What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an emerging field in which horses are used as co-facilitators and catalysts for emotional growth and learning in humans. It is experiential in nature. This means the participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses and then processing the feelings, behaviors, and response patterns that emerge. The approach has been compared to ropes and challenge courses however unlike other experiential techniques, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has the added advantage of utilizing horses which are dynamic and powerful living beings. Not all programs that use horses offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Some are geared towards horseback riding and focus on individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. In order to be considered psychotherapy a qualified mental health professional must be present. The focus of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is not riding or horsemanship. Almost all activities take place on the ground. Sessions
