All You Need to Know About Equine Therapy

For thousands of years, humans have had a special relationship with horses. They’ve been treasured helpers and companions. Many people who work with or own horses have experienced the emotional benefits. 

Some programs and experts have sought to bring that healing experience to more children and adults who need it. When a trained professional helps a client benefit from their interactions with horses, it’s called equine-assisted therapy. Let’s learn more.

How does equine therapy work? 

There are many therapeutic activities that involve horses. They might include riding horses or walking and caring for them. 

For example, people might feed the horses, guide them around, or groom them. Some people benefit from just being around and visiting the animals.

In equine-assisted therapy, professionals and clients work with horses toward specific treatment goals. Example goals include:

• Feeling less depressed

• Building confidence

• Overcoming anxiety

• Practicing communication

• Learning assertiveness

What are the types of equine therapy? 

There are multiple types of equine-assisted activities that address physical and mental health. They are often divided into four broad categories. Here’s a look at each. 

1. Therapeutic horseback riding

In therapeutic horseback riding (THR), an individual benefits physically and mentally from riding a horse. With a trained specialist, riders get to develop an emotional connection with their horse. The process may also help them develop confidence. 

2. Hippotherapy 

Hippotherapy uses movements of the horse to treat neurological and physical disabilities. The process is thought to help with sensory processing. It is provided by a physical, occupational, or speech therapist. 

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3. Equine-assisted learning

Equine-assisted learning helps professionals teach life skills through interacting with horses. A wide variety of strategies may be used, depending on the situation. Goals may include building skills for school, work, or individual and team growth.

4. Equine-assisted psychotherapy

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is typically a partnership between a licensed psychotherapist and a horse handler. Together, they work with a client toward their mental health goals. EAP can help treat a variety of issues, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or major depression.  

Benefits of equine therapy

When used as one aspect of a large treatment plan, there may be several benefits of working with horses. 

Possible overall benefits may include improvements in the following areas:

• Self-esteem

• Ability to trust

• Balance

• Confidence

• General well-being

• Enjoyment

More research is needed to understand how effective equine-assisted therapies may be. There’s no standard method of equine therapy, so strategies vary.

Equine therapy for mental health

There are mixed opinions when it comes to using equine-assisted therapies as a mental health treatment. Some experts say it shows promise due to several small but positive studies. Others believe that, because the research is so limited, professionals should be cautious about recommending it.

Scientists continue to look for possible benefits. 

In one larger study, veterans with PTSD interacted with horses during an 8-week therapeutic program. The therapy included a licensed psychotherapist, as well as an experienced horse handler. Participants reported lower PTSD and depression symptoms following the program. 

Other studies show that equine-assisted therapies may help people with autism and other disabilities like cerebral palsy. Possible benefits include improved problem-solving and social skills and better balance and posture.

Youth at risk of mental health challenges may also benefit from equine therapies. A review of research studies found that children and teens who participated in equine-assisted therapies showed improvement in behaviors and social interactions. 

Who is qualified to provide equine therapy?

There are various organizations that train and certify professionals who participate in equine therapy. Programs range from short courses to months-long programs. 

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) provides comprehensive training with multiple certifications. These programs train horse handlers to provide therapeutic riding or to participate in equine-assisted psychotherapy with a mental health professional. 

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) also provides certification. EAGALA therapy requires at least a two-person team, including a horse expert and mental health professional. Each must complete additional training for equine therapy. 

Eponaquest focuses on equine-assisted educational services. They train a variety of mental health and horse professionals. Skills taught include leadership, building relationships, and mindfulness. 

The Natural Lifemanship program also provides education for providers with a focus on relationships and trauma. They teach therapeutic hands-on work with horses. 

Other schools and programs offer various levels of training relating to equine therapy. To find out a provider’s level of training, ask about their educational background, experience, and specialties. 

How can you find equine therapy near you? 

Many types of professionals participate in equine-assisted therapies. These range from psychotherapists to occupational therapists and horse handlers. 

In some cases, professionals may work together as a team to help meet your needs. Many professionals work with local programs and nonprofits. 

Here are some ways you can look for professionals or therapeutic riding programs near you: 

• Visit PATH’s program directory to find providers near you. You can search by your state or region, as well as by program focus, such as centers that work with trauma.

• Visit the EAGALA program listing for professionals who use the EAGALA method. You can search in your state or region and by keyword. 

• Eponaquest includes a list of professionals who are trained in providing equine-assisted educational services. Visit the list of recommended providers here. 

• The Natural Lifemanship program has a list of providers who’ve completed their training. 

• For veteran-specific programs, visit the Operation We Are Here equine therapy listing to find centers in your area.

You can also use a search engine like Google to look for therapeutic riding or equine-assisted therapy programs in your area. Once you find a program, look on their website for certifications such as PATH or EAGALA. You can also contact the center and ask about their credentials and experience. 

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Written by:

Jennie Bedsworth, LCSW

Jennie Bedsworth, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with 20 years of experience in journalism, teaching, and mental health. Prior to completing her master's degree, she wrote for The Furrow magazine and was editor of Missouri Ruralist magazine.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

India B. Gomez, PhD

India B. Gomez, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a certificate in Latin American Family Therapy. She completed her doctoral education at the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University.

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