Equine Therapy

Equine therapy has proven to be beneficial for a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. It can assist with conditions such as:

• Physical disabilities, including cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.

• Emotional and mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress.

• Cognitive challenges, such as autism, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and learning disabilities.

• Developmental delays.

• Relationship and communication difficulties.

Additionally, equine therapy can aid individuals dealing with grief, addiction, or other life transitions. It is often used in conjunction with other therapies, like cognitive-behavioural therapy, to help individuals achieve their therapeutic goals.

​

​

Equine therapy can be particularly advantageous for children and teenagers. Young people often feel comfortable and at ease around animals, especially horses. The non-judgmental nature of horses can help kids and teens struggling with self-esteem or social issues, as horses accept people as they are. Equine therapy can address various physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges in children and teens. It is especially beneficial for those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health issues, as well as learning and developmental difficulties. Additionally, equine therapy can help improve communication and social skills, and build self-confidence and self-esteem in young individuals.

A unique benefit of equine therapy for children is the gentle, non-clinical environment it provides. Rather than the sometimes intimidating setting of traditional therapy, being with horses allows children to express themselves more freely. Many children find it easier to “project” their feelings onto an animal than onto another person. This natural interaction can be especially effective for children who have experienced trauma, as the unconditional companionship of a horse can provide comfort and boost a child’s sense of acceptance and worth (Levinson, 1969; Karol, 2007).

It is essential to ensure that equine therapy is conducted by a trained professional experienced in working with children and teens.

​

​

Horses are unique in their ability to accept everyone without judgment and respond to subtle cues in their surroundings. These traits make them ideal for therapeutic use.

In equine therapy, horses provide a sense of connection and grounding for individuals experiencing mental health issues. Many people find that being around horses helps them feel calm and present. The horse's movement can also be therapeutic, aiding in the release of tension and pent-up emotions. Horses' high sensitivity makes them valuable for therapists in assessing and addressing issues related to communication, boundaries, and leadership. For instance, if someone struggles with setting and maintaining boundaries, a therapist might use activities with the horse to help the person practice these skills in a safe and supportive setting. Overall, the unique qualities of horses make them effective therapeutic tools, helping individuals overcome a variety of challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals.

Equine therapy is experiential in nature, meaning that participants learn about themselves and others by actively engaging in hands-on activities with horses. These activities—such as grooming, leading, or simply interacting—are followed by thoughtful discussion and reflection with a therapist. This process helps individuals process their feelings, observe their behaviors, and recognize patterns in a supportive environment. Similar in approach to ropes courses used in therapy and personal development programs, equine therapy offers the distinct advantage of involving dynamic, responsive animals. The living presence of the horse brings an added dimension to the therapeutic experience, often allowing for deeper insights and breakthroughs​​.

​

Horses are used in therapy because they are non-threatening and offer unconditional acceptance, making it easier for individuals to be vulnerable and open about their feelings and experiences. Being around horses can also induce a sense of calm and centeredness, facilitating the process of discussing and working through difficult emotions and experiences.

In equine therapy, practitioners employ activities with horses to help individuals experience vulnerability and express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. For example, a therapist might have the person brush the horse or clean its hooves. These activities enable clients to express their emotions through touch and other nonverbal cues.

​

​