Could time with horses be the therapeutic experience you've been seeking? What makes these majestic animals so uniquely suited to supporting mental wellbeing?
There’s something undeniably special about horses. Historically, they’ve served as agricultural workhorses, dazzled in show arenas, and today, they’re playing an increasingly important role in mental health support through equine therapy.
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) – also known as equine-assisted therapy, hippotherapy, or simply equine therapy – involves using horses and other equines like ponies or donkeys as part of therapeutic treatment. This approach can support emotional and psychological healing in creative and deeply embodied ways.
Surprisingly, the roots of equine therapy stretch back to Ancient Greece. The philosopher Hippocrates praised the "healing rhythm" of horse riding, noting that a horse’s gait closely mimics the natural motion of a healthy human. In 1875, French neurologist Charles Chassaignac conducted the first formal study, finding that horseback riding helped improve both physical function and mental wellbeing. Fast forward to 2023, and a study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies showed that equine-assisted therapy helped individuals with substance use disorders enhance emotional regulation, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.
Dr. Danielle Mills, a counsellor and founder of Pony Partnerships, explains, “Research shows that therapeutic outcomes can improve when we engage the senses. That’s where horses come in. Through EFP, clients gain embodied awareness – they become more attuned to how they move through the world, both physically and emotionally.”
This awareness helps clients better understand and process:
Proprioception: Knowing where your body is in spaceNeuroception: The ability to detect safety or danger in people or situations
And, as Dr. Mills emphasizes, “Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is for everyone – no horse experience required. Whether you’re naturally drawn to horses or feel a bit uneasy around them, this approach offers a safe, enriching path to personal growth.”
Why Horses?
If you’ve never spent time with horses, therapy involving them might seem unusual at first. But their effectiveness stems from several key traits.
To start, their size alone can make a powerful impression. Horses are large, strong animals – and learning to feel comfortable around them can be both empowering and affirming.
As herd animals, horses are deeply social and sensitive to their surroundings. They tend to mirror the emotions and body language of those around them, often reflecting back feelings we might not even realize we're experiencing. This unique responsiveness helps reveal unconscious emotional patterns.
“I’ve always been around horses – they were a big part of my own healing journey,” says Dr. Mills. “When I discovered equine-facilitated psychotherapy at age 15, I knew immediately it was what I wanted to do. In 2015, I founded Pony Partnerships CIC, based at Moo Haven, a rescue centre for ponies.”
What Happens in a Session?
There’s no one-size-fits-all format in equine therapy. Many sessions don’t involve riding; instead, they focus on interactions with the horse through mindfulness, problem-solving activities, or simply shared presence.
“For me, EFP is about collaboration,” Dr. Mills explains. “The horses are active participants. Clients work with both the therapist and the horse to explore new ways of thinking, relating, and being.”
Dr. Mills uses the HERD model, developed by Dr. Veronica Lac, based on three guiding principles:
Here and Now: Staying present in the moment, connecting the client's internal awareness with their environment.
What and How: A phenomenological approach that encourages clients to explore experiences without interpretation or judgment.
I and Thou: Inspired by philosopher Martin Buber, this concept explores the shift between objectified relationships ("I-It") and meaningful connection ("I-Thou").
Sessions are client-led and unstructured, allowing the horse to choose its level of engagement. “This natural, respectful setup fosters calm, connection, and collaboration,” says Dr. Mills.
Overcoming Life’s Hurdles
No therapeutic approach works for everyone, and traditional talk therapy isn’t always the best fit. “Sitting in a room, face-to-face, can be daunting for some,” says Dr. Mills. “Equine therapy offers something different – a chance to explore feelings outdoors, through movement and connection with animals.”
In a world where healing often feels complicated, equine therapy offers a grounding, gentle way forward. It blends the calm of nature, the wisdom of animals, and the power of relationship – creating space for reflection, resilience, and growth.
Thank you to https://happiful.com/
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