Equine Assisted therapy incorporates horses into the therapeutic process. People engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, and leading a horse while being supervised by a mental health professional. Equine Assisted Therapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between the client/s, horse and practitioner.
Equine Assisted therapy is growing in popularity due to its experiential approach and growing evidence of its effectiveness, but you might still be a little confused as to what Equine Assisted Therapy is and who it serves?
Firstly, we need to note that there is often some confusion with the combination of the words Equine and Therapy. The best way to differentiate it is if the word ‘Assisted’ appears. This denotes the role of the Horse. For Horses ‘Equine Therapy’ is where the therapy is for the horse, massage, body work, etc. and for Humans ‘Equine ‘Assisted’ Therapy’ where the word ‘Assisted’ refers to role of the Horse, otherwise called the Equine, after their scientific name: equus caballus, assisting in the process together with a qualified Allied Health (Mental & Physical) Practitioner.
Equine ‘Assisted’ therapy is a general term that includes therapeutic activities involving horses, but there are also different kinds of equine therapies, and they have different goals for the people involved. Some programs are part of mental health treatment, in other cases, clients ride horses as part of a physical or occupational therapy.
There is also a variety of terms used to describe or reference Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, including but not limited to, Equine Assisted Mental Health, Equine Assisted Counselling, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Therapy. The title simply gives you a clue to the qualifications of the Practitioner delivering the service. They are all Equine Assisted therapies programs where professionals guide clients through targeted activities with horses.
At Gippsland Equine we practice the Equine Psychotherapy Institute Model, founded on psychological and psychotherapeutic theory and practice. The model draws from gestalt therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, Buddhist psychotherapy, and somatic experiencing (somatic trauma practice). We offer safe experiences with horses for the purpose of exploring self, exploring self experience in relationship and building self-awareness of patterns that both serve or are no-longer serving clients well today. The model supports clients of all ages in addressing therapeutic goals – emotional, cognitive, behavioural, relational, spiritual and mental health conditions – with horses as assistants, co-facilitators and teachers in this process.
“I call you Horse… I have hung happiness from the forelock which hangs between your eyes; you shall be the Lord of the other animals. Men shall follow you wherever you go; you shall be as good for flight as for pursuit; you shall fly without wings; riches shall be on your back and fortune shall come through your meditation.” – Allah
Anyone can benefit from spending time with horses. As Winston Churchill once said “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” Caring for animals is a proven way of reducing stress and boosting your mood. Pet ownership has been associated with decreased blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels, and lower triglyceride levels.
Horse-based therapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits, which can arise in as little as two to three sessions; benefits include improved: Self-esteem. Communication skills, Self-awareness, Relaxation, Empowerment, Interpersonal relationships, Self-control, Focus and concentration, Happiness. Studies also suggest EAP can decrease anger, depression, dissociation, and aggression.
Horses are magnificent Sentient beings and their relationship with humans has lasted over 6000 years. They are strong, brave, nurturing, gentle, fearless creatures that can teach us the ways of Awareness, Boundaries, Emotions and Self-regulation. Horses by nature are prey animals making them extremely sensitive to environmental activity and people’s emotional states even more so than other animals included in animal assisted therapy, such as dogs. Horses are large and powerful, having the potential to allow people explore fear and other feelings which can be translated into real-life situations.
They can also help put people at ease, support people to feel accepted, they are non-judgmental, and responding only to people’s intent and energy. Most importantly they are social animals with their own individuality, willing to interact when people are engaged and work to build a relationship with them.
Horses give immediate feedback to the client by moving towards the client or away, holding space, and a whole host of other non-verbal communications, behaviours and responses.
Equine-assisted therapy sessions, vary and depend on the condition being treated and the person(s) involved. Psychotherapy combined with equine-based activities, including choosing, approaching/meeting, grooming, and walking a horse. After the activity, clients then process or discuss their feelings and behaviours associated with the session. Horse-based therapy has been shown to provide numerous benefits, which can arise in a very short period.
