Equine-assisted therapy is effective in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, loss and coping with life stress. It occurs in a paddock or yard in a rural setting engaging with horses at liberty or at times halted when working with children and youth. One-on-one sessions involve self-reflection, mindfulness, grounding and somatic awareness exercises. There is strictly no riding involved.
Child and youth sessions
Social engagement skills
Children and youth experiencing social anxiety or other challenges can often relate more easily to horses than to humans. They learn trust, eye contact, acceptance, respect, patience, non-verbal communication, how to read body language and how to build friendships. Once this is established with the horses, a child or young person can then transfer these skills into daily life.
Building empathy
Horses are exceptional teachers. They illicit emotional connection and regard, helping children and young people to express care, kindness and thoughtfulness towards others.
Self-esteem
Horses build participants’ self-esteem by relating to children and young people in a supportive manner that demonstrates that they are liked, they have good attributes and are worthy – horses do not lie.
Healthy boundaries
Horses teach personal space, give and take, co-operation, choice and free will in a safe environment. They also provide the opportunity for children and young people to use their energy and voice when the horses intrude on personal space.
Self-regulation of emotions
This is the essence of equine assisted therapy. Horses are very intuitive and sensual, and are drawn to a person’s nervous system and work with them to self-regulate intense feelings and emotions. Horses help teach body awareness, mindfulness, grounding and breathing techniques to calm and regulate the body.
Growing resilience
All of the above areas teach children and young people resilience and equip them with new skills, awareness and self-control. This also enhances their capacity to cope with any life adversity in future.
Adult sessions
All the elements covered above in the child and youth sessions are incorporated, with an additional focus on the following:
- Learn how your body and nervous system responds to stress and trauma.
- Learn skills and interventions for growing resilience and self-regulation.
- Develop a relationship with the horses to receive support, empathy and coregulation and grow awareness of internal physical sensations and interoception.
- Build a sense of wellbeing and self-worth.
Watch this video for more information.