Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, is a special kind of therapy that uses horses to help people feel better, understand their emotions, and grow personally. Unlike regular talk therapy, you don’t just talk about feelings—you experience them by interacting with a horse. For example, you can learn about trust, boundaries, and patience through what the horse teaches you.

Horses are really good at noticing how we feel. They pay attention to our body, posture, and energy, and they respond to it. This helps people see and understand their own emotions in the moment. Because it works through the body as well as the mind, EAP is called a somatic therapy.

Being outside with horses also helps. The open space and calm environment can make people feel safe and relaxed, especially if traditional therapy rooms feel stressful or overwhelming.

Research shows that working with horses can help people manage emotions, feel more in control, and understand themselves better. By moving, noticing your body, and practicing mindfulness with the horse, you can feel more grounded, calm, and connected.

EAP can be particularly helpful for:

Feeling anxious, stressed, or sad

Healing from trauma or scary experiences

Managing behavior or strong emotions

Family or relationship struggles

Feeling unsure of yourself or lacking confidence

Through EAP, you interact with the horse and the environment in a way that helps you learn about yourself, feel more in control, and grow stronger emotionally. It’s a safe, supportive way to heal, connect, and build resilience.