Clients are able to experience psychotherapy or experiential learning session that are tailored to their unique needs. Horses and clients are encouraged to be who they are thus allowing the most change to take place.
As the worldwide popularity of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) increases, the field is quickly approaching a paradigm shift, adjusting its image to incorporate more evidence-based research and aligning its purpose for advancing a new future. Anecdotally there is a lot of evidence to support Equine Therapy as an effective modality for a range of Mental, Emotional and Physical Issues, however the evidence for equine-assisted interventions for adults and children across a range of conditions and presentations is open to more than one interpretation due in part to multiple Equine Therapy Models and thus, therapeutic interventions that include a horse cannot be asserted as best practice at this time.
A review by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) sought to determine the evidence for the use of equine-assisted interventions to improve physical, social and psychological wellbeing. The author concluded that due to limited methodologies the use of equine-assisted interventions can be promoted.
What remains is a need for quality research to be undertaken in this area. Only with well-designed, rigorous quantitative and qualitative studies can we determine the true impact of equine-assisted interventions on physical, social and psychological wellbeing.
Perhaps the best measure of how effective the therapy may be for you is to look at the qualifications of the person delivering it.
Animal Assisted Therapy was first developed in the 1960’s by Dr. Boris Levinson. He found that his dog had a positive effect on mentally impaired young patients. Although a variety of animals can be used in the psychotherapeutic process, horses offer unique traits that have made them a top choice for animal-assisted therapies including: Adaptability, Emotional awareness, Independence, Social awareness and Social relationships.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique form of Animal Therapy methodology that came into being in the 1990’s. An experiential approach to psychology it uniquely supports clients of all ages. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) are an innovative, experiential, and professional, approach to counselling, psychotherapy, and mental health.
Therapeutic horse programs are valuable for people with specific needs and goals. Research shows that people with both physical and emotional needs benefit from working with horses. Clients are able to experience psychotherapy or experiential learning session that are tailored to their unique needs. Horses and clients are encouraged to be who they are thus allowing the most change to take place.
Depending on the qualifications of the Practitioner delivering the Equine Assisted Therapy you may also be able to claim it under:
Medicare as part of a Mental Health Plan,
Private Health Insurance, or
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
If you’re practitioner has access to the Medicare Rebate Schedule you may be able to claim this type of therapy as part of a Mental Health Care plan. You will need to speak to your provider before commencing sessions.
Some Private Health Insurance funds cover ‘Alternative Therapies’ once again you will need to check the qualifications of your provider and check with your Private Health Insurance cover provider.
Costs of equine therapy can be covered by NDIS if this form of treatment is likely to have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing and it is directly related to your disability. Like everything in the NDIS, it is checked against the 7 points of what defines ‘reasonable and necessary’.
Absolutely not. Of course a love of horses can be beneficial but this model is suitable for those with no previous horse experience.
I wish. While horses facilitate the learning they are invited to participate in the process and are generally not expected to do any more than they are willing to offer at that time.
As with any other form of therapy the best way to test it is to try it. You may find it works for you or you may not, either way that is OK
That is a great start that you are aware of your fear of horses. This gives us a great starting point for the work we could explore. While you are not expected to do anything you don’t want to do, sometimes stretching beyond your comfort zone is part of the process.
Of course. Learning together as a family or ‘herd’ can certainly help build your capacity for awareness and growth.
Sorry No. Horse Riding is not a major focus of this model. While some ridden activities may be included where appropriate most experiences are done from the ground. Horses have so much to offer us without having to get on to them.
Each practitioner will have their preferred age group to work with and this work can be done with very young children through to the elderly, the focus of the work varies depending on the suitability for different age groups. So for example very young children may have a more structured format.
Dress for the weather, a warm jacket just in case and closed toe shoes, boots are best but runners or similar will be just fine. Sun hat and suncreen in warmer weather.
Return to the page:
Contact