What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a creative and experiential approach to therapy that allows for clients to engage with horses and the natural environment in a safe, trauma informed manner.  Horses and nature can offer a unique opportunity for clients to feel supported in a different way compared to more conventional therapeutic models.  In this uncomplicated space, conversely challenging and often highly distressing thoughts, emotions and associated behaviours can be explored more safely and non-judgmentally.  Spending time in the presence of horses in nature offers clients a chance to feel a true sense of inner calmness and an authentic experience - perhaps for the first time in their lives. 

Horses as agents for change

Horse are beautiful and intelligent beings who  do not judge us.  They are majestic and sensitive social mammals who can offer a space for us to process painful and traumatic life experiences.  Healthy, calm horses are wonderful at teaching us how to regulate our own nervous system so we can learn to live more in the moment and reduce the suffering created by our past.   

Benefits of being more present

We can learn so much from horses.  They need to live in the moment, because they are prey animals and their safety depends on a keen sense of awareness.  Safety is a core need for us too. Developing a greater awareness of our self and our environment, not only helps to keep us safe, but to strengthen connections to the parts of our brain that allow us to be more present minded and in turn more resilient. 

How do horses help us change?

Horses often evoke strong emotions in us that we may not have ready access to in other environments because of how we have learnt to cope.  Due to their large and powerful stature we need to have a good sense of awareness when we spend time with them.  Being aware helps to shift us out of autopilot and be more in the present.  
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Other needs horses can help us with 

Horses are also herd animals and seek closeness.  Connection is a core need for us, so when we spend time with them it can provide an opportunity to experience a genuinely affectionate bond. Horses are playful and they can show us the benefit of having fun and being more spontaneous.  They have clear boundaries and can teach us to understand our own limits and what is acceptable to us and what is not.

Meet the lovely Ali and sweet Forest! 
Ali and Forest are our amazing therapy horses!  Ali is our 20 year old mare who has a lovely calm and confident manner. Forest is our 13 year old gelding who is sweet and gentle.  They both have temperaments and qualities that make them well suited to equine assisted psychotherapy.  Their genuine good naturedness, sense of curiosity, playfulness and love of company make them a delight to spend time with.  They are wonderful at role modelling how to get needs met and providing a safe space for healing and growth.