directly.
Neither EAGALA nor PATH Intl. certification is required by law to offer equine therapy. The field is not regulated at the state level in most places, so certification is a voluntary choice by the center.
Questions to ask a center about its EAGALA certification
If you are considering a EAGALA-certified center, you can ask: When was your certification last renewed? Which staff members hold which certifications? Can you show me your current certification status? What is your experience working with [your specific situation]? How long are sessions, and how many sessions do you recommend?
You can also ask about the center's cancellation policy, how they handle emergencies, what happens if a horse is injured or sick, and whether they have liability insurance. These questions explore to any equine therapy center, certified or not.
A center should answer these questions directly. If staff seem evasive or cannot name their certified professionals, that is a sign to look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does EAGALA certification mean equine therapy will work for my condition?
No. EAGALA certification means the center meets standards for how sessions are run and who runs them. It does not mean equine therapy is proven to treat a specific condition or that it will work for you. Talk to your doctor or therapist about whether equine therapy makes sense for your situation.
Can I use insurance to pay for sessions at a EAGALA-certified center?
It depends on your insurance plan and whether the center has a contract with your insurer. EAGALA certification does not determine insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company and the center to ask whether sessions are covered.
What if there are no EAGALA-certified centers near me?
You can search for equine therapy centers in your area and ask about their training, credentials, and experience. You can also ask your therapist or doctor for referrals. Certification is one way to evaluate a program, but it is not the only way.
How much does it cost to attend a EAGALA-certified center?
Cost varies by location, session length, and whether the center is nonprofit or for-profit. EAGALA certification does not determine price. Contact centers directly for their fees.
How often do EAGALA certifications need to be renewed?
EAGALA requires staff to renew certifications on a schedule and complete ongoing education. The exact timeline depends on the role and EAGALA's current requirements. You can ask a center when each staff member's certification expires.