Equine Therapy

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Equine-assisted therapy is a type of experiential therapy involving horses. Equine therapy may seem like an unusual concept to those unfamiliar with it, but it’s becoming a prevalent form of treatment in the mental health field. Equine therapy is much more than just horseback riding.  Therapists tailor techniques to each person’s needs. It can include simple interactions and leading a horse on short walks, as well as feeding, grooming, and cleaning. While many of us interact with animals regularly in our daily lives, it is relatively rare for most people to spend time around horses. When horses are used in therapy, therapists emphasize the relationship and attachment between the individual and the horse. 

While therapists use many animals in therapy, horses are among the most beneficial in trauma-informed mental health treatments. Their popularity is due to the immediate feedback they provide and the individual connections they build. Benefits of using horses include: 

• Size: Horses are large and imposing animals. Being around them encourages you to step outside of your comfort zone and work on stress management.  
• Intelligence: Horses are intelligent and sensitive. Connecting with horses requires a calm demeanor, empathy, and for you to develop a level of mutual trust.  
• Response: Horses offer immediate feedback. Horses can sense emotions and will respond accordingly, serving as a mirror to understand feelings you may not be aware of.  
• Neutrality: Horses are non-judgemental and unbiased. They allow you to create a close bond without fear of criticism.  
• Responsibility: Looking after horses requires hard work. They need to be fed, groomed, and cleaned. Attending to their needs requires discipline, structure, and responsibility.  

The benefits of equine therapy are numerous, especially when processing emotional trauma. Behavior mirroring and non-verbal communication with horses can help you better understand yourself, your emotions, and your relationships with others. Equine therapy can help facilitate trauma awareness, which is key to processing and healing. 

Working with horses can be particularly beneficial for building relationship skills. Connecting with horses requires you to be calm, centered, and focused. Building up a level of mutual trust can take a lot of time and hard work. This awareness and trust can teach skills necessary for day-to-day interactions. Skills developed through equine-assisted therapy include: 

• Emotional awareness 
• Confidence and assertiveness  
• Self-esteem and self-respect 
• Impulse control and stress tolerance 
• Trust and acceptance 
• Non-verbal communication 
• Strength and endurance 

Spending quality time with horses can also decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation without immediately jumping back into navigating human relationships. Building a connection with a non-judgemental animal can help you open up and learn to trust others.  

This relationship is a great first step in overcoming emotional trauma and associated mental health conditions.