Why Horses?

 

Horses are uniquely suited for therapeutic work because of their natural sensitivity, responsiveness, and ability to mirror human emotions. As prey animals, horses are highly attuned to their environment and the non-verbal cues of those around them. This makes them exceptional partners in therapy, as they respond to a person’s emotional state in real time—often reflecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be difficult to express in traditional talk therapy.

In Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), horses help clients:

-Gain immediate feedback on their behavior, energy, and communication styles

-Build trust and healthy boundaries through non-verbal interaction

-Develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationship skills

-Experience safe, non-judgmental connection with another being

-Practice problem-solving and decision-making in a dynamic setting

Because horses are authentic and nonverbal, they offer clients a powerful mirror, allowing for breakthroughs and insights that might take longer to achieve in traditional therapy alone. Their presence naturally encourages mindfulness, calm, and connection, creating an ideal environment for growth and healing.

“Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as a ′′ coherent ′′ heart rate (heart rate pattern) that explains why we can ′′ feel better ′′ when we're close to them. Studies have found a coherent heart pattern or HRV to be a solid measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy-that is, we exhibit such patterns when we feel positive emotions.” The following information is retrieved from peer reviewed journals with research conducted between 2017 and 2021 on the impacts of equine assisted services.

The results of those studies are the following:

  • Lowered Blood Pressure

  • Lowered Heart Rate

  • Increased Beta-Endorphins (Neurotransmitters acting as pain suppressors)

  • Decreased Stress Levels

  • Decreased Feelings of Anger

  • Decreased Hostility, Tension, and Anxiety

  • Increased Social Skills & Ability to Read Social Cues

  • Greater Feelings of Empowerment

  • Increased Confidence, Patience, & Self-Efficacy

  • Increased Self-Esteem

The Magnetometer of a horse's heart beat can influence the heart rate of a person. Therefore, being in the presence of a horse can immediately begin to reduce the person's heart beats per minute which allow for an immediate decrease in the physical responses to day-to-day stressors.