Equine Assisted Therapy

Among the many healing therapies that are available in addiction treatment, equine-assisted therapy is beneficial for more than two decades. This is why, as part of our aftercare following an ibogaine treatment, we think it important that our clients learn about themselves and their emotional states through bonding and caring for these beautiful, intelligent, and sensitive animals.

Overcoming addiction or mental health disorders is more than just purging the body and mind of negative influences, and learning new behaviours and coping skills. It is as much about re-connecting with nature and one’s instincts, and incorporating a beneficial series of holistic practices into your daily routines.

However, it is also about having fun, developing self-confidence, and self-respect, learning to enjoy life without addiction, and fostering a new-found sense of responsibility.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) focuses on those with substance use disorders, cognitive issues, and other disorders. While still a form of “talk” therapy, EAP allows clients to use multiple senses while identifying and processing emotional issues. The outdoor environment and use of animals lend a unique, positive dimension to the experience.

During each session, clients may ride or otherwise work with horses while a counselor will help the individual process certain emotions. Participants usually learn all aspects of horse care, including grooming, saddling, and riding.

Working with horses gives individuals a unique opportunity to learn about themselves. Unlike humans, horses don’t judge. They are very intuitive and will reflect the attitude and suppressed emotions of the people working with them. This allows our guests to receive excellent and honest feedback during their equine-assisted therapy.

Working with horses requires presence, leadership, self-awareness, assertiveness, teamwork, self-confidence, trust, creative problem solving, and responsibility. Through non-verbal communication, a horse helps people better understand themselves and how they relate with others in the world. Horses are adept at reading non-verbal cues and reflecting them back instantly to the individuals.

Activities involved during equine-assisted therapy typically include feeding, grooming, haltering, leading a horse, creative problem solving and the art of simply being.

To find out more about equine therapy, have a read of some of the following resources to find out how the majestic, deep sensisitivity of horses can help bring you back to a state where you don’t second-guess your own inner instinct about situations, people or events.

PATH International
American Hippotherapy Association
National Association of Certified Professionals of Equine Therapy
Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association