About
Horses Healing Humans
Welcome to our equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning center nestled in the serene landscapes of Frederick, Maryland. At our center, we believe in the extraordinary healing power of horses, who serve as our dedicated therapists. Embracing the profound connection between humans and these majestic animals, we provide a unique and transformative experience for individuals seeking healing from trauma, PTSD, depression, and various emotional challenges. Horses Healing Humans is proudly Eagala Certified and adheres to the Eagala Model, an exceptional experiential framework crafted to empower clients to explore, learn, and evolve within the horse-human relationship.
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Immerse yourself in a therapeutic journey where the gentle presence of our equine partners fosters a safe and supportive environment. Our programs are designed to promote emotional well-being, personal growth, and resilience. The intuitive nature of horses allows them to mirror and respond to human emotions, offering a non-judgmental and authentic space for self-discovery.
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Located in the heart of Frederick, Maryland, our center invites you to embark on a path of healing surrounded by nature’s beauty. Whether you are seeking individual therapy, group sessions, or educational programs, our equine-assisted approach creates a harmonious blend of connection, empathy, and personal empowerment.
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Join us on this transformative adventure as we harness the therapeutic wisdom of horses to guide you toward a brighter, more resilient future.
Our Story
Meet Founder, Peggy Magnanelli
The year 2020 was a bit of an eye-opener for me. It made me realize that life's too short to procrastinate on the things that really light you up. And for me, that's always been horses. I knew I loved horses from the time I knew they existed. After high school, life took over – jobs, kids, the whole shebang. But deep down, I never lost that feeling that there was something truly magical about horses.
So, in early 2021, I decided it was time to get back in the saddle. I found this fantastic riding instructor who not only knew his way around horses but was also trained in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). When he came back from a week-long training, I’ll never forget the conversation we had. We ended up chatting for hours about it, and I was completely captivated. So, I dove into books on the subject, especially the ones with real-life stories. It was like finding my true purpose.
Later that year, my husband and I took a leap of faith. We bought an 8-acre horse farm, and now we're the proud owners of three horses and a cheeky little mini donkey. I also went through several training programs and gained my certification from EAGALA in March 2023.
Being around horses has been such a journey for me – it's taught me patience, how to really be present, and the importance of holding space for another being. And with everything that's been happening lately, especially the spike in mental health issues since 2020, I truly believe that horses have a unique power to heal people, often faster than traditional talk therapy alone. I invite you to join me on my farm and see how being around horses can truly help to heal humans.
The Eagala Model is a distinctive experiential framework designed to allow clients the latitude to discover, learn, and grow from the horse-human relationship.
Eagala provides mental health professionals and equine specialists with standardized methods, a code of ethics, continuing education opportunities, a replicable framework, a team approach, and a global professional network. Under the Eagala Model, both a licensed, credentialed mental health professional and a qualified equine specialist work together collaboratively at all times to make sure clients get the therapeutic attention and support they need.
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Eagala stands as the premier international nonprofit association for professionals integrating horses into mental health and personal development initiatives. With over 800 programs spanning across more than 40 countries and boasting a membership of over 2500 certified individuals, Eagala is committed to enhancing the mental well-being of individuals, families, and groups worldwide. Rooted in a philosophy that emphasizes hands-on interaction with horses, Eagala's approach eschews riding or direct horsemanship instruction, ensuring that attention remains squarely on addressing clients' life objectives. Through the collaborative efforts of an Eagala Treatment Team, horses provide authentic feedback, facilitating a client-centered, solution-oriented approach. By engaging with horses, clients gain insight into their own processes and are empowered to enact positive changes within a secure, nurturing environment. Ultimately, clients emerge from Eagala sessions equipped with the tools and understanding necessary to enact transformative life improvements.
Horses Healing Humans is
Eagala Certified
