Overview of Equine Therapy
Equine therapy is a type of therapy that involves working with horses. It provides people the opportunity to connect with horses and engage in experiential activities led by certified equine therapists. Some of the activities involved include: riding horses, grooming and caring for horses, carrying out tasks such as feeding and leading the horse. Sessions usually take place in small groups, where you may have specific tasks or ‘obstacles’ to overcome. Goals of this form of therapy include helping people develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility.
Various Terms and Benefits
Various terms describe equine-assisted therapy, including equine therapy, equine assisted therapy (EAT), equine-facilitated therapy, horse therapy, equestrian therapy, or horse-riding therapy. EAT encompasses treatments that involve activities with horses to promote human physical and mental health. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) incorporates horses into the therapeutic process with a licensed psychotherapist involved. EFP helps with: PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and other mood problems. Studies show over 50% of veterans enrolled in an equine program had reduced depression and PTSD after two months of weekly sessions. Equine Assisted Learning also reduces stress and increases social skills in youth.
Equine-Assisted Therapy Process
Equine therapy involves working with horses to help people deal with challenges. Sessions involve feeding, grooming, leading, and riding horses. This provides a supportive environment to build skills like trust and communication. The horse mirrors emotions and behaviors, allowing the client to process feelings. Equine therapy helps people like children, veterans, and older adults address issues like trauma, autism, and cerebral palsy. It applies methods from physical, occupational, speech, and recreational therapies.
Equine-Assisted Activities
Equine-assisted therapy involves a horse, therapist, and horse expert. Exercises are carried out according to needs. It helps address behaviors and is considered helpful for changing behaviors. It allows addressing emotions and issues through experience and nonverbal communication. Equine-assisted psychotherapy involves interacting with horses, designed for all ages. It treats mental health issues, addressing physical and psychological concerns. Individuals work with a therapist and horse trainer, though sometimes the roles are combined. It has been shown to treat a wide range of issues. Caring for horses requires concentration, selflessness, and teamwork which can help improve self-esteem, awareness, confidence, and empathy. It can help treat behavioral problems, relationship issues, and more.
Therapeutic Process and Goals
Typically equine therapy involves a mental health professional and horse specialist. Clients seek help for emotional or behavioral problems and learn about caring for the horses. It focuses more on caring for them than riding them. Methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy are also used. Equine therapy programs can help improve self-esteem, awareness, confidence, and empathy. Equine-assisted therapy uses horses to help improve physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It has gained popularity for its effectiveness. Clients participate in activities like grooming and leading. Facilitated by trained professionals, it supports clients in addressing therapeutic goals with horses as co-facilitators. Activities involve interacting with horses to promote growth.