Horses & Healing: A Peek Into The World Of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy
If you have ever owned a horse, or have even been in the presence of a horse, chances are you have felt a sense of wonder and connection with these majestic beings. Throughout time, horses have enriched the lives of humans in many facets of our existence. From carrying us into battle, helping us to traverse vast landscapes, to assisting us in hunting expeditions, horses have helped ensure our survival and develop the world around us. However, one of the lesser talked about areas in life where horses have supported humans is that of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. Although I’m sure any horse owner you ask would say there is nothing more therapeutic than being in the company of a horse.
There has been evidence of the horse-human connection dating all the way back to 2500 BC in Asia, as well as back to 460 BC in Ancient Greece where it was mentioned in Hippocrates writings on the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding. In the 1800’s, horseback riding was recognized by German physicians as a way to help individuals mitigate symptoms of hysteria and hypochondria (Choe, 2023). The healing powers of horses then became more widely acknowledged in the United States in the 1900’s when the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, William Hammond, utilized therapeutic horseback riding to combat neurological conditions. This eventually gave way to the establishment of therapeutic riding programs in the United States during the 1960’s for individuals with disabilities. However, it was not until the 1990’s when mental health providers began recognizing the impact horses had in the field of psychotherapy (Equine therapy: An historical timeline, n.d ).
How Horses Help
Horses are prey animals, and for survival, they have developed the skills needed to tune into the energy of their environment. For example, horses need to be able to decipher whether or not the lion that is laying down in the grass is just simply taking a nap, or getting ready to pounce on his next meal. Because of this highly developed skill, horses are also able to connect to the energy that humans bring into their space, and respond to our energy accordingly. Based on our observation of the horse, this can help bring thoughts or emotions into our conscious awareness that we may not have given any previous thought to, but that have had an impact on our daily lives. One can never be completely sure how a horse will respond to our energy, as it can differ from moment to moment. However, it is always important to ask ourselves, what energy am I bringing into the relationship with my equine partner(s)?
What is Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, And Who Can Benefit From It?
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy is a form of therapy in which psychotherapeutic services are provided by a licensed mental health professional in partnership with equines. Only licensed mental health professionals can provide Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. However, there are also professionals who are certified as Equine Specialists, or Equine Assisted Coaches, who provide life skill learning opportunities, but do not provide psychological/mental health services.
A typical session involves a licensed mental health professional, the client, and equine partners. Some providers will co-facilitate sessions with a certified Equine Specialist, who is there to primarily focus on the horse throughout the session, while the licensed mental health professional focuses on the client. However, it is important to note that not all licensed mental health providers will partner with an Equine Specialist, and vice versa.
During sessions, the client may spend time sorting through past traumas, learning more about themselves and what they are feeling, building relationships with the equine partners, or participating in specific activities that are often metaphors for situations in their life. Anyone can experience therapeutic benefits from Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. However, this is especially true for those who have experienced past traumas, struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or most other mental health diagnoses, struggle with managing stress, or anyone experiencing difficulties within their personal/professional relationships.
Training
Most Equine Facilitated Psychotherapists, and Equine Specialists, undergo rigorous training programs over the course of at least a year. Within the programs, students participate in hands-on experiences, engage in research and peer discussions, receive supervision, consult with other professionals in the field, and acquire continuing education hours. However, each training program will have different requirements and learning opportunities. Some of the more well-known programs include the following:
The HERD Institute (https://herdinstitute.com/)
Equusoma (https://equusoma.com/)
Natural Lifemanship (https://naturallifemanship.com/)
Eponaquest (https://eponaquest.com/)
Putting It Into Practice
Most people are surprised to discover that I did not spend my childhood growing up around horses, and did not come into the equine industry until my mid to late twenties. It required a lot of work learning about horses, and how to care for them, as well as how to partner with them in the field of psychotherapy. There is a lot to be said about coming into the equine industry as an adult, rather than a child, and the sheer determination of doing so. Yet, I find this as one of my biggest assets, as I get to share with my clients my own experiences of having to work through the anxiety of being in close proximity to such a large animal.
My private practice, Sacred Being Wellness, opened its doors (or gates) in March 2024. It was born out of my passion of wanting to offer others the same healing opportunity that had made such a lasting impression on my own life. I came across Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy as a client, and it had such a profound impact on me, that it very quickly developed into my passion and life’s calling.
I believe that we are all Sacred Beings that lose sight of our sacredness as we journey through the human experience. We get so caught up, and bogged down, with the daily demands of life, as well as past experiences that have left a lasting impact on our daily functioning. It is my honor to walk with individuals as they navigate the complexities of their human existence, and find healing in partnership with horses.
I currently hold sessions at a local boarding barn and partner with my own horse, as well as the horse who shares her pasture. Both of these mares have experienced significant trauma, and are also on their own path of healing. It is incredibly powerful to see how these beautiful souls in equine form have overcome everything that was dealt to them, and be able to share that same healing energy with those who enter into their world.
I believe John Trudell says it best when he states:
“All human beings are descendants of tribal people who were spiritually alive, intimately in love with the natural world, children of Mother Earth. When we were tribal people, we knew who we were, we knew where we were, and we knew our purpose. This sacred perception of reality remains alive and well in our genetic memory. We carry it inside of us, usually in a dusty box in the mind’s attic, but it is accessible”.
If you are interested in experiencing the healing powers of horses, and reconnecting to the sacredness that lies within, a quaint barn in Aubrey, Texas may be a wonderful place to begin your journey.
References
Choe, K. (2023, November 22). Horses and humans: A unique partnership in therapy . Horse & Humans Research Foundation. https://www.horsesandhumans.org/new-blog-1/2023/11/22/horses-and-humans-a-unique-partnership-in-therapy-by-kathleen-choe
Equine therapy: An historical timeline. Heartfelt Support. (n.d.). https://heartfeltsupport.com.au/equine-therapy-an-historical-timeline/
CARLA ERVIN, LCSW, EFP
OWNER OF SACRED BEING WELLNESS
Carla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of North Texas, with a minor in Counseling. Following her undergraduate studies, she obtained her Master of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Carla is a certified equine facilitated psychotherapist through The HERD Institute, and is currently undergoing training in order to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. In addition, Carla’s true passion lies in empowering individuals to work through the challenges that they face, and return to a holistic state of well being.
Website: www.sacredbeingwellness.com
Facebook: Sacred Being Wellness, PLLC
Instagram: @sacredbeingwellness
Article from the September issue of Equine Business Magazine
Comments