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EVIDENCE

Our team of therapists, coaches and equine specialists adhere to the framework and ethics of Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), a facilitation model clinically proven to elicit emotional and behavioural change.

EAGALA is the global standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning interventions. Developed in 1999 by American therapist Lynne Thomas LCSW and now practiced across 40 nations by over 3,000 practitioners in the fields of mental health, personal development and experiential therapy. For more information visit www.eagala.org

EAGALA is widely accepted as an invaluable mental health treatment in the psychological health of children and adults - such as children with ADHD and war veterans with PTSD. It is gaining considerable respect for its effectiveness in improving emotional intelligence and leadership potential when working with professionals, students and entrepreneurs.

Published studies contributing to the evidence base of the EAGALA Model exist in the fields of adolescent mental health, chronic psychiatric inpatients, victims of sexual and domestic abuse, trauma patients and students undergoing coaching.

 

Track Clinic is proud to be working in association with Bath University to further extend the evidence base in the UK, growing awareness of the value of these practices.

Evidence: Welcome

RESEARCH & REFERENCES

A program evaluation study found the EAGALA model an effective approach when working to alleviate trauma symptoms from children and adolescents who have been sexually abused, resulting in a significant reduction in undesirable behaviours and symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Reference: Trauma - Kemp, K metal (2013). Journal of Child and Family Studies.

A clinical study revealed the EAGALA model reduced violent behaviour in chronic psychiatric inpatients. The study further verified the reduction in violent behaviour sustained for several months after treatment.

Reference: Violence - Nurenberd, J.R. metal (2014). Psychiatric Services in Advance

An evaluation of veterans participating in an EAGALA program revealed a 72% reduction in symptoms of PTSD. The program further revealed 50% of veterans with PTSD experienced reduction in symptoms that were clinically significant.

Reference: Veterans with PTSD - PEACE Ranch, December 2013 Report

Confidence and self-esteem increased through successful completion of the horse-oriented task.

Children who spent time with horses had significantly lower stress hormone measures over 12 weeks compared to the control group.

A clinically significant increase of 82% improvement in mood conduct and psychotic disorder was found in adolescents participating in equine-assisted family therapy.

Reference: Review of EAP - Frewin, K & Gardiner, B (2005) The Australian Journal of Counselling Psychology, 6, pp13-17

Evidence: About Us

TESTIMONIALS

COACHING

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Ashmeet Kapoor

Founder & CEO
of Say Organic

“I gained clarity on what is important, higher self-acceptance and inspiration to take action” “It sounded far fetched to the logical mind, but on an intuitive level it made sense. I was able to draw out some important insights that have stayed with me since. I have returned for more sessions, and every time I have been left with greater clarity on what is important to me, leading to higher self-acceptance and inspiration to take action”
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Jayne Lewis

Professional Coach

“A clear mirror to what was happening and how new outcomes could be achieved” So, what is different when you add therapy horses and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) specialists into the coaching mix? What do you gain, that you can’t achieve in an hour of conventional coaching? In 2019 I went along as a client, to find out for myself if the reality matched the rhetoric, and what the difference actually was - I was blown away by my experience!The horse’s reaction made what I was doing, and the impact it was having on me, so obvious. The experience was visceral. I can recall it vividly, and I relate back to it regularly, giving myself the permission they gave me to relax and step back – Reflecting on the session, and why it had the impact it did, I realised that for once I had allowed my analytical mind to rest. Being totally immersed in the experience enabled me to access deeper insights, without my mind blocking these with old stories and expectations. It was quite a shock to be faced with the reality that my usual behaviours and coping mechanisms didn’t actually get me the results I wanted! Even more so to realise that by actually thinking less and being more in tune with how I felt, produced great results! The horses had provided a clear mirror to what was happening and how new outcomes could be achieved. When I find myself trying really hard, putting myself under pressure to do my very best, I am reminded of the feeling in the session. I can physically feel the sensations I experienced that day, and can quickly act on this and change my behaviour. By behaving differently, I am able to get better results, quicker.
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Tarek El-Semman

