Equine Therapy: An Alternative to Traditional Talk Therapy

Do you know about equine-assisted therapy (also known as equine therapy)? The word equine means “horse or relating to a member of the horse family.” So, equine therapy is just a term for horse therapy.

During equine therapy, patients will build a relationship with the horses during various activities. Some activities are done under the supervision of a mental health professional, so equine therapy can be a great option for those who are not yet comfortable with traditional talk therapy.

Equine Therapy for Military Veterans

Equine therapy can be effective in creating a therapeutic environment for those with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and especially PTSD. For veterans specifically, equine therapy allows patients to develop a nonjudgmental relationship with their horse companion as they are trying to return to a noncombat environment.

Healing Horse Therapy Center offers a Horses for Veterans Horsemanship and Wellness Program as a free service for military veterans.

Equine Therapy for Those with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

Equine therapy can also be helpful for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) because it helps teach emotional regulation, responsibility, and self-confidence.
 
For those who have been diagnosed with IDD and are not military veterans, Healing Horse Therapy Center also offers equine assisted therapy and learning at a rate of $40 per hour. They do not currently accept Medicaid, but financial assistance may be available.
 
Other equine therapy centers in Cardinal Innovations’ service area include:

• Triple Play Farm in Davidson, N.C.
• Shining Hope Farms in Charlotte, Mt. Holly, and Conover, N.C.
• Horsepower Therapeutic Learning Center in High Point, N.C.
• Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program in Wendell, N.C.

Not yet sure about equine therapy? Here’s one veteran’s experience visiting Healing Horse Therapy Center for the first time.