EAGLE (Equine-Assisted Growth, Leadership, and Empowerment) is a veteran-focused program offered by Animals as Natural Therapy that uses equine-assisted experiential learning to support veterans in rebuilding connection, regulation, and a sense of purpose following military service. The program is designed for veterans who may be navigating stress, transition challenges, isolation, moral injury, or difficulty reconnecting with civilian life and traditional support systems. EAGLE provides a non-clinical, strengths-based environment where veterans can engage in meaningful work alongside animals while developing practical skills that translate directly to daily life.
EAGLE is grounded in equine-assisted experiential learning, an approach that emphasizes learning through direct experience, reflection, and application rather than talk-based intervention. Horses are highly attuned to human behavior, intention, and emotional state, responding immediately and honestly without judgment. This responsiveness creates powerful opportunities for veterans to observe how regulation, clarity, and presence influence outcomes. Many participants find that working with horses feels familiar and accessible, particularly those who value action, teamwork, and clear feedback.
Programs are delivered on the farm in a calm, nature-based setting that supports nervous system regulation and reduces the stigma often associated with seeking help. EAGLE is typically offered as a multi-week cohort during the year, allowing time for trust-building, peer connection, and measurable growth. Sessions are facilitated by trained staff using trauma-informed practices that emphasize safety, choice, predictability, and respect. Activities are primarily ground-based and do not involve riding, ensuring accessibility for veterans with a wide range of physical abilities.
Each EAGLE session follows a consistent structure to support regulation and engagement. Veterans begin by transitioning into the farm environment and orienting to the day’s focus. Facilitators introduce a leadership or life skill that may include regulation under stress, communication, boundary-setting, situational awareness, or adaptive problem-solving. Participants then engage in experiential activities with horses, such as leading, grooming, obstacle navigation, or collaborative tasks that require focus, teamwork, and clear intention. Reflection is integrated throughout the session, helping veterans connect their experience with the horse to real-world challenges related to relationships, work, and personal well-being.
EAGLE places a strong emphasis on leadership and identity. Many veterans struggle with the loss of structure, role clarity, and mission after leaving service. Through working with large animals, participants practice calm, confident leadership that is based on presence rather than force. Veterans experience what it means to influence outcomes through consistency, self-regulation, and clear communication, reinforcing skills that are transferable to family life, employment, and community engagement. The program also creates space for peer connection, allowing veterans to share experience and build trust organically through shared tasks rather than forced discussion.
The program is intentionally designed to support emotional regulation and stress management. Horses respond quickly to tension, inconsistency, or escalation, offering immediate feedback that encourages participants to slow down, ground themselves, and adjust their approach. Veterans frequently report increased awareness of their internal states, improved ability to manage stress responses, and greater confidence in navigating challenging situations. The farm setting further supports these outcomes by providing physical movement, fresh air, and connection to living systems.
EAGLE aligns with broader goals related to veteran wellness, reintegration, and community belonging. Outcomes are documented through attendance tracking, facilitator observation, participant feedback, and partner reports. Common outcomes include improved emotional regulation, increased confidence, stronger communication skills, and a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Veterans often describe the program as accessible, meaningful, and distinct from traditional services, particularly for those who are hesitant to engage in clinical or office-based support.
By combining experiential learning, human-animal connection, and a values-driven approach to leadership and growth, the EAGLE Veteran Program offers veterans a respectful, effective pathway to healing and reconnection. The program honors veterans’ strengths while providing practical tools they can carry forward into civilian life, relationships, and community involvement
