Following the EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) model by incorporating horses for growth and learning is an experiential modality.  This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and patterns. Sessions are conducted on the ground, there are no riding activities; this allows focusing on skills that need to be addressed instead of focusing on learning to ride.
        It’s about interacting with horses so the veterans can learn more about themselves. 

According to the Association for Experiential Education (www.aee.org), the principles of experiential practice are:

• Experiential learning occurs when carefully chosen experiences are supported by reflection, critical analysis and synthesis.
• Experiences are structured to require that participants take initiative, make decisions and be accountable for results.
• Throughout the experiential learning process, the client is actively engaged in posing questions, investigating, experimenting, being curios, solving problems, assuming responsibility, being creative, and constructing meaning.
• The results of the learning are personal and form the basis for future experience and learning.
• Opportunities are nurtured to explore and examine personal values.
• Participants are engaged intellectually, emotionally, socially, soulfully, and/or physically.  this involvement produces a perception that the learning task is authentic.