CEO of Little Jungle

“Barriers were blown away and empathy for each other and our cause seemed to thrive.” It felt like a day of awakening. Listening (with all your senses) to how empathetic another species is towards you is totally mind blowing. Things in my head slotted into place, I understood far more deeply what is important, what isn't and how to ultimately let go of all the junk in my head, and focus on the small amount of stuff that's actually important. It sounds bonkers, but it happened. I blame the horses (and the alpaca). Sharing this experience with my team, seeing how open they were and how they all experienced their own unique journey on the day was amazing and very enlightening. I loved that although we all got something slightly different out of our experience with the horses, we found each other, shared what was happening and the sum of our experiences seemed to build an overall stronger connection and team bond. Barriers were blown away and empathy for each other and our cause seemed to thrive. I feel like we understand each other far better as individuals, our own individual needs and strengths (faaaar beyond skill sets etc). I think I would say that horses and other herd animals are intrinsically connected at a much deeper level. You can't really understand the concept of empathy, unless you understand herd dynamics. So by observing and being accepted by a herd, you get a glimpse into what empathy is, how to support others and ultimately harness the power of a group / team to become far stronger than the sum of the individual parts of that group / team. It’s hard to explain, and it needs the audience to have a base sense of openness to listen. I loved every minute. The centre is perfect, it's humble, it's safe, you served delicious food, you listened intently, you broke barriers, it was clear how much care and curation goes into what you do. And you all take such great care of the animals in your trust. I have done plenty of therapy myself in various guises, but nothing has ever come close to unpicking some of the stuff I have going on. Thank you!
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Vanessa Silva

Lead Educator

“Such a powerful experience and a very intuitive way of getting to know yourself better” I attended Track Clinic as part of a team building exercise, and I’m so surprised with how much I got from it, personally and professionally. Above all, an overwhelming feeling of connection and being completely understood by the horses and my colleagues. It is really hard to explain or put it into words how incredible and restorative this day was for me, and I truly believe everyone would benifit from spending a day with such incredible creatures. I really benefited from the team building exercises and the one-to-one moments with the horses. When I finally let myself go, and felt completely in touch with nature and with the horses I got a perception of their healing power and restoring abilities and couldn’t be more grateful to them and to Nina and her team. Everything from the location to the horses to how the entire day was planned and curated felt very purposeful. Would love to come back. To whom doesn't know it I would say they should try it, even if just once, as it’s such a powerful experience and a very intuitive way of getting to know yourself better.
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Caryl Roberts

Leadership & Team Coach

"As a result, I am more able to stay in my flow state" My experience at Track Clinic allowed me to shed light on my enquiry about flow, how to find it, when do you know you're in flow and when not and what enables and disrupts it. I really liked the introduction and the care taken with the set up, enabling me to settle and connect to what I wanted to explore. Also this created a sense of community for the duration of the workshop. As a result, I am already being more active in a flow state and spotting more quickly what's supporting me to stay in flow. t’s tricky to describe! I’d say…You have to try it. Be open to explore, let go of what you know. The herd enables you to choose different ways to explore whatever it is you're bringing. You can take it at your own pace and you're fully supported by expert facilitators. Nina creates a very safe environment, enabling a group of disparate people to come together and share personal and challenging issues in a confidential and supportive space. No mean feat. Thank you
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Cate Skeat

Account Executive

“A wonderful investment in you" A wonderful afternoon of self reflection and a chance to focus on what matters in a calm, reflective setting. Spending time understanding from Nina the herd and how they interact. Learning from them to slow down and have faith in nature. It showed me how I could have slower, calmer thoughts - with less rushing around & feeling stressed. Like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. A wonderful investment in you. Thank you to Nina and team for an amazing experience. I felt the herd really leant in to the needs of one of our group who was feeling vulnerable.
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Alice Farrell

