What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique, experiential form of therapy that involves interactions between clients and horses, guided by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist. It is designed to support individuals in processing trauma, building emotional regulation, enhancing communication, and improving overall mental wellness.

Sessions take place on the ground (no horseback riding is required), allowing clients to observe, interact, and build relationships with horses in a safe, structured setting.

Benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

1. Trauma-Informed Healing

Horses are highly sensitive and responsive animals, making them ideal partners in trauma treatment. Their ability to perceive nonverbal cues allows clients to gain immediate feedback about their emotions, body language, and internal states, which can support deeper emotional awareness and healing.

2. Nervous System Regulation

The calm presence of horses can help regulate the nervous system. Many clients report feeling grounded and safe during sessions. For trauma survivors, this can be a powerful tool for reducing hypervigilance, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.

3. Nonjudgmental Connection

Horses offer unconditional acceptance and authentic responses. They don’t judge, diagnose, or hold expectations—making them ideal companions for clients working through issues like shame, grief, or interpersonal trauma.

4. Experiential and Somatic Work

EAP incorporates movement, presence, and physical interaction, which activates the body in healing ways. This experiential component is especially helpful for clients who struggle to access or articulate their feelings in traditional talk therapy.

5. Personal Empowerment and Confidence

Caring for, leading, or simply being with a 1,000-pound animal can promote a sense of agency and self-efficacy. Clients often develop increased confidence, improved boundaries, and a deeper sense of self through their work with horses.

6. Relationship and Communication Skills

Because horses respond to tone, posture, intention, and boundaries, clients can practice healthy communication and relational patterns in real time. This can improve relationships in everyday life, including with family, partners, and colleagues.

Who Can Benefit from Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

EAP is effective for a wide range of individuals and concerns, including:

• Trauma survivors (including complex and developmental trauma)
• Veterans and first responders
• Individuals with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Youth and adolescents with behavioral or emotional challenges
• Survivors of abuse, neglect, or loss
• Those seeking personal growth, emotional regulation, or improved relationships

What Happens During a Session?

Each session is uniquely tailored to the client’s goals and therapeutic needs. Common activities may include:

• Observing herd dynamics and behavior
• Grooming, feeding, or leading a horse
• Reflecting on emotional responses to the horse’s behavior
• Ground-based obstacle courses or structured activities
• Processing the experience with a therapist in real time

No prior horse experience is necessary. Most activities are conducted on the ground.

Why Horses?

Horses live fully in the present and respond authentically to their environment. Because of this, they act as mirrors for human emotion and behavior. Their feedback is immediate and honest—offering opportunities for deep insight, emotional regulation, and authentic connection. Unlike humans, horses don’t rely on verbal communication. This makes them especially effective partners for people who may struggle with words or feel guarded in traditional therapy settings.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is not just about horses—it’s about healing, connection, and transformation through relationship.

If you’re ready to explore a different kind of therapy that honors your whole self—mind, body, and spirit—Equine Assisted Psychotherapy may be the path for you.