Benefits of Equine Therapy

Higher level of Engagement. We have found that clients are more likely to connect with the equines and be willing to attend sessions. This particularly applies to trauma victims who are unwilling to directly engage in other forms of therapy. Or clients who have been through many forms of therapy and have become disillusioned with the process.

Passive Emotional Release. Through both psychotherapy and equine assisted learning, the process is passive and learning and release are both encouraged from the client. This non-confrontational approach has been extremely beneficial when dealing with behavioural issues, abuse victims and also special needs children who are sensitive to perceived pressures.

Non-Judgemental. Equines reflect behaviours and respond to stimuli in the present. They are not questioning, judging or evaluating responses, which gives the client room to explore and test emotions and behaviours.

Body Language. Equines communicate with body language, which removes the stresses on clients who are either non-verbal or uncomfortable speaking. It is also a great opportunity to understand how our own energy influences the people and situations around us. Horses are not judgemental but rather reflect and react to the situation around them.

Learning through experience. With our EAL/EAP programs, issues can be addressed with real life, visual representation through equines. Participants can practice new behaviours and observe the changes in the equines as they respond to those behaviours. In addition, equines often mirror behaviours which gives clients a visual representation of their emotional state.

EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy) allow the client to explore their own story, through interaction with the herd. This is a passive process, with very little interaction from the human side of the team. Unlike EAL where the direction is given and the therapy is task orientated. EAP is passive and supportive, holding space for the client to safely explore their emotional state. For EAP we would like to work with the client’s regular psychotherapist, however, we also offer a block of therapy with a highly skilled psychologist on the team.

Relaxation and Stress Relief. Equine Assisted Therapy is a non-stressful setting. Each program includes a portion of reflection and release. Just being in the presence of horses grounds us and requires us to focus on the moment at hand. This is an exercise in mindfulness and can be very relaxing.

Challenging. In some EAL programs, the client will be asked to explore outside their comfort zone, to try new behaviors, to build new skills, and to challenge their behaviors and habits. This is done steadily and safely and has proven to be effective for high-energy clients, those who struggle to focus and relax.

Connection. There are many documented stories and studies of animals and their ability to improve human life. Through our team at Equine Magic, we have a range of equines from purpose-bred stock through to rescues with stories of their own to share. Clients have the opportunity to engage with the team and connect and share that experience.