Horse and human therapy can be helpful for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, autism, and trust issues. Patients report that they can gain insight from horse interactions and learn to relate to their emotions more effectively.
Horses are highly attuned to their environment. They are also receptive to their handler’s emotions. This can provide clients with immediate feedback.
As with humans, horses can sense danger, and react accordingly. While they are not biased by a person’s appearance, they do have a natural tendency to be vigilant.
As a result, patients with anxiety or depression can find it easier to identify with a horse’s behavior and reduce their own responses to fear. It is possible for patients to observe changes in their horses’ behavior, as well.
The horse’s heightened awareness can also offer a safe space for people to express their thoughts and feelings. Therapists use a variety of methods to facilitate this process. For instance, they might use a shared language with the horse, and translate it into something that a client can understand.
Another method is to encourage a self-distancing approach. In this method, the therapist models the relationship between client and horse, and asks the client to “feel felt” through his or her own body.
By working with a horse, a client can develop a stronger bond with a partner. This helps them to build their self-confidence and overcome fears.
Many children and adults participate in equine-assisted psychotherapy as a way to help them deal with anxiety. The horse’s sensitivity to human emotion makes it an excellent tool to help children and adults recognize their own emotions.