What Is Equine Therapy?

A woman kissing her horse in a stable as an example of equine therapy.

The benefits of spending time with animals have long been recognized, even if animal-assisted therapy has only recently become a popular choice for practices.

Equine therapy, where clients work directly with horses, offers a calming and soothing experience, even if it can be logistically challenging.

In this guide, we’ve taken a look at exactly what equine therapy is, the benefits it offers, and the issues it can be used to treat. 

What Is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy, sometimes known as equine-assisted therapy, is a specialized and holistic form of therapy that involves a client caring for a horse. Equine therapy doesn’t involve riding a horse. Instead, the focus is on looking after the animal.

During a session, a client collaborates with a horse, a horse handler, and a therapist. A client might be asked to feed the horse, groom them, or complete other tasks with the horse, all under the supervision of a qualified handler. 

Equine therapy can take place on an individual basis, but it’s often operated as a group session. Together, the group works to complete their tasks, spending time in a supportive environment.

The horses used in equine therapy have been chosen for their gentle nature and ability to tolerate surprises. Anything from small Shetland ponies to full-sized horses can be used for equine therapy, but all the animals must be comfortable around humans and calm in the face of distraction.

What Happens During Equine Therapy?

During equine therapy the focus is on a client caring for and interacting with a horse. Sessions might include grooming, feeding, and leading the horse.

Know that equine therapy rarely involves horse riding.

At the end of the session, the therapist and client discuss what has happened. The client will describe how they felt while working with the horse, what they felt they achieved, and what they can work on at the next session.

This method can help clients who struggle to open up become better at verbalizing emotions.

What Are The Benefits Of Equine Therapy?

The therapeutic benefits of spending time with animals are well recognized, and horses are uniquely suited to this task.

Working with horses has a variety of benefits:

  • Equine takes a therapy session into an environment that is free of judgment.
  • Outside the traditional setting, some clients find it easier to open up, and establish trust.
  • Horses are nonjudgmental, and it’s difficult to read an emotional response in a horse’s face.

When these factors combine, clients who feel uncomfortable in traditional settings can find it easier to share.

Horses are powerful creatures, and caring for them is an important responsibility. Often, equine therapy involves feeding and watering the horses, grooming them, leading them, and even mucking out.

Another benefit to this responsibility is structure.

As you have to keep up a routine, a vulnerable client can gain some necessary stability. This links into the physical benefits of equine therapy.

Spending time working outdoors in a hands-on situation can help calm the physical side effects of conditions such as anxiety.

Who Is Equine Therapy Used To Treat?

There are physical and emotional benefits to equine therapy, which can help treat anger, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders, amongst others.

Below, we’ve taken a look at some of the most common conditions treated with equine therapy.

Equine Therapy And Anxiety

Horses are known for their emotional mirroring, and a keen sense of awareness. When distressed, they often try to run away, or change their behavior.

Clients with anxiety can feel a connection to the horse, and process their own emotions through the horse’s behavior.

Equine therapy also provides a safe space for a client to step out of their comfort zone.

They become vulnerable, but feel protected. It can take time to reach this point of trust. Horses are powerful animals, and some clients may feel intimidated at first. However, the soothing response of the horse can help with these fears.

Equine Therapy And Trauma

Those struggling with trauma can find it hard to form emotional bonds with other people. Bonding with a horse, however, may come easier.

Calm and nonjudgmental, the client can build a connection with the therapy horse. In turn, the client becomes more trusting, and more confident.

However, for those with an animal-related trauma, equine therapy can be stressful, instead of motivating. 

Equine Therapy And Addiction

Equine therapy offers many advantages for those who are struggling to overcome an addiction.

The nonjudgmental horse is easier to bond with and trust, allowing the client to become emotionally vulnerable.

Working with a horse is also a responsibility, and one that requires thought and attention.

This allows the client to get out of their own head, and avoid overthinking

Equine Therapy And Adolescents

Equine therapy has been used in the treatment of children and teens struggling with mental health challenges, including anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

For many younger clients, working with the horses provides a less pressured environment to open up.

Spending time outdoors, interacting with animals, is often more appealing than the traditional “therapist office” environment.

Limits Of Equine Therapy

The biggest limit to equine therapy is logistical. Horses are only welcome in certain settings, and for inner city practices, there’s rarely an opportunity to approach equine therapy.

Practices interested in this form of therapy will either need to organize travel, or look for another type of animal-assisted therapy.

If a client is interested in pursuing equine therapy, they will need to consider the financial implications. Equine therapy is also more expensive than traditional forms of therapy, and it’s rarely covered by insurance .

There’s also the potential for a negative reaction to equine therapy.

Instead of feeling calmed by the horse, a client might find the experience overwhelming, and even frightening. Horses are large, powerful animals, and not everyone will feel comfortable in their presence.

Finally, it’s essential to consider the physical aspect of equine therapy.

Although the therapy rarely includes riding, caring for the horse can be physically demanding. Clients with back injuries and other physical limitations should be assessed by a physician, before starting equine therapy. 

Final Thoughts

The therapeutic benefit to working with horses has long been recognized, but equine therapy has only recently started to grow in popularity.

The horse offers a calming presence, a sense of responsibility, and an emotional bond that can help with a range of issues. While there are drawbacks to the treatment, many clients might benefit from the hands-on experience.

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