What is Equine-Assisted Therapy

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is a therapeutic approach that involves interaction with horses to promote emotional, physical, and psychological healing. It is used to help individuals with various conditions, including ADHD, trauma, anxiety, developmental disorders, and neurological impairments. Horses provide non-verbal feedback, fostering trust, emotional regulation, and self-awareness in clients. Horse assisted therapeutic sessions usually take place in their natural environment and are provided by the given therapy method professionals. Horses selected for equine-assisted therapy (EAT) must possess specific traits that make them suitable for therapeutic interactions. The selection process considers factors such as temperament, movement, size, and adaptability to ensure the horse can provide a safe and effective therapeutic experience.

Methods of Equine-Assisted Therapy

There are several distinct approaches within EAT, each designed for specific therapeutic goals:

1. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) – A mental health therapy where a licensed therapist incorporates horse interactions to address emotional and behavioral challenges.

2. Hippotherapy – Used in physiotherapy and occupational therapy, hippotherapy leverages the horse's movements to improve motor skills, balance, and coordination.

3. Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) – Focuses on developing cognitive and social skills, often used in corporate leadership training and personal development.

4. Equine-Assisted Somatic Therapy – Integrates body-mind techniques with equine interaction, helping clients regulate their nervous system and release stored trauma.

5. Equine Energy Therapy – Explores the energetic connection between humans and horses, believed to enhance emotional and somatic healing.

Physiological Benefits

The presence of horses can have a profound impact on brain chemistry, influencing neurotransmitters that regulate mood, stress, and emotional well-being. Scientific studies suggest that interacting with horses can lead to changes in dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and cortisol levels, which play key roles in emotional regulation and stress management.

• Dopamine – Known as the "reward" neurotransmitter, dopamine levels increase when engaging in positive interactions with horses, leading to feelings of pleasure and motivation. This is particularly relevant in equine-assisted therapy, where individuals experience emotional uplift through bonding with horses.

• Serotonin – This neurotransmitter helps regulate mood and anxiety. Spending time with horses, especially in calm environments, can boost serotonin levels, promoting relaxation and emotional stability.

• Oxytocin – Often called the "bonding hormone," oxytocin is released during physical touch and social connection. Grooming or simply being near horses can enhance oxytocin production, fostering trust and emotional connection.

• Cortisol – The body's primary stress hormone, cortisol levels tend to decrease when interacting with horses, leading to reduced anxiety and improved emotional regulation.

A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice also analyzed heart rate, heart rate variability, and salivary cortisol levels in clients undergoing equine-assisted therapy. The research found that during challenging phases of therapy, participants experienced a significant decrease in heart rate when interacting with horses, suggesting that horses play a calming role in stressful situations (Naber et al., 2025).

A study published in MDPI examined the effects of human-horse interactions on oxytocin and cortisol levels, finding that plasma oxytocin levels in horses increased after standing with humans or being rubbed by them, while cortisol levels remained stable (The Effects of Human–Horse Interactions on Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Humans and Horses)

Psychological Benefits

Equine therapy is also beneficial for individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation. Horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and provide immediate feedback through their behavior, encouraging clients to develop self-awareness and emotional control. Research has shown that the synchronization process between clients and horses strengthens interpersonal trust and improves social bonding, particularly for individuals with anxiety or developmental disabilities (Naber et al., 2025).

Applications in Psycho-Somatic Health Treatment

Equine-assisted therapy is widely used in programs for veterans with PTSD, individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and those recovering from trauma. The structured facilitated interaction with horses provides a non-judgmental environment where clients can develop self-awareness, reduce anxiety, and improve their emotional well-being. Future research is focusing on how these physiological and psychological effects can be further optimized to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Equine-assisted therapy offers unique benefits that distinguish it from traditional therapeutic methods. By fostering physiological relaxation and psychological healing, horses serve as powerful partners in therapy. Research continues to validate the effectiveness of EAT, reinforcing the importance of incorporating animal-assisted interventions into mental health treatment.

Bibliography

• Naber, A., Kreuzer, L., Zink, R., Millesi, E., Palme, R., Hediger, K., & Glenk, L. M. (2025). Heart rate and salivary cortisol as indicators of arousal and synchrony in clients, therapy horses and therapist in equine-assisted therapy. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 59, Article 101937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2025.101937

• Glenk, L. M. (2024). The physiological and psychological effects of equine-assisted therapy on stress reduction in humans and horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 192, 105348.

• Hediger, K., & Fuchs, T. (2023). Equine-assisted interventions and their effects on emotional regulation: A systematic review. Journal of Human-Animal Interaction, 10(2), 87-102.