Using Equine Therapy as a Mental Health Treatment

Equine Therapy: A Path to Healing and Self-Discovery

Imagine standing beside a horse, a large and powerful creature that somehow feels in tune with your emotions. Without a single word, the horse senses your mood, mirroring back the emotions you might be struggling to express. This is the essence of equine therapy, a unique form of healing that involves connecting with horses to uncover and process deep emotions. It offers a safe, non-judgmental space for growth, healing, and self-awareness.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what equine therapy is, who it can benefit, how it works, and what you should consider before starting. Whether you’re exploring it for yourself or a loved one, I hope by the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how this powerful therapy could be a step toward healing.

What Is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, incorporates interactions with horses into the therapeutic process. Unlike traditional therapy, which is largely based on talking through thoughts and emotions, equine therapy is experiential. This means it’s hands-on, and the healing comes from doing and experiencing, rather than just discussing.

During a typical session, you might be involved in activities like grooming the horse, feeding it, or simply walking with it. These interactions are facilitated by a therapist who helps you make connections between your behavior and emotions. The focus isn’t just on the horse but on what the horse’s reactions reflect back to you.

The unique aspect of equine therapy is the horse’s ability to sense and respond to human emotions. Horses are extremely intuitive and sensitive to their environment. They pick up on things like your body language, energy, and even your mood. This sensitivity allows them to mirror your inner emotional state, providing immediate, non-verbal feedback. For many people, this can be a more accessible way to explore emotions that might feel overwhelming or difficult to express in words.

Why Horses?

You might ask, “Why use horses? Why not other animals like dogs or cats?” Horses have certain qualities that make them particularly well-suited to therapy. One key reason is their size and power. Horses are large animals, and working with them requires a level of respect, presence, and intention. Their size can feel intimidating at first, but learning to engage with such a powerful creature helps build confidence and trust.

Horses are also herd animals by nature, meaning they are highly attuned to group dynamics and social interactions. They constantly read the energy and behavior of those around them, which makes them very responsive to human emotions. Unlike people, horses don't hold grudges or have hidden agendas. Their reactions are immediate and honest, providing clear feedback about how you’re feeling and behaving in the moment.

This can be especially helpful for people who struggle to connect with or express their emotions. Horses respond in real time, reflecting what you’re feeling, even when you’re not fully aware of it. In this way, horses act as emotional mirrors, making your feelings more visible and tangible. This process can help you understand yourself better and work through emotions that may have been buried or hard to articulate.

The History of Equine Therapy

While equine therapy might seem like a new, innovative approach, its roots go back centuries. The therapeutic use of horses has been documented as far back as ancient Greece. The Greek physician Hippocrates wrote about the physical and emotional benefits of horseback riding, which was thought to improve overall well-being.

In more recent history, equine therapy began to take shape in the mid-20th century. In the 1950s and 60s, therapeutic riding programs for people with physical disabilities gained popularity. These programs eventually led to the development of organizations like the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (now known as PATH International), which set standards for therapeutic horseback riding.

As these programs grew, therapists began to recognize that working with horses had not only physical benefits but also significant emotional and psychological ones. This realization laid the foundation for modern equine-assisted therapy, which is now used to help people with a wide range of mental health conditions.

Who Can Benefit from Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy can be a valuable tool for many people, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment. It’s especially useful for those who may find traditional therapy challenging or for those looking for a new way to explore their emotions. Here’s a closer look at who can benefit:

Children and Teens

Young people often find it hard to open up in traditional therapy settings. Sitting across from a therapist and talking about their feelings can feel intimidating or uncomfortable. Equine therapy offers a different experience. Being outdoors and working with a horse creates a more relaxed, non-threatening environment. This can help children and teens feel more comfortable and engaged in the therapeutic process.

