The Healing Power of Horses: Understanding Equine-Assisted Therapy
Horses have a way of reaching hearts where words fall short. Equine-assisted therapy taps into that magic, using the horse and human connection to support healing and growth. From calming anxiety to building confidence, here’s how horses are helping people feel better one hoofbeat at a time.
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is a form of treatment that involves working with horses to support mental health and personal growth. In this type of therapy, clients participate in activities with horses under the guidance of a trained mental health professional and an equine specialist. The goal is not to teach riding skills, but to use the horse–human relationship to help clients learn about themselves, manage emotions, and build healthier coping skills.
Why Horses Help
Horses are sensitive animals that can read human body language and respond to our emotional states. Because of this, they often act as mirrors. Horses reflecting our energy, confidence, and feelings in the moment. This natural feedback helps people become more aware of their emotions and behaviors. Many clients find that being around horses feels calming, grounding, and safe, which can make it easier to open up and process emotions (PATH International, 2023).
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Research shows that equine-assisted therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, a study with military veterans found that working with horses led to lower PTSD and depression symptoms after several weeks of therapy (Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 2021). Other research has found improvements in self-esteem, confidence, and emotion regulation among clients who participated in equine programs (Bachi et al., 2022).
Social and Interpersonal Benefits
Equine-assisted therapy also supports the development of social and communication skills. Working with horses often requires teamwork, patience, and clear communication, with the animal, therapists, peers, or family members involved in the session. Through activities like grooming, leading, or observing horse behavior, clients practice expressing themselves calmly, setting boundaries, and interpreting nonverbal cues. These experiences help strengthen empathy, trust, and cooperation.
Because horses respond immediately to human tone, posture, and behavior, clients can see the results of their communication in real time. This instant feedback encourages reflection and learning, allowing individuals to adjust their behavior and see how it impacts others. For clients who struggle with social anxiety, trauma, or difficulty connecting with others, this process can build confidence and reinforce positive interaction patterns that carry into daily life (Sissons et al., 2022).
Who Can Benefit
Equine-assisted therapy can be helpful for children, teens, and adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, behavioral issues, or difficulties with relationships. It can also be adapted for people with disabilities or developmental challenges. Because the setting is different from a typical office, many clients find it easier to relax and engage in the process (PsychCentral, 2024).
Final Thoughts
Equine-assisted therapy combines the power of nature, movement, and connection. Horses help clients gain insight, build confidence, and experience healing in ways that talk therapy alone sometimes cannot. As research continues to grow, equine-assisted therapy is becoming a respected and evidence-based option in the field of mental health care.
Sources
Bachi, K., Terkel, J., & Teichman, M. (2022). Equine-assisted interventions for at-risk youth: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 851292. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.851292
Columbia University Irving Medical Center. (2021). Horse therapy helps veterans overcome trauma. https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/horse-therapy-helps-veterans-overcome-trauma
Koca, T. T., & Ataseven, H. (2015). What is hippotherapy? The indications and effectiveness of hippotherapy. Northern Clinics of Istanbul, 2(3), 247–252. https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2015.71603
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). (2023). Benefits of equine-assisted services. https://pathintl.org/benefits-of-eas/
Sissons JH, Blakemore E, Shafi H, Skotny N, Lloyd DM. Calm with horses? A systematic review of animal-assisted interventions for improving social functioning in children with autism. Autism. 2022 Aug;26(6):1320-1340. doi: 10.1177/13623613221085338. Epub 2022 Apr 11. PMID: 35403450; PMCID: PMC9344573.