Entrepreneur

"The experience allowed me to reflect on the importance of a safe nervous system" how that helps someone else in a dysregulated state, and how we need that for ourselves too. Being with the herd helped me shift my perspectives around themes of control / power / respect / advantage taking (societal expectations and judgements). Sometimes being a caregiver means to hold and absorb whatever that person throws at you and not react or tell them to moderate or express differently. And that’s ok, it doesn’t mean your boundaries have to shift. Only you know if your boundaries or sense of ‘respect’ has been compromised however it might look from the outside. I felt a sense of regency around needing to find inner peace and stability to be able to show up in a more grounded way for myself and loved ones. Also, it was a reminder of the importance to ‘just be’ sometimes and not over think or verbalise, trust that this is just as valid and also in itself helps process stuff. Time with horses has a regulating effect because of differently operating nervous systems. The herd mind. Their reactions can help you consider themes within yourself, and sharing with others after can help integrate this. Biscuits, tea, space, eco loo, fire all lovely welcoming touches that contribute to feeling of safety and retreat.
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Yarah David

Designer & Entrepreneur

“A really grounding and transformative experience. Surprising what comes up!” I came away with increased self awareness. A sense of peace and connectedness. I felt happy!!! I loved the interaction with the herd and the group discussion afterwards. It was fascinating to share my own thoughts as well as hear what everyone else took from the sessions and how much this varied. As a result, I definitely have more confidence. I feel stronger. Mentally. It made me trust myself more because all of it is your own interpretation of what happened and I loved that. You really do have to intuit what it was about. Very soul searching. I am far more patient than I knew! I’d describe it as a really grounding, quiet and transformative experience. Very surprising what comes up. Lovely warm and safe atmosphere. You really have to experience it to understand fully.
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Daniella Carrozza

Massage Therapist

“I gained personal insights about my patterns of behaviour that I'd not realised at all previously.” I gained personal insights about my patterns of behaviour that I'd not realised at all previously. This helped me understand and be more accepting of myself and am actually proud of how I am able to intuite social dynamics. I really benefited from sharing with the group what had occurred with the horses and the reflections that came from that. It help me feel more confident in trusting myself in social spaces. To describe the experience to someone else, I’d say…it’s probably like nothing they have experienced before but should most definitely do if they feel drawn to it.

THERAPY

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Eva May Pearson

Radio presenter
& Enterpreneur

“These incredible animals were able to tune into the unmet need of my 4 year old self” If I can explain my trauma as unhealed suffering stemming from being a very young child. My trauma had no narrative as it went on unseen. The adults who were my care givers were tricked, and my suffering could not be addressed. At the same age, 4, I had an accident at a swimming pool when I cracked my head open on the tiled side. All the adults involved acted as care givers; my parents, pool staff and the doctor who stitched the wound. Being groomed and abused from the same age; 4 and lasting for many years, my suffering caused by adults who tricked my family, my suffering went unnoticed. There was no narrative. And my brain acted in the only way it could to survive; it took out of my body into a Dissociative state. My interaction with the herd has done so much towards healing the unhealed suffering. During both my visits I experienced safety and comfort, which I didn't get as a young child. For decades the pain of my abuse has lived inside me as a terrifying pain. In holding and being held by the herd gave me something that has been missing for most of my life. These incredible animals were able to tune into this unmet and unseen need of my 4 year old self. The healing has now begun. My inner child has had their pain and suffering acknowledged by therapists who eat hay and don't read referral forms. Honestly Nina, I don't know how to put all this into words...it goes much deeper than words.
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Aleksandra Filipovic

Head of Oncology at
Puretech Health - Boston

“The horses adopt roles of people in your life and play out scenarios right in front of you” My love of horses and incredible gifts they bring to us humans, as well as my intuition, is what lead me to Nina and the Track Clinic. I signed up for a full immersion weekend and the experience I have had is nothing short of a miracle. You do not have to be an equine aficionado to choose this for yourself because the horses will show you what to do, or rather how to be. And that is all that is asked of you... to be, just be with them and witness the miracle unfold. I felt called to experience equine assisted thearpy as a part of my healing journey, to which I am committed and through which I have become more myself than ever before. My core issues were to work on family dynamics, especially with my parents (I am now 42 years old; in chronological age😊) and embodying the knowing that I am worthy of receiving. Here is what those three incredible creatures at the Track clinic gifted me with: 1 - they gave me experiences I never got to have, such as allowing me to have space, respecting my boundaries without leaving me; 2 - mirroring my internal shifts in bodily and emotional and thought processed, with the change of their posture, movement or energy (they will always let you know when you have 'shifted' something within and they do so everso garcefully), and finally - they adopt full on roles of people in the dynamics you are working on and they play out scenarios right infront of you. I am forever more myself thanks to this experience and I continue to experience, deepen and embody the gifts the horses, Nina and Jess gifted me. I will be going back yearly now to keep reconnecting to this beautiful field and the intuition that comes. Thank you Nina and Jess and thank you to your herd for their service to humanity and its healing. Love, Aleks
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Michelle Hawkins

Gerontologist

“We walked away more tolerant, compassionate towards each other and ourselves.” I felt a deep sense of calm. Being with the horses brought us out of our heads and into our bodies. Witnessing their interactions with us as a herd acted as an effective medium through which to explore dynamics in our relationships. We walked away more tolerant and compassionate towards each other and ourselves. We also see horses with renewed respect and wonder for their gifts. We really appreciated simply being with the horses and feeling their energy. Simply put, Equine assisted coaching is simply being with the horses, experiencing how they make you feel and being guided by Nina to make sense of herd behaviour and what this could be illustrating at a more subconscious or emotional level.
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18 year old boy

anxiety and OCD

‘I found it extremely soothing…an effective tool in combatting anxiety’ ‘I wasn’t sure what to expect when I had my first session, but I found it to be extremely soothing and immediately recognised that it was going to be an effective tool in combatting anxiety. Upon reflection I can say that having the sessions has made me much more self-aware and allowed me to develop more confidence in dealing with worries and anxieties. The most valuable thing I have gotten from the sessions has been developing a mind-body harmony that has allowed me to live more in the present, which has put me in a significantly better position to handle anxiety or any difficult situation.“ Father: Dear Nina, I want to thank you and your team at Track Clinic for working with B at a time when he was in real need of help. His anxiety and OCD, manifesting itself in intrusive thoughts, was dominating his life in a very negative way. It was an extremely worrying time for him and for my wife and me. The impact that Track Clinic had over the months when my son attended coaching sessions was remarkable. In the short-term you helped him to recover his mental health and happiness allowing him to make the most of his final year at school. Beyond that, the sessions have had a lasting impact and seem to have provided him with a resilience and a toolkit to help him manage his anxieties. I am just grateful that Track Clinic was recommended to us. I do hope that B will be able to drop in to say thank you to you and your team (and the horses!) sometime soon.
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13 year old girl

ASD and PTSD

“She developed in confidence and her general demeanour seemed more relaxed and jovial” H suffered from extreme anxiety possibly as a result of early trauma. She took no part in life outside her room. All offers of help via CAMHS were declined. She struggles to make eye contact and build rapport with professionals. Since attending sessions H has appeared to have developed in confidence and her general demeanour seems to be more relaxed and jovial. H has been able to more fully communicate with us at home about how she is feeling, her past and about her likes and dislikes in relation to every day matters like food choices which helps us gain a better understanding of her. Surprisingly H needed no persuasion when CSC agreed the funding for The Track Clinic, and after the first session nerves has attended willingly. H has fed back that she enjoys coming and that she feels it has helped her deal with her anxiety.
7 year old boy with ADHD AND SPD.HEIC

7 year old boy

ADHD and SPD

‘My son seems happier and more grounded. All of our family relationships grew stronger.” The time my son spent doing horse therapy was a really profound experience and fascinating journey. I also wasn’t expecting to gain as much from it as as I did as a mother. We decided to try equine therapy as my son who has ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder always seemed to mellow out when he was around horses. By just the second session I noticed a change - it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what but a subtle, almost subconscious build up of self-awareness comes from experiencing your impact on other beings. And the horses responded in a less predictable way than humans. Being recognised and greeted by the horses when we went back each week very touching and helped us think more about acceptance and herd dynamics. I was also able to let go of some worries as a mother. Overall my son seems happier, more grounded and conscious and I think all of our family relationships grew stronger as a result of it. A big thanks to the track clinic team and the wonderful souls we shared our experience with!"
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