Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted psychotherapy, also called equestrian therapy or horse therapy, is a type of experiential mental health treatment that involves a person in therapy interacting with horses. Designed for people of all ages, equine therapy has been shown to treat a wide range of mental health issues, addressing both physical and psychological concerns associated with a diagnosis.
Individuals seeking help typically work with both a counsellor who specializes in equine therapy and natural horsemanship, the horse is also invited to be part of the therapeutic process.
HOW DOES EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY WORK?
Equine therapy for the purpose of addressing mental health issues typically involves both a professional counsellor and the horse. Horses, which might be full-size or smaller ponies, are chosen as therapy animals based partially on their ability to withstand a great deal of distraction and tolerate unpredictable or erratic behavior from people interacting with them. Many have been trained to exhibit especially gentle and repetitive behaviors to put people at ease and make their interactions more predictable.
Equine-assisted therapy is said to work in part because of the natural ability horses have to pick up on human emotional expressions and needs. Particularly patient, perceptive, and attuned to displays of fear, anger, agitation, and despair, horses are able to mirror human moods in a nonjudgmental way, without motive or expectations. As the person in therapy bonds with the horse, self-awareness grows, and emotional healing often takes place.
