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Equine Therapy for Addiction: Treatment & Benefits

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes

Learn about the benefits of equine-assisted therapy for addiction. Horse-assisted activities can improve emotional healing and personal growth.

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Equine assisted therapy, female hand gently petting the horse in the paddock

EQUINE: Relating to or affecting Horses, mules, and other equine family members. They can be compared to the behavior of humans.

EAT, or equine-assisted therapy has a long history. People have used it as a therapeutic process for physical health issues since the 1960s.

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Animal-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health

What Is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy sessions help people with different mental health disorders. These issues include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and developmental problems. This type of therapy is also known as equine-assisted psychotherapy.

This type of therapy falls under animal-assisted treatment, where a person interacts with an animal such as a dog or cat to work through some emotional or psychological issues or traumas that you might not be able to address during standard therapy.

However, in equine therapy, the therapist is referred to as a horse whisperer who does their best to help clients interact with horses over an extended period.

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A Study of Its Impact

Benefits of Equine Therapy

Studies have shown that it can be very beneficial because equine therapy is a recent development in treating psychological issues.

Equine therapy helps patients better understand their emotions and feelings. Working with horses brings feelings of fear, anger, resentment, sadness, loneliness, joy, and peace to the surface.

A study in 2008 examined how animal therapy affects patients. It found that this therapy has many benefits for the mind. Some of these patients had different problems, like schizophrenia, personality issues, and mood disorders.

They found ways to cope with their animals. They showed healthier self-esteem and managing ability levels from the program’s beginning to the end.

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How Equine Therapy Facilitates Emotional Healing & Trust

Special Interaction with Horses and People

Since horses are herd animals, they can connect with and respond to other creatures. For example, horses can sense when someone is happy or sad because they can detect the feelings of other members of their pack. This skill makes equine therapy very helpful for people in addiction treatment. It helps them learn to communicate and act in positive situations instead of negative ones.

• IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK: Horses are a person’s mirror. They make it easy to see and feel what we cannot express ourselves.

• LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: The person can talk to his therapist about addiction. He can also discuss other emotional or mental issues. This conversation can happen during his visit to the stables. The therapist can use the experience with the horse to open up conversations about anything else concerning the person.

• OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRUST-BUILDING: Someone who does not trust their therapist might find equine therapy useful. In this setting, they can build trust with the horses and their therapist. A person who feels uncomfortable talking in traditional equine therapy dramatically benefits.

• NON-JUDGING RELATIONSHIPS: Horses provide a non-judging relationship. This can help people with addiction rebuild their confidence. They can do this without fear of criticism.

Did You Know Rolling Hills Recovery Center Offers Equine Therapy?

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Origin & Philosophy of Equine Therapy in Addiction Counseling

You May Want to Know

Lynn Moore is an addiction counselor. She is certified in Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT). While earning her master’s degree in addiction counseling, she suggested using equine therapy. She studied at Hazelden’s graduate school of addiction studies.

Program roots:

Lynn Moore developed the program at Hazelden. Moore says the program is not about horseback riding but about interacting with horses on the ground so patients can learn more about themselves.

“Horses mirror human feelings.”

She says they give us no verbal clues so people can take most hints and better understand themselves. This is not about horsemanship; it’s about overcoming fears and frustration by working with horses.

Moore quickly notes that the program is simply one of many adjuncts to Hazelden’s twelve-step care foundation. “It all comes together when you observe animals. A safe place can then be used to practice the new skills that you have learned. It can also help you open yourself up and reflect in various situations, depending on what’s going on down the road with you!”

She said, “It’s better to use the twelve steps.”

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Traditional addiction treatment can be very effective, but it is also costly. Addiction treatment can take many different forms. Admission to a hospital or addiction treatment center for medical detoxification and rehabilitation, as well as individual and group therapy, may be required.

The schedule is as follows: it typically lasts from several days to several months. Rolling Hills Recovery Centers focuses on helping patients fight addiction. The goal is for them to live a drug-free life. While some parts of the program may change, this main focus remains the same.

Frequently Asked Questions About Equine Therapy For Drug Addiction

How does equine therapy contribute to conquering substance abuse?

Equine therapy aids in combating addiction by providing a distinctive therapeutic encounter where individuals engage with horses. This engagement fosters emotional consciousness, cultivates trust, and enhances communication abilities, all crucial for conquering addiction.

Do I need prior experience with horses to participate in equine therapy?

No, you do not need any horse experience. Equine therapy programs are for people with little or no horse knowledge. Skilled therapists guide participants in activities that help with recovery and personal growth.

What makes horses effective in therapy for addiction?

Horses are incredibly intuitive creatures that can detect and react to human emotions. Their capacity to mirror an individual’s sentiments aids in comprehending one’s own feelings and behaviors, fostering self-awareness and emotional recovery.

Can equine therapy address co-occurring mental health issues along with addiction?

Indeed, equine therapy can assist individuals suffering from mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. This therapeutic approach aids patients in managing emotions and formulating coping mechanisms in a nurturing setting.

How does equine therapy differ from traditional therapy methods?

Equine therapy distinguishes itself from conventional therapy by integrating experiential learning via horse interaction. This practical method aids individuals in expressing themselves. It also simplifies the processing of emotions that are challenging to address in standard verbal therapy.

Is there scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of equine therapy in addiction treatment?

Further investigation is necessary, yet research shows that horse therapy can assist individuals grappling with addiction. Noted advantages encompass enhanced self-worth, superior emotional control, and diminished signs of anxiety and depression.

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Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

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