For kids and teens dealing with trauma, anxiety, ADHD, depression, or behavioral challenges, equine therapy can be particularly effective. The hands-on, physical nature of the therapy helps them connect with their emotions in a way that feels less overwhelming than traditional talk therapy. They learn important skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and social awareness, all while building a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem through their work with the horse.

Adults

For adults, equine therapy offers a unique space for healing, especially for those dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or significant life stress. Many adults find that working with horses helps them reconnect with their emotions in a way that feels more natural than sitting in a therapy office.

Because horses react to your emotions in real time, they help you become more aware of your internal state. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, the horse might become restless or anxious, too. This immediate feedback helps you explore your feelings in a new way, often uncovering emotional patterns that are harder to spot in traditional therapy.

Veterans

Veterans, especially those struggling with PTSD, often find equine therapy to be incredibly beneficial. PTSD can make it difficult to trust others, form connections, or feel emotionally present. Horses, with their natural sensitivity to trust and emotions, can help veterans rebuild these skills.

In equine therapy, veterans work on establishing a relationship with the horse, which requires trust and patience. Over time, this helps them begin to reconnect with their own emotions and the people around them. The non-verbal nature of working with horses can be especially helpful for veterans who may feel overwhelmed or triggered by traditional therapy methods.

Families and Groups

Equine therapy can also be done in family or group settings. For families, working with a horse can help each member communicate more effectively, build trust, and work through conflicts in a supportive environment. The shared experience of working with the horse can strengthen emotional bonds and provide a non-judgmental space for healing family dynamics.

In group therapy settings, equine therapy helps participants learn to work together, communicate, and build mutual trust. This is particularly useful in addiction recovery groups, trauma support groups, or even team-building for organizations. The shared goal of caring for and interacting with the horse fosters teamwork and communication in a unique way.

What Does a Typical Equine Therapy Session Look Like?

When people think of therapy with horses, they often imagine horseback riding. While riding can be part of equine therapy, most sessions don’t involve riding at all. The focus is usually on interacting with the horse from the ground.

A typical equine therapy session might include activities like:

• Grooming the horse
• Feeding or watering the horse
• Walking the horse on a lead rope
• Simply observing the horse’s behavior and movements

These activities are guided by a licensed therapist who helps you process the emotions that come up during your time with the horse. For example, if you’re feeling anxious, the horse might reflect that anxiety by becoming fidgety or restless. The therapist might ask you questions like:

• “What do you notice about the horse right now?”
• “How do you think your emotions are affecting the horse?”
• “What does this remind you of in your own life?”

These types of questions encourage self-reflection in a way that feels gentle and less intense than traditional talk therapy. Because you’re focused on the horse, it can feel easier to explore difficult emotions without feeling overwhelmed.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Equine Therapy

Equine therapy offers a wide range of emotional and psychological benefits. Here are some of the key ways it can help:

Emotional Awareness and Regulation

One of the most powerful aspects of equine therapy is its ability to help you become more aware of your emotions. Horses are highly intuitive and can sense even the smallest changes in your mood or body language. By watching how the horse reacts to you, you can get a clearer sense of what’s going on inside. Over time, this heightened awareness can help you manage your emotions more effectively.

For people who struggle to identify or express their feelings, this can be especially helpful. Horses provide real-time, non-verbal feedback about what you’re experiencing emotionally, which can make those feelings more concrete and easier to understand.

Building Trust and Connection

Many people come to therapy after experiencing trauma or broken relationships that have made it hard to trust others. Horses, with their sensitive nature, require trust and respect to work with you. Building a relationship with a horse can serve as a metaphor for building trust in human relationships.

Horses don’t judge, and they don’t have hidden motives. This makes them ideal partners for people who’ve been hurt by others in the past. Learning to trust a horse can be the first step in learning to trust people again.

Practicing Vulnerability

Healing often requires vulnerability, which can be challenging for many people. Opening up about painful experiences, even in a therapy setting, can feel overwhelming or scary. In equine therapy, you practice vulnerability without even realizing it.

