Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional
growth and learning.EAP is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional.
Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach.
EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating
in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This
approach has been compared to the ropes courses used by therapists, treatment facilities, and human development
courses around the world. But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and
powerful living beings.
The focus of EAP involves
setting up activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Nonverbal
communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility,
teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized
and developed by EAP.
EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth,
families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including
behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression,
anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.
Why Horses?
Those who are familiar with horses recognize and understand the power of horses to influence people in
incredibly powerful ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction, and caring for the
horses naturally affects the people involved in a positive manner.
The benefits of work ethic, responsibility, assertivness, communication, and healthy relationships has long
been recognized. Horses naturally provide these benefits. The use of horses is growing and gaining popularity
with the rise of new approaches in working with the horses, including the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
We are often asked, "Why horses? Why not other animals?"
Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop
confidence. The size and power of the horse are naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a
task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors
when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.
Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their
herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An
approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem
stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical
learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even
the most challenging individuals or groups.
Horses require work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification
and the "easy way" are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to
be successful, a valuable characteristic in all aspects of life.
Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many
people will complain, "The horse is stubborn. The horse doesnt like me," etc. But the lesson to be learned
is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them
especially powerful messengers.
