Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or horse therapy, is a growing form of experiential treatment that involves interactions between patients and horses. It’s a holistic approach that supports emotional and behavioral health through structured activities with horses under the supervision of a licensed therapist and equine specialist.
If you’re considering this powerful form of therapy, you may be wondering: what happens during a typical session? Let’s walk through what you can expect on your first day in equine therapy.
Understanding the Basics of Equine Therapy
Equine therapy isn’t about horseback riding—although that can sometimes be included. Instead, the focus is on the relationship between humans and horses, using activities like grooming, feeding, leading, and sometimes groundwork exercises to promote self-awareness, build trust, and support healing.
This therapy is commonly used to treat:
- Anxiety and depression
- PTSD and trauma
- Behavioral disorders
- Addiction recovery
- Autism and ADHD
- Grief and loss
Arriving at the Equine Therapy Center
Your first session typically begins with a warm welcome at the facility, which is usually located in a rural or semi-rural area to offer a calm, serene setting. You’ll meet your therapist and equine specialist, who will walk you through the session’s goals and safety procedures.
It’s normal to feel a bit nervous, especially if you have little or no experience with horses. However, you won’t be expected to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Your comfort and emotional safety are top priorities.
Meeting the Horses
One of the most transformative parts of equine therapy is your first interaction with the horse. Horses are incredibly sensitive animals. They can pick up on human emotions and respond accordingly—often mirroring your internal state.
You’ll be introduced to a horse that matches your energy and emotional needs. At this stage, you may begin with:
- Observation: Watching how the horse behaves, moