What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy? – (EAP)

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an emerging field in which horses are included in the therapeutic process to help with human emotional growth and learning.  EAP is a collaborative effort between a qualified and experienced therapist, an experienced equine specialist – and of course – the horses.  Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or ‘brief’ approach to therapy.

EAP is ‘experiential’ in nature.  This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviours, and patterns. As a creative therapeutic application, it has the advantage in the way it utilizes horses as dynamic and powerful living beings.

‘In relating to animals, most of the communication patterns we maintain in relationships with other people are inappropriate and futile.  Because they are blissfully free of ego and all the psychological machinations it gives rise to, animals respond to what’s beneath the surface. We can’t disguise our feelings from animals because we give off telling cues, including movement and smell, that convey our true state.  Feelings bring about chemical changes, some of which result in release of pheromones.  Animals smell our fear, anger, contentment etc. To establish trust with animals, we have to base our interactions on honesty, mutual respect and compassion.   If we don’t they’ll know it and respond accordingly. McCormick Adele von Rust  –  McCormick Marlena Deborah – (1997)  ‘Horse Sense and the Human Heart’. Florida, Health Communications Inc.

Not all programs or individuals who use horses for therapeutic work practice EAP.  Firstly, a qualified therapist needs to be involved for it to be considered Psychotherapy or Counselling.  Secondly, the focus of EAP is on human awareness, communication, relationships and skills and is not about learning to ride or horsemanship skills.  In fact EAP takes place purely on the ground.

The focus of EAP involves setting up activities involving the horses, which will require the client or group to apply certain insights and skills.  These involve, non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem solving, leadership work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships. Confidence and change of attitude are several examples of the human skills and attributes utilized and developed by EAP.

Safety is the most important concern when doing EAP.  Therefore horse specialist and therapist will observe their clients and planned activities, note possible dangers and explore with clients how to stay safe.

Horses are chosen to suit the particular requirements of the work with people, with limited experience of being around such large and dynamic animals.

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families and management groups.  EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioural issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety relationship problems and communication needs.

EAP gives clients the unique opportunity, through connecting with horses, to help themselves re-connect with that human natural resourcefulness that springs from the original ecological bond that connects all in nature.

Central to EAP is the focus on communication (non-verbal) and relationships.