In January 2025, Dr Katie McMenamin attended the Eagala Fundamentals Training in Tauranga, a key step in expanding research into equine-assisted therapy in Aotearoa New Zealand. The internationally recognised Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) model is an experiential, client-driven therapy delivered by a qualified equine specialist alongside a registered mental health professional. The approach focuses on unmounted interactions with horses, allowing clients to explore emotions, process trauma, and develop coping strategies in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

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Currently, there is no research in Aotearoa exploring how Eagala therapy could benefit individuals or whānau as an alternative therapy to improve mental health and wellbeing. Dr McMenamin attended this training to develop a deeper understanding of the therapy model, assess its potential within the New Zealand healthcare system, and identify key areas for future research.

The training was led by two experienced Eagala facilitators from the United States and attended by 28 participants, all from either a mental health or equine specialist background. Throughout the course, there was strong support for New Zealand-based research, with many attendees expressing interest in participating in future studies conducted by HARC. This highlights a growing recognition of the potential benefits of equine-assisted therapy and the need for research to establish its effectiveness in the New Zealand context.

As HARC continues to explore innovative mental health solutions, this training marks an important step towards developing evidence-based pathways for Eagala therapy to be integrated into primary care, whānau-based mental health approaches, and support for high-need populations across Aotearoa.