By: Greg Kersten

The juxtaposition of gangster lingo and cowboy attire and heritage tends to get people’s attention. Nevertheless, Greg Kersten is the “O.G.” - the “Original Greg,” the “Observant Greg,” the “Old Guy” who developed and put a name to mental health work using horses, namely Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).

Through passion, persistence, and plain hard work, EAP has grown in popularity in programs, both residential and outpatient, as well as private mental health practices worldwide. The formation of Equine Services, Inc. along with the establishment of the nonprofit Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, of which he is co-founder, has made EAP training and services accessible around the globe.

Placement professionals, parents, and others in search of therapeutic programs for youth and adults benefit by seeking out the EAGALA logo and certification of staff to ensure quality EAP.

Being the founding organization behind EAP and then EAGALA, Equine Services, Inc. (ESI) continues to grow. Under the direction of Greg Kersten, now joined by his wife, Jennifer Kersten, M.Ed., Equine Services, Inc. still offers “Strategies for Winning the Game of Life” and continues to specialize in staff and program development for youth and adult programs, teambuilding, crisis management, creative problem-solving - all through the effective use of horses! ESI also assists at “Parent Weekends,” and family workshops at locations around the country.

Programs currently using horses or interested in equine activities for learning in programming are encouraged to contact ESI for consultation, program development, or acquisition of appropriate horses, tack and staff. Whether or not you are currently using Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, it pays to go to the source, and there is no better, or more experienced resource than ESI