Horses possess a remarkable power to transform lives emotionally, making them an effective means for veterans seeking healing from invisible psychological wounds.
Understanding how horses may contribute to psychotherapeutic processes is essential to expanding this field, and researchers should conduct rigorous RCT studies as well as analyze potential mechanism of action models.
What is EQUINE THERAPY?
Traditional exposure-based therapies often take months to produce results and can be quite stressful or overwhelming for veterans, while equine therapy provides gentle yet soothing therapy that allows veterans to feel secure. Horses are sensitive animals who respond swiftly and respond directly to human emotions and nonverbal signals, mirroring back these responses back to clients as real-time reactions give feedback for exploration in a safe, supportive environment.
At Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy sessions, veterans learn to work with horses while discussing emotional issues with mental health professionals. No prior horse experience is required for this approach, with sessions led by both a mental health counselor and an equine specialist for safety purposes. Participants learn all aspects of horse care including grooming and saddling. Furthermore, its outdoor environment adds an invaluable positive dimension that helps clients build confidence, trust others again, develop new coping mechanisms against trauma as well as low dropout rates that make this therapy an attractive prospect for veterans.
EQUINE THERAPY FOR PTSD
An army soldier’s hypervigilant mental state can become the source of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers veterans an alternative therapy approach to healing: “equine-assisted psychotherapy”.
At each session, veterans work closely with horses, grooming them and leading them. The horses respond to human cues by mirroring them safely and non-threateningly – this allows clients to explore parts of themselves they might feel reluctant or fearful to explore in traditional talk therapy sessions.
Studies have demonstrated that Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAT) can significantly decrease PTSD symptoms in veterans. This could be attributed to its use being conducted outdoors where individuals feel more at ease; its focus being on building trust between horse and client; as well as not forcing patients to revisit past traumas relived through memory recall sessions; these factors help veterans overcome fear, depression, suicidal thoughts and lack of motivation in their battle against PTSD.
EQUINE THERAPY FOR EMOTIONAL DISORDER
Horses are remarkable animals that provide immediate feedback about a rider’s emotions and behavior. Horses’ large sizes necessitate building trust with them in order to stay safe around them, encouraging individuals to form positive relationships.
Veterans often find the interaction with horses helps boost their self-esteem and confidence while encouraging mindfulness and presence, which in turn reduces stress and anxiety symptoms.
The Man O’ War program is one of the many equine-assisted therapy programs for veterans across the country. Some programs are run by military organizations while others are privately owned and offer their services free. Dropout rates remain low despite difficult conditions at these facilities; those who participate report feeling more connected and supported than at traditional therapy sessions due to interactions with horses, other veterans and tranquil settings.
EQUINE THERAPY FOR ANXIETY
Horses are well-known for mirroring human emotions and feelings, enabling veterans to create a trusting relationship that promotes emotional healing. Horses’ sensitivity to human actions and body language helps veterans develop new ways to cope with stress, tension, anxiety and fear.
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has proven itself as an effective natural form of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies have confirmed its success at alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms while simultaneously increasing veterans’ quality of life.
Heroes and Horses (H & H), is an innovative program using horses in remote wilderness to challenge and induce change for veterans suffering PTSD. Group therapy sessions feature both riding and non-mounted activities to create trust between veteran and horse. Since taking part, participants have reported lower scores on Beck Anxiety Inventory and NIMH Loneliness Survey, along with reduced symptoms associated with PTSD.
