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10 Ways Equine Assisted Learning can help with overcoming Trauma.

Writer's picture: Rashida KhanRashida Khan

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a therapeutic approach that involves interacting with horses to promote emotional, cognitive, and psychological growth. It has been found to be particularly beneficial for trauma survivors due to its unique and experiential nature. Here are 10 ways Equine Assisted Learning can help trauma survivors:



  1. Emotional Regulation: Horses are highly attuned to human emotions and can pick up on subtle cues. Interacting with horses can help trauma survivors become more aware of their own emotions and learn to regulate them. For example, if a survivor is anxious, a horse may respond by becoming restless, which provides immediate feedback on the emotional state. Through this feedback loop, survivors can learn to manage their emotions more effectively.

  2. Trust and Attachment: Building a relationship with a horse requires patience, consistency, and trust-building. This can be particularly meaningful for trauma survivors who have struggled with trust issues due to past experiences. Forming a bond with a horse can offer a safe space for survivors to practice forming attachments and rebuilding their capacity to trust.

  3. Self-Esteem and Confidence: Accomplishing tasks with horses, such as leading them through an obstacle course, can boost self-esteem. Successfully completing these tasks reinforces a survivor's sense of capability and competence, which is especially important for those who may have experienced feelings of helplessness due to trauma.

  4. Boundaries and Personal Space: Horses have clear boundaries and personal space requirements. Learning to respect these boundaries when interacting with horses can translate to better understanding and asserting one's own personal boundaries in relationships with others.

  5. Communication Skills: Horses respond to nonverbal cues, teaching survivors the importance of body language and nonverbal communication. This can improve survivors' ability to recognize and interpret nonverbal cues in human interactions, facilitating better communication and empathy.

  6. Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness: Horses live in the present moment and are responsive to their environment. Interacting with them requires being fully present, which can help trauma survivors develop mindfulness skills. Focusing on the horse's behavior and reactions can help survivors redirect their attention away from distressing memories or thoughts.

  7. Coping Strategies: EAL sessions often involve challenging tasks that require problem-solving. Navigating these challenges with the support of a horse can help survivors develop healthy coping strategies. Over time, these strategies can generalize to real-life situations, helping survivors better manage stress and adversity.

  8. Empowerment: Successfully guiding a horse through an activity or obstacle course can foster a sense of empowerment and control. This experience contrasts with the loss of control often associated with trauma. Empowerment gained through these interactions can contribute to a survivor's overall sense of agency and confidence.

  9. Social Skills: Group EAL sessions provide a structured environment for survivors to interact with both horses and peers. Engaging in activities together fosters teamwork, cooperation, and social engagement. These skills can be transferred to other social contexts, helping survivors build healthier relationships.

  10. Symbolic Healing: Horses can serve as metaphors for trauma, allowing survivors to work through their experiences indirectly. For instance, grooming a horse might be analogous to the process of self-care and healing. This symbolic approach can provide survivors with a safe way to address their trauma and process their emotions without feeling overwhelmed.


Ultimately, Equine Assisted Learning offers a holistic and experiential approach to trauma recovery, addressing multiple aspects of survivors' well-being through their interactions with horses. It's essential for trauma survivors to engage in EAL under the guidance of trained professionals who understand trauma-sensitive practices and can tailor the activities to individual needs. Equine Assisted Learning is just one tool in a comprehensive therapeutic approach. Trauma survivors work with trained mental health professionals who are experienced in trauma-focused therapies alongside equine professionals to ensure a safe and effective healing process in our programs.


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