Award-Winning ‘Unbridled’ Film to Screen at EAGALA Pre-Conference

Photo by Gretta Whalen

EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is an international nonprofit association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs. The 19th annual conference will be at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, March 4-7, 2018. The Equus Film Festival NYC will join the event on Sunday March 4th to screen the 2016 film festival WINNIE winner Unbridled with Eric Roberts.

Per the EAGALA organization: The EAGALA Conference brings together 400+ mental health and equine professionals from around the world to gain practical knowledge and inspiration from leaders in EAGALA Model practice. Since 1999, EAGALA has set the global standard for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development. Boasting over 640 regional programs, and with more than 2,500 certified members in over 40 countries, it is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs.

The conference focus is education and networking. Price for conference is $650.00. For more information, visit eagala.org.

Unbridled is based on true stories shared at equine assisted therapy centers including Corral Riding Center in North Carolina. The film focuses on a teenage girl (Tea McKay) sent to a ranch for survivors of abuse. She bonds with Dreamer, a horse who is also an abuse survivor. Dey Young plays her mother. Eric Roberts sends chills as the mother’s “bad guy” boyfriend and sex trafficker. The nationwide premier for Unbridled is April 27-May 2, 2018.

EFFNYC director Lisa Diersen reports that actor Eric Roberts and film producer Christy McGlothlin plan to attend the screening. According to Ms. Diersen, Sue Anne Wells, founder of the Mustang Leadership Program in Chattanooga, will be joining the event with some of her team. Check out their film When the Dust Settles that couples wild horses with at-risk teenage girls. Larry McMillan, owner of Southeast Pack Trips, will be on hand to support the event and discuss trail riding opportunities for professional and education groups.

Sunday Unbridled screening schedule:

• Meet and greet from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
• Screening at 7:00 p.m
• Q&A with Christy McGlothlin and Eric Roberts following the film.

Screening is free and open to the public.