Why We Use Horses

Why do we use horses as an intervention tool in therapy?  First, horses are sociable, curious, and very accurate in picking up our non-verbal messages when we are with them. Consequently, a horse might back away or run to escape the impatience or anger he senses in a person, while walking right up to investigate someone who is calm and reassuring. Shy, frightened, or traumatized people will often respond to horses openly and honestly. Even angry or defiant people innately want some kind of connection with a horse, and that desire can be a powerful motivation for behavioral change.

In Equine Assisted activities, the client and horse(s) form a partnership to accomplish ground activities that require the client to utilize particular skills “in the moment.” This unique partnership fortifies leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, stimulates creative thinking, and instills self-confidence. 

Horses "read" and respond to our body language, detecting the emotion behind it. They provide instant feedback through their behavior. If a horse is uncooperative, his response will only change if we change our behaviors, thoughts and feelings when making a request of him. The way we relate to the horse in the arena often provides a window into the nature of our interactions with people in our everyday lives. Therefore, insights gained in work with the horses and treatment team make possible a change in previously unconscious response patterns.