Equine Assisted Activities & Therapy (EAAT)

Updated 11.03.2025

Equine-assisted services—including therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy—are increasingly recognized for their benefits in physical rehabilitation, mental health treatment, and veteran care. Over the past two years, Congress has introduced and advanced several measures to support these programs through funding, research, and workforce development.

Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act

Introduced in 2025 by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), this bipartisan bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand coverage for equine-assisted therapy under VA health programs. It authorizes grants to community-based providers and requires the VA to report on outcomes for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

Equine-Assisted Services Inclusion in Medicaid Waivers

Several members of Congress have urged CMS to clarify guidance allowing states to include EAS under Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. While not a standalone bill, this effort has gained traction through letters and committee hearings on disability services.

Workforce and Training Support via Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S.756)

Now law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, this measure allows 529 education savings plans to cover credentialing costs for EAS professionals, including PATH Intl. certifications and physical therapy licenses for hippotherapy practitioners. This change reduces financial barriers for individuals entering the EAS workforce.

Research Funding in FY 2026 Appropriations

The House Appropriations Committee included report language encouraging NIH and VA to fund studies on the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions for mental health and rehabilitation. This marks the first time EAS has been explicitly referenced in federal research priorities.