When you’re interacting with a horse, you’re often stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a new activity or simply learning how to connect with the horse, you’re practicing being open to new experiences and emotions. These moments of vulnerability can then be explored with your therapist to help you make connections to your personal struggles.

Enhancing Mindfulness and Presence

Many people who struggle with anxiety or depression find it difficult to stay grounded in the present. Worrying about the past or future can feel overwhelming, making it hard to focus on the here and now. Horses live in the moment. They aren’t concerned with what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow—they’re focused on what’s happening right now.

Working with horses can help you practice mindfulness, the act of staying present in the current moment. Whether you’re grooming the horse or walking alongside it, the experience requires your full attention. This can be incredibly calming for people who struggle with anxiety or racing thoughts, helping them learn to quiet their minds and focus on the present.

Specific Conditions Equine Therapy Can Help With

Equine therapy has been shown to be particularly helpful for certain mental health conditions. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them:

• Anxiety: People with anxiety often find themselves overwhelmed by thoughts of the past or future. Horses demand your attention in the moment, helping break the cycle of anxious thoughts. Whether you’re grooming or leading the horse, you need to be fully engaged, which can reduce anxiety and help you stay grounded.
  
  
• PTSD: For those dealing with PTSD, particularly veterans, equine therapy offers a safe space to reconnect with emotions and rebuild trust. Horses provide a sense of safety without the pressure of human interaction, which can be especially comforting for people with PTSD. Over time, this can help individuals regain the ability to connect emotionally with others.
  
  
• Addiction Recovery: In addiction recovery, learning to rebuild trust, both with oneself and others, is a major goal. Horses help facilitate this process. The act of caring for a horse—feeding it, grooming it, and working with it—can help clients in recovery develop a sense of responsibility and routine, which are key elements of maintaining sobriety.
  
  
• ADHD: For people with ADHD, the active, hands-on nature of equine therapy can be especially appealing. Working with horses requires focus and attention, and participants often feel a sense of accomplishment when they successfully connect with a horse. This can be a major confidence boost, especially for those who struggle with focus or impulse control in other areas of their lives.
  
  

Things to Consider Before Starting Equine Therapy

Before you begin equine therapy, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

• Physical Health: Equine therapy isn’t always physically demanding, but it does involve being around large animals. If you have any physical limitations, such as back problems or mobility issues, talk to your doctor first. Some forms of equine therapy, particularly those that involve riding, might not be suitable for everyone.
  
  
• Emotional Readiness: Equine therapy can bring up strong emotions, especially if you’ve experienced trauma. It’s important to discuss with a mental health professional whether you’re emotionally ready for this type of therapy. Sometimes, equine therapy works best as a supplement to traditional therapy, rather than a replacement.
  
  
• Cost and Accessibility: Equine therapy can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. Fees can vary widely depending on the location and the therapist’s qualifications. It’s a good idea to research local programs, ask about costs, and check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage for this type of therapy.
  
  
• Fear of Horses: If you’re afraid of horses, equine therapy might not be the best fit for you. However, many equine therapy programs are designed to be slow-paced and accommodating to people with fears or anxieties around large animals. Don’t hesitate to bring this up with your therapist so they can assess whether this form of therapy is a good fit for you.
  
  

Finding a Qualified Equine Therapist

It’s important to work with a qualified therapist who has experience in equine-assisted therapy. Organizations like the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) provide certifications and standards for therapists working with horses. Make sure to ask about your therapist’s training and qualifications before beginning therapy.

Final Thoughts

Equine therapy is a unique, hands-on approach to healing that offers emotional and psychological benefits for a wide range of people. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, addiction, or simply seeking a new way to connect with your emotions, working with horses can offer insights and breakthroughs that are hard to achieve through traditional therapy alone.

If you think equine therapy might be a good fit for you, reach out to programs like Hearts of the Canyon Therapy. This powerful approach to healing could help you on your journey toward emotional growth and self-discovery.