What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an emerging field that uses horse-human interactive experiences to facilitate emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. Participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship. In fact, 100 percent of EAP takes place purely on the ground. The focus of EAP involves setting up activities involving the horses that require the client or group to apply certain skills as they interact with the horses.

Sessions can be challenging and unpredictable — like an adventure in the wild — but somehow always seem to take you where you need to go, whether you had planned on going there or not.

Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools clients utilized and develop in EAP. This approach has been compared to the ropes courses used around the world. But EAP has the added advantage of utilizing horses, dynamic and powerful living beings.

Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For one, licensed clinical professionals need to be involved for it to be considered "psychotherapy".

Why Horses?

Horses are large and powerful, which creates a natural opportunity for someone 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. 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 doesn’t like me," etc. But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. 

Who can benefit from EAP
at ClearWind Farm?

Equine assisted psychotherapy 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, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression and anxiety. It can also be used for families —  including parenting and relationship conflicts — and as a way to improve teamwork in organizations and businesses. During the initial phone interview, we will determine together if this approach is suitable for your situation.

What goes on in an EAP session?

Clients are invited by the EAP team (a counselor and an equine specialist) to engage with the horses in straightforward tasks (guiding a horse through an obstacle course, for example). But like life, EAP sessions are unpredictable. Your personality and mood will mix with the personality and mood of the horse(s) and the assigned activity to create a unique experience; one that will inevitably stir up feelings, fears, and relationship dynamics – positive and negative – that are at play in your life. “Horses don’t lie� is a saying we’ve found to be true. In fact, our horse-therapists are very keen at giving clients what it is they seem to need. The EAP team will be on-hand to support you in getting the most out of the experience.