Why Horses Help Us Heal

10th July 2025

Equine-assisted therapy offers a unique approach to mental health care through structured, therapeutic interactions with horses. Working alongside a trained facilitator, individuals engage in activities such as observing, grooming, or walking with horses often without the need to ride.

Horses are highly responsive to human behaviour and emotion. They tend to react to what’s happening in the moment, providing immediate feedback that can be subtle yet powerful. This responsiveness creates opportunities for people to notice their own internal states and relational patterns, often without needing to speak.

In therapeutic settings, this can support emotional regulation, increase self-awareness, and strengthen a person’s capacity to be present. Clients often describe feeling calmer and more grounded after spending time with horses, which may be due in part to the rhythmic, attuned nature of equine interaction.

There is a growing body of research exploring the potential benefits of equine-assisted therapy. Findings suggest it may support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or difficulties with emotional expression. Reported outcomes include improved mood, reduced physiological signs of stress, and enhanced self-confidence.

Equine therapy is not a quick fix, nor is it about mastering horsemanship. It’s a relational process that unfolds over time, often offering insight and support in ways that traditional talk therapy cannot.

The Equine Therapy Resource Page brings together texts, videos, websites and research exploring how horses support human wellbeing. Whether you’re considering this modality for yourself or as part of professional practice, the page offers thoughtful entry points into the theory and application of equine-assisted therapy.

And if hands-on horse time isn’t quite your thing, hayfever, allergies, or a healthy respect for large animals with strong opinions, you’re still in good company. For those drawn to the quiet wisdom of horses or the mythos of the open range, there’s plenty to explore from a safe, sneeze-free distance. This curated selection of books and poems captures the grit of cowboy storytelling, the grace of equine poetry, and the enduring human–horse connection. Saddle skills not required.

“When we listen to horses, we learn how to listen to ourselves.” ~ Linda Kohanov, The Tao of Equus