Equine Assisted Learning/Therapy (EALT)

Spending time with animals is beneficial. Pets are good for physical and mental health, thanks to their unconditional love and the stress-reducing effects of being around them. Most people think of dogs and cats as animals that help people. Horses can also be valuable partners in some kinds of therapy.

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Equine-assisted therapies are programs where professionals guide clients through activities with horses. There are different kinds of equine programs, and they have different goals for the people involved. Some programs are part of mental health treatment. In other cases, clients ride horses as part of a physical or occupational therapy regimen.

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A horse barn doesn’t seem like the typical location for intensive mental health work. Still, some people find that equine-assisted therapy is beneficial. Typically, equine-assisted therapy is a team effort where a mental health professional works with a horse specialist. Clients who participate in equine-assisted therapy are usually seeking help for emotional or behavioral problems.

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Clients work with specially trained horses and learn about caring for them. The therapy focuses more on learning to care for the animals rather than learning to ride. Working with horses happens along with methods like cognitive behavioral therapy and experiential therapy.

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Caring for horses requires concentration, selflessness, and teamwork. Equine-assisted therapy programs can help people improve self-esteem, self-awareness, confidence, and empathy. Equine assisted therapy can help treat:

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• Behavioral problems

• Relationship issues

• Grief

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD)