What defines an equine-assisted therapy approach?

An equine-assisted therapy approach is characterized by its use of horses as therapeutic agents to facilitate healing and growth across multiple dimensions, including physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. This holistic approach recognizes the unique bond between humans and horses and leverages this relationship to help individuals overcome various challenges, such as emotional trauma, social interaction difficulties, and physical impairments.

Equine-assisted therapy is not limited to just riding techniques, nor is it solely focused on physical exercise; rather, it includes a variety of activities and interactions with horses that promote cognitive and emotional processing. Additionally, while care for the horses is an important aspect of equine programs, it does not encompass the full scope of the therapeutic experience which is centered around the benefits gained from interacting with the horses themselves. The essence of equine-assisted therapy lies in its comprehensive approach to healing, integrating multiple levels of therapy through the use of equines.