Have you ever noticed a sense of calm and relief when hanging around animals? Their warmth and inviting vibes can make it easy to relax and help you be fully in the present moment, just like they are.
Animals have been involved in therapy and medical programs since 1960, when therapeutic riding was introduced to Canada and the United States. Since then, horses were also used for therapy in other countries such as Austria, Switzerland and Germany. It is gaining recognition for its benefits for a wide range of conditions, both mental and physical.
Equine Therapy: What to Expect
It may be intimidating to start equine therapy not knowing what to expect. The process is different from traditional therapy and requires you to be outdoors! A professional horse handler and mental health professional will guide the session. This is a carefully structured experience where you can expect hands-on interaction. A session can look like the following…
Introduction
The initial phase involves and getting to know the horse in a more controlled environment. These include:
- Petting
- Brushing
- Feeding
- Watering
Hands-On Activities
You can also expect to try on-hand training or riding the horses.
- Approach and contact to maneuver forward or backward movement
- Leading to cross obstacles
- Lunging the horse in a pen
Therapeutic Reflection
- Feelings about interactions are discussed
- Therapist provides guidance towards understanding the experience
Closure
- More calming activities may be done (cool-down activities)
- Planning the next activities
- Documentation of progress
A session is always supervised and guided by a professional. You can expect important insights and meaningful interactions to help you achieve your personal goals.
Equine Therapy: Limitations
There can be some limitations to equine therapy before considering moving forward. Aside from the lack of accessibility and the potential cost, these limitations can include:
- Limited availability of qualified professionals.
- Injury risks.
- Difficulty managing horse actions.
- Individual preferences (allergies, phobias, or physical disabilities).
- Time commitment.
While there are some disadvantages to equine therapy, the benefits are truly valuable and offers the chance to work with horses in a wonderful, non-traditional setting.
Benefits of Equine Therapy
The growth of equine therapy in the health and scientific community has been fueled by the obvious benefits experienced during a session. The positive effects of this therapy improves different aspects of your life.
Substance use disorders (SUD) have become a public health crisis affecting people around the world. This condition is rooted in various emotional and social issues, “This could be attributed to many social determinants such as feeling of insecurity, trauma, severe distress, and repression. It involves intricate interactions between the life experiences of the affected person and his/her brain paths and circuits, and the genetic and environmental factors.” [2]
Emotional regulation
Due to the mirror effect, horses can impact emotional regulation. Horses are not only highly sensitive but they can also reflect the emotional state of the individual interacting with them. Spending time with horses can also foster mindfulness and being in the present moment. Finally, horses (and most animals) tend to be nonjudgmental and promote a sense of calm in others.
Self-efficacy
This aspect is important and helps to cultivate an individual’s belief in their own success. Self-efficacy influences how we face challenging situations and motivates us in self-development. Performing new activities such as grooming, leading, or riding a horse can reinforce self-efficacy.
Self-esteem
A good self-esteem is noted to protect against psychological distress. Ultimately, a healthy self-esteem can support recovery for those suffering from SUD – equine therapy can help promote social skills, build trust and provide positive interactions. These factors, among others, can help improve self-esteem. [2
Equine Therapy: Conclusion
If equine therapy is made available to you, recognize the multiple ways this method can enhance your sense of self, positively influencing your emotional wellbeing and confidence in recovery. Allow yourself to master new tasks, face your fears, or build meaningful and healthy relationships.
Hopefully this article provides some useful insight on what benefits equine therapy can give you. As a different approach to therapy, consider this as a worthy option to help you on your journey to recovery. Connecting with a peaceful creature is more than it seems, the bond that forms can facilitate a presence that not only feels safe but also supportive in your overall healing.
Equine Therapy FAQ
What does equine therapy do?
Equine therapy is often referred to as equine-assisted therapy (or horse-assisted therapy, and HAT) and has been gaining recognition as an effective therapeutic method where individuals experience benefits from interacting with horses. Spending time with horses, whether around them or by riding them, has helped individuals sort their emotions, and get through their psychological and physical challenges.
Equine therapy can also help build trust and communication skills, improves emotional awareness and self esteem, and fosters social skills. Because the interactions between humans and horses are unique, the expected healing and level of self-understanding can be profound.
What is an example of equine-assisted therapy?
Depending on what the goal of the therapy is, equine-assisted therapy can have different methods. Having horses during a healing session can have a specific structure. Initial activities commonly involve participants warming-up to the horse by doing things such as grooming or leading them. Afterwards, the therapist who facilitates the session may assist in helping to interpret feelings associated with the process.
How does equine therapy work for anxiety?
Spending time with horses (and most animals, in fact!) can help bring positive effects for participants – helping to build self-esteem, awareness, and empathy. Overall, because horses are highly attuned and responsive to humans, interacting with them can help participants in understanding their own emotions in a nonjudgemental setting.
What are the disadvantages of Equine therapy?
Cost and accessibility may be the most common disadvantages. Insurance does not always cover therapy and they are usually found at specialized facilities. If you live in a rural or remote location, it can be difficult to find a facility that offers equine therapy. Additionally, this form of therapy requires trained professionals and licensed mental health therapists to be present for a session
Fortunately, equine therapy is available at New Method Wellness, where it can be used to treat both behavioral health conditions and addictions. If you’d like to to know more about equine-assisted therapy or other programs, contact us today.
Sources:
[1] Mendonca, T., Bienboire-Frosini, C., Menuge, F., Leclercq, J., Lafont-Lecuelle, C., Arroub, S., Pageat, P. The impact of equine-assisted therapy on equine behavioral and physiological responses. Animal Assisted Therapies and Interventions, 2019.
[2] Souilm, N., Equine-assisted therapy effectiveness in improving emotion regulation, elf-efficacy, and perceived self-esteem of patients suffering from substance use disorders. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2023.
