Science and Research
Many people are inexplicably drawn to horses, and the latest science and research offers a greater understanding as to why Equine Assisted Therapy is so transformative and successful, especially for certain individuals.
When delivered by a trained and qualified mental health professional, the benefits can be astounding.
How Does Equine Assisted Therapy Help?
Reduces Stress
Just being around horses promotes nervous system regulation, reduces cortisol levels and lowers the heart rate. This assists with stress and anxiety reduction and developing emotional regulation.
Part of each session involves aspects of mindfulness which further assists with stress reduction.
Promotes Safe Attachments
and Social Awareness
Clients who struggle with trust or social communication often find connecting with animals easier than with people. Horses can become a relational bridge, source of emotional safety and focus for theraputic conversation.
Offers Experiential Learning
As social mammals, we all experience the same basic emotions. Equine Therapy and Learning creates real-time experiences. Horses give immediate, non-verbal and non judgemental feedback which promotes self and social awareness which can be applied in all relational contexts (e.g friendships, work relationships, parenting, partnerships).
Who Does Equine Assisted Therapy Benefit Most?
Children and Adolescents
Researchers and clinicians believe the high success rates for Equine Assisted Therapy and Equine Assisted Learning in assisting children and adolescents, is because the work aligns with how young people naturally learn and communicate.
The task focused whole body learning of sessions, shift of focus from self to horse, allowing for autonomy, instant feedback of horses without judgement, and ability to experience successes quickly, promotes in children and teens a sense of engagement, confidence, williness and deep trust in self and others.
Most children and teens also enjoy the relationship and wonder of being around such incredible animals.
Clients with Austism and ADHD
Systematic reviews of recent research has found that Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning supported significant improvements in:
-social functioning
-social communication
-behavioural regulation
-adaptive functioning
-motor outcomes and physical skills
-relational skills
for clients with Austism and ADHD.
Clients with PTSD and Trauma
Evidence is becoming increasingly clear that Equine Assisted Therapy is especially benificial for clients that have experienced significant trauma. Studies of military veterns found significant reduction in PTSD symptoms from long term Equine Assisted Therapy work.
The hypervigilance, difficulties with trust, strong emotional reactions, disconnection and avoidance associated with PTSD and trauma is reduced as the work reteaches the brain and helps these clients to feel safer, build confidence in their ability to regulate their nervous system, develop trust and boundaries through repeated experiences to animals who live as prey, but still are able to regulate their emotions.
Clients with Anxiety and Depression
Studies have shown that clients experiencing anxiety and depression can find Equine Assisted Therapy very benificial for anxiety as this work encourages focus on the present moment, awareness of breathing and body tension, gradual exposure to manageable challenges all of which reduce anxiety symptoms. For individuals with depression, this therapy promotes physical movement, time outdoors, routine and responsibility, connection to another being and opportunities for achievement, all of which help to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal common in depression and increase motivation and purpose.