How Horses Help Heal: A Unique Therapy

Finding calm in the middle of a mental health storm. That’s what horses can do. Every year, in October, we celebrate World Mental Health Day. This day highlights the importance of our mental well-being and the various ways we can improve it. For some people, horses play a major role in their mental health journey. When you’re struggling with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), life can feel overwhelming. But horses have a way of making everything feel just a little bit easier. Their steady presence and gentle power can be incredibly soothing. Ever tried riding a horse that suddenly switches from a trot to a canter, then a gallop? It’s like flying through the wind, leaving your worries behind. The horse’s strength becomes your own, offering a peaceful escape from intrusive thoughts. Caring for horses is also therapeutic. Grooming them, cleaning their stalls, and walking alongside them as they exercise creates a special bond. Each step builds trust, and it's a simple yet profound way to heal. Equine-assisted therapists note that horses are keen observers. They often mirror people’s emotions, showing understanding and support. Studies show that working with horses can help manage various mental health issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, depression, and more.Take Stride Ahead, a program in Decatur, Georgia. They work with veterans, at-risk youth, and recovering addicts. Their therapy doesn’t require riding skills. Instead, clients observe, walk with, and pet the horses. The horses’ behaviors and emotions offer a chance for clients to open up about their own feelings. This method is based on the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) approach. Sessions typically include a touchpoint meeting, time with horses in a paddock, and a debrief. Clients can apply real-life scenarios to their interactions with horses, seeing them as metaphors for people in their lives. Why are horses so effective? They’re intuitive and socially intelligent. Horses read our body language and sense our emotions. They live in the present, always alert, which helps them react honestly to any situation. This honesty and immediacy can lead to profound insights for those in therapy. Horse therapy isn’t just for certain people; it can benefit everyone. It allows us to find clarity and have those “aha! ” moments. While traditional insurance might not cover it, many programs offer grants or sliding scale fees to make it accessible. In our fast-paced world, horses remind us of what’s truly important. They’re simple yet purposeful, strong yet vulnerable. They dismiss hostility and demand trust. Their unique qualities help us open up, express ourselves honestly, accept our feelings, and work towards better mental health.