Changing Gaits, Inc. Is a Faith Based diversified - Equine Assisted Addiction Services (EAAS), and is committed to teaching, guiding, and encouraging positive attitudes, behavior modification, and Life Skills by using a powerful, therapeutic approach through the healing bond with our horses, not only for substance abuse, but also for individuals needing social inter action, problems with verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive actions etc. This also works well for teams to learn better ways to communicate. EAAS is based on EAGALA* techniques, and is effective for all ages (Children, Teenagers, Adults, Families, Groups) to learn:

Briefly, EAAS is an emerging field in which horses are used to assist for emotional growth and learning to address issues related to substance abuse, along with problems in communication, relationships, and behavior, All Life Skill Issues (attached). It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse specialist who work together to design sessions that require the client to apply certain skills while participating in activities with the horse. EAAS is not riding or horsemanship; in fact, 90% of the activities with the horse take place on the ground, and require the participant to apply certain skills, i.e., non-verbal communication, creative thinking, and problem solving th rough processing feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This form of therapy has been proven to bring faster results than traditional treatment/counseling alone, as the participants learn very quickly about themselves and are able to relate the exercises they perform with the horses to real-life situations.

*Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association   www.eagala.org

Changing Gaits Incorporated: Equine Assisted Addiction Services (EAAS)
Life Skills Activities

Life Skills Activities: Includes but is not limited to:

• Anger Management
• Assertiveness
• Behavior Modification
• Communication – Verbal / Non Verbal
• Creative Thinking
• Leadership Training
• Positive Attitude
• Problem Solving
• Relationship Building
• Repetitive Actions
• Self Esteem
• Social Interaction
• Substance Abuse
• Teamwork/Team Building

EAAS is based on EAGALA* techniques, and is effective for all ages (Children, Teenagers, Adults, Families, Groups).

The activity itself is a collaborative effort between a Licensed Therapist, Social Worker, and Equine Specialist, who work together to design custom activities for the client, to apply certain skills, for the Life Skill Issue. This form of therapy has proven to bring faster results than traditional treatment/counseling alone, as the participants learn very quickly about themselves and are able to relate the exercise they perform with the horses to real-life situations.

EAAS is not riding or horsemanship: 90% of the activities take place on the ground.

Examples of Activities Performed:

Temptation Alley Obstacle Course: Involves leading a horse through an alley with the hay on one side and grain on the other side, without letting the horse eat any of it! This activity is done without touching the horse. This helps determine the obstacles in our lives that keep us from being emotionally healthy.

Life’s Little Obstacles: Leading a horse over a jumpwithout touching or talking to it. Used to learn new ways of non-verbal communication.

These are just two of the two-hundred plus activities available!

“Hands On” Demonstractions available upon request – Call our Office for details – 320-679-4468.