Equine‑Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): What to Know

Published on: July 17, 2025

Man interacts with a white horse outside during sunset.

For individuals facing emotional, behavioral or psychological challenges, traditional talk therapy isn’t the only path to healing. More and more people are exploring equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), a unique approach that involves working with horses to support mental and emotional well-being. Also known as horse therapy, EAP provides a hands-on alternative to traditional talk therapy.

So, how does it work? EAP sessions — which take place on the ground, not in the saddle — are part of a broader category of animal-assisted interventions that promote healing through human-animal interaction. They focus on building trust, communication and self-awareness through guided interactions with these intuitive animals. In this blog, we’ll explore what equine therapy is, the difference between therapeutic riding vs. equine therapy and its role in emotional healing. If you're interested in bringing this kind of support to others, Husson University’s animal-assisted therapy degree can help you get started.

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What Is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is a form of mental health therapy that incorporates horses into structured sessions led by licensed professionals. Unlike therapeutic riding, which focuses on physical rehabilitation through mounted activities, horse therapy targets emotional and psychological healing through ground-based interactions. Clients work alongside animals to explore emotions, build coping skills and improve communication in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Types of Issues EAP Addresses

EAP is used to support individuals dealing with a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, PTSD, depression and trauma. It can also be effective for those facing behavioral challenges, such as anger management or conflict resolution issues. Through EAP sessions, clients can develop emotional regulation and build healthier coping strategies.

How Does Equine Therapy Work?

Horse therapy works by engaging clients in hands-on, ground-based activities with horses that promote self-reflection, emotional growth and skill development. An equine therapist guides the process, encouraging clients to notice how their thoughts, feelings and actions influence the horse’s responses — and vice versa — as a way to gain insight and build coping strategies. This unique approach leverages the intuitive nature of horses, who are highly sensitive to nonverbal cues and often mirror human emotions. As a result, clients can receive immediate feedback on their behavior and emotional state, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves.

During their interactions with horses, clients can develop stronger communication skills, build trust, enhance self-awareness and learn to regulate their emotions in a safe, supportive environment. The mere physical presence of horses, as well as their unconditional acceptance, can create a powerful therapeutic alliance, making it easier for individuals to confront challenges and explore new ways of being.

The Role of Horses in Therapy

Engaging with horses offers a unique therapeutic experience. Their innate ability to mirror human emotions provides immediate and honest feedback through nonverbal cues like hesitation or confidence. They also offer remarkable social intelligence, keen memory and inherent sensitivity, which helps clients recognize and process their own emotional patterns in real time.

This intuitive responsiveness makes horses exceptionally effective therapeutic partners, naturally cultivating an environment of trust and empathy. Through these interactions, individuals can significantly deepen their self-awareness, leading to profound personal growth and emotional well-being.

Typical EAP Session Structure

Initial assessment: The therapist evaluates the client’s emotional, psychological and practical needs to develop a personalized session plan.

Hands‑on activities: Clients engage in interactive, ground-based activities such as grooming, leading and navigating obstacles. These experiences help build rapport with the horse and support the development of key skills like communication, trust and emotional regulation.

Observation and reflection: During sessions, the equine therapist encourages clients to notice how their thoughts, emotions and behaviors influence the horse’s responses. This guided reflection helps identify communication patterns and fosters greater self-awareness.

Post‑session processing: Following the activities, clients process their experiences — often through therapist-led discussions or journaling — to reflect on personal insights, recognize progress and explore how to apply those lessons in daily life.

Benefits of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-assisted therapy offers a distinct, impactful approach to healing by combining therapeutic guidance with the natural connection between humans and horses. This innovative modality leverages the horses' sensitive and intuitive nature, helping clients develop self-awareness and practice new coping mechanisms. The benefits extend beyond the EAP session, supporting emotional, mental, physical and social well-being in everyday life.

Emotional and Mental Health Benefits

EAP helps clients improve their emotional regulation by providing a calm, supportive environment in which they can recognize and manage their feelings. Working with animals also encourages deeper self-awareness and reflection, which can lead to stronger emotional resilience. As clients bond with the horse, they often experience a meaningful boost in self-confidence, as well as emotional healing.

Physical and Social Benefits

The hands-on nature of EAP promotes stress relief through light physical activity such as grooming or leading, which can be especially helpful for those with anxiety or trauma histories. It also strengthens communication skills, as horses respond to subtle cues and body language. Over time, clients build a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, both of which support healthier relationships and social interactions.

Who Can Benefit From EAP?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy can help people of all ages and backgrounds, from children struggling with behavioral issues to adults coping with trauma, anxiety or depression. It’s often used with veterans, individuals with PTSD and those who haven’t responded well to traditional talk therapy. Due to its focus on animals, EAP is especially helpful for clients who benefit from hands-on, nonverbal forms of healing.

Careers in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

As the demand for alternative therapeutic approaches grows, so does interest in careers that combine mental health support with the power of the human-animal bond. Professionals in EAP work in a variety of settings, from private practices to nonprofit organizations, helping clients build emotional resilience through structured interactions with horses. An equine therapist works closely with clients and horses to create safe, effective therapeutic experiences.

Common EAP Roles

Here are some common EAP roles that professionals may pursue:

Equine Specialist: Ensures the horse’s welfare and safety during sessions and helps interpret equine behavior

Licensed Mental Health Professional: Leads the therapeutic process, using clinical training to guide sessions and track client progress

Program Director or Administrator: Oversees the development, management and evaluation of EAP programs at therapeutic centers or organizations

Skills and Credentials Often Required

Successful EAP professionals often have a background in counseling or psychotherapy, along with specialized certification from programs like Eagala or PATH Intl. Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of equine behavior and care are also key to working effectively in this field.

How an Animal-Assisted Therapy Degree Can Support Your EAP Career

Earning a degree in animal-assisted therapy provides a strong foundation for those pursuing a career in equine-assisted therapy. Through hands-on learning, coursework in psychology and real-world training, students gain the tools needed to support both clients and animals in therapeutic settings.

The degree also helps meet credentialing requirements for organizations like Eagala or PATH Intl., positioning graduates for success in this growing field. Whether you’re planning to become a therapist, equine specialist or program leader, this education gives you the confidence and qualifications to make a meaningful impact.

Turn Your Passion for Healing and Horses Into a Purpose-Driven Career

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a powerful way to help others grow emotionally, mentally and socially, especially when guided by trained professionals who understand the deep connection between humans and animals. Are you ready to build a career supporting others through animal-assisted interventions? Husson University’s animal-assisted therapy degree program gives you the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to get started.

Explore the program today and take the first step toward a rewarding future in equine-assisted therapy.