Equine Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is a gentle, therapeutic approach using interactions with horses to promote emotional healing and personal growth.
Why Equine Assisted Therapy works?
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Horses are intuitive and responsive creatures, making them excellent partners in therapy, as humans we have worked together with horses for over 4000 years. Horses are sensitive and intelligent animals that are naturally attuned to human emotion, our heartrate and our hormones - the horse feels and senses all of us, often before we can understand our selves. A horse can provide instant feedback to our decision making, which in turn creates opportunities for us to reflect on our own behaviour and feelings.
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Our aim is to foster more confident, resilient, stable and happy children & young adults.
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Key benefits of equine-assisted therapy:
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Improved Emotional Regulation
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Horses can reflect our emotional state, helping us learn to self-regulate in real time.
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Calming interactions with horses support our own nervous system regulation.
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The non-judgmental presence of a horse provides a safe space to explore difficult emotions.​
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Increased Self-Esteem & Confidence
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Building a relationship with horse can build our sense of competence and confidence.
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Development of Trust and Attachment
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Forming a bond and creating safety with a horse can help those who struggle with trust.
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Improved Communication Skills
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Horses respond to non-verbal cues, helping us become more aware of our own body language and how we connect with others.
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Enhanced Empathy and Compassion
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Taking care of a horse promotes nurturing behavior, encouraging us to consider the needs and feelings of another living being.
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Better Impulse Control
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Working with horses requires calm, deliberate actions, supporting us to slow down and think before acting.
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Improved Focus and Attention
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Handling horses requires attention to detail, boosting concentration and task-following.
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What the studies show:
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Excerpt: Examining the Literature on the Efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy for People with Mental Health and Behavioural Disorders:
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"The study suggests that EAT is a form of experimental therapy that enhances positive behaviours, reduces negative behaviours and has helped people with mental health problems. The studies have also indicated that EAT can be as effective as other therapies currently used. Thus, the potential of EAT, as an alternative to talking and existing experimental and creative therapies, is recognised".
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Anna Cantin, Sylvie Marshall-Lucette
Roehampton Priory Hospital, London. Kingston University & St George’s University of London​​​
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