Equine Therapy

Equine Therapy, (aka Equine-Assisted Therapy or Horse Therapy), is a therapeutic treatment modality that involves interactions between people and horses to support their journey towards mental, emotional, and sometimes physical healing.

Who benefits from Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy is commonly used to help individuals living with:

  • Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/PTSD (especially veterans or trauma survivors)
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • ADHD
  • Addiction recovery
  • Behavioural issues
  • Low self-esteem and emotional regulation challenges

Who Endorses It? Equine Therapy is supported and practiced by Registered Mental Health professionals, Occupational and Physical Therapists in some rehabilitation centres, and Organizations such as:

PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International)

EAGALA (Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association)

How Does It Help?

Equine Therapy can offer benefits such as:

  • Improved emotional regulation: Horses respond to nonverbal cues, helping clients learn mindfulness and calm behaviour.
  • Increased self-awareness and confidence: Working with such large, sensitive animals builds trust and self-esteem.
  • Better social skills and communication: Horses reflect human emotions, encouraging clients to express themselves more clearly.
  • Reduced anxiety and stress: Being around animals and outdoors can lower cortisol and increase clients’ sense of inner calm and peace.

What Does a Typical Session Look Like?

A session may vary based on goals (mental health vs physical therapy), but generally includes:

  1. Greeting and Grounding: Time to connect with the horse—grooming, petting, or walking alongside it. This helps build rapport and settle nerves.
  2. Therapeutic Activity:
    • Groundwork (leading, guiding, obstacle courses)
    • Observing and discussing the horse’s behaviour
    • Problem-solving exercises involving the horse (including getting it to move through a course)
  3. Emotional and Cognitive Processing:
    • Discussing emotions or thoughts that arrises
    • Reflecting on maladaptive and/or adaptive behaviours and patterns
    • Drawing parallels between horse interactions and real-life relationships
  4. Cool Down: Ending with quiet time or light interaction to relax before leaving.

Note: Sessions are typically 45-90 minutes, and safety is critical. I will ensure that you are safe at all times.

Equine therapy Toronto, Psychotherapy