An experiential treatment approach involving unmounted and mounted horsemanship lessons, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy is provided by the synergistic team of the horse and the therapeutic riding
instructor, who is a licensed mental health professional. In the barn setting, therapeutic activities provide powerful tools for building self-awareness, self-esteem, appropriate boundaries and a sense of personal responsibility. Therapeutic interactions incorporate the power of the horse, the clinical skills of the therapist and the hopes, dreams and challenges of the person working with the horse.
Clinical evidence suggests that Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy may be effective in treating:
| Anxiety disorders | Conduct disorders
| Low self esteem
|
| Autism | Depression | Memory impairment
|
| Brain Injury | Eating disorders
| Learning disorders |
Childhood neglect
| Grief and loss
| Substance abuse
|
Childhood abuse
| Attention deficit disorder
| Post-traumatic
stress disorder |
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy can promote psychosocial healing and personal growth through:
Improving self-esteem & self-awareness
| Providing social skills training
| Developing problem-solving skills
|
Improving concentration & focus
| Encouraging sensory stimulation
| Developing frustration tolerance
|
Developing self-confidence
| Encouraging responsibility
| Improving communication skills
|
Developing trust & respect
| Developing goal-setting skills
| Learning to care for others
|
Promoting pro-social attitudes
| Improving sequencing
| Following directions |
Additional benefits from participating in a Therapeutic Horsemanship Program may include:
Improved balance
| Improved coordination
| Increased flexibility |
Improved visual/spatial orientation
| Increased motor planning
| Increased postural control
|
Improved gross and fine motor control
| Increased muscle strength
| Increased range of motion
|
