A Natural Approach to Healing
Many individuals who have experienced traumatic events struggle with the long-term effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While traditional therapy approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can be effective, some people find it challenging to talk about their trauma in a clinical setting or medical center. Equine therapy for PTSD gets them out of the office and into nature.
This disorder, caused by exposure to disorder, caused by exposure to trauma, can cause extreme anxiety, distressing memories, and emotional numbness, making daily life difficult. Equine-assisted therapy for PTSD is an alternative approach that helps individuals process emotions through interaction with horses. Horses are highly intuitive animals that respond to human emotions, offering immediate feedback that helps people recognize and regulate their feelings.
Veterans, first responders, trauma survivors, and others struggling with PTSD symptoms have found equine therapy to be a calming, supportive way to manage their emotions and rebuild trust in themselves and others. With guidance from certified Eagala facilitating teams, participants develop coping skills, improve social relationships, and regain a sense of stability in their lives.
How Equine Therapy Supports PTSD Recovery
Traditional talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can be effective for PTSD, but it may not work for everyone. Some individuals struggle to express their feelings in words, while others may feel disconnected from traditional therapy settings. Working with horses offers an alternative path to healing through nonverbal communication and hands-on activities.
Why Horses Help
Horses are incredibly perceptive animals that respond to human emotions in real-time. When a person is anxious or fearful, a horse may react with caution. Conversely, when a person is calm and focused, the horse responds with trust and engagement. This unique feedback mechanism helps individuals recognize their own emotional states and learn how to regulate them.
A Safe Space for Healing
Many individuals with PTSD often struggle to feel safe, which can stem from intrusive negative thoughts, constant hypervigilance, or past experiences of betrayal. Horse therapy creates a calm, nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore emotions without pressure or expectation.
Building Trust and Emotional Strength
Since horses require clear and consistent communication, equine-assisted psychotherapy teaches individuals how to build relationships based on trust and respect. This skill translates into improved social relationships outside of therapy.
Why Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) Is Especially Beneficial for PTSD
Not all equine therapy involves riding horses. In fact, many structured equine-assisted psychotherapy programs, such as those following the Eagala Model, are entirely ground-based. This approach allows participants to interact with horses in a way that feels safe and accessible.
A Professional, Collaborative Approach
Unlike recreational therapeutic riding programs, the Eagala Model of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) involves a mental health professional and an equine specialist working together. This ensures that sessions are structured, ethical, and focused on trauma recovery.
Experiential Learning, Not Just Talk
While traditional talk therapy modalities often focus on discussing trauma, Eagala programs use hands-on activities that encourage self-reflection, emotional regulation, and confidence building.
Encouraging Personal Growth
By engaging in the four standards of the Eagala model–team approach, ground-based work, solution-oriented programming, and the code of ethics–individuals with PTSD gain valuable insights into their own emotions and reactions. These experiences help them develop new coping strategies and a greater sense of control over their lives.
Understanding PTSD: What It Is and How It Affects Mental Health
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses an event that is dangerous, life-threatening, or deeply distressing. While some people recover naturally over time, others develop long-term PTSD symptoms that interfere with their well-being.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
People who have suffered from PTSD often experience a range of symptoms that can make daily life challenging, including:
- Flashbacks and Nightmares: Vivid, distressing memories that make it feel like the trauma is happening again.
- Avoidance Behaviors: Staying away from places, people, or situations that trigger reminders of the trauma.
- Persistent Negative Thoughts: Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness that affect self-esteem and relationships.
- Emotional Numbness: Struggling to connect with others or feeling emotionally detached.
- Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge, easily startled, or experiencing trouble sleeping.
PTSD can make it difficult to maintain social relationships, hold a steady job, or complete daily responsibilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs and other mental health organizations recognize a variety of treatment for PTSD options, including therapy, medication, and support groups. However, alternative methods like equine-assisted therapy are becoming increasingly popular due to their hands-on, experiential nature.
Who Can Develop PTSD?
PTSD is not limited to one specific group—it can affect anyone who has gone through a deeply distressing or traumatic event. Here are some groups that are more likely to experience PTSD and may benefit from alternative therapies like working with horses.
Veterans and Active-Duty Military
Many veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have faced intense combat situations, loss of fellow soldiers, or exposure to violent events. The Department of Veterans Affairs has recognized equine-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD as a valuable tool in helping service members recover.
First Responders
Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics frequently encounter high-stress situations and traumatic scenes. Over time, repeated exposure to crisis events can lead to stress disorders and emotional exhaustion.
Survivors of Assault or Abuse
Individuals who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse often struggle with PTSD symptoms long after the abuse has ended. Horse therapy provides a safe, supportive environment to rebuild trust and regain a sense of control.
Accident Survivors
People who have lived through serious car accidents, natural disasters, or life-threatening medical emergencies can develop PTSD. The sudden and overwhelming nature of these events often leads to lingering fear and anxiety.
Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
Children who have faced neglect, abuse, or loss of a parent may develop PTSD. Since younger individuals often have difficulty expressing their emotions, interaction with horses can provide a nonverbal way to process emotions and build confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does equine therapy support PTSD recovery?
Equine-assisted psychotherapy helps individuals with PTSD by providing a hands-on way to manage emotions, build trust, and improve emotional regulation. Horses offer real-time feedback that allows participants to recognize and adjust their responses to stress.
Is horse therapy only for veterans with PTSD?
No, while many veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems benefit from horse therapy, it is also effective for trauma survivors, first responders, abuse survivors, and others experiencing stress disorders.
Does equine therapy require riding horses?
Not always. Equine-assisted psychotherapy from Eagala-certified professionals focuses on ground-based interaction with horses, where participants engage with horses without riding.
How can I get certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy?
If you’re a mental health professional or equine specialist, becoming certified through an organization like Eagala equips you to provide professional, structured therapy sessions using horses.
If you’re a mental health professional or equine specialist, earning an Eagala Certification gives you the skills and expertise to provide equine-assisted therapy for PTSD at the highest professional level. Contact Eagala today to take the next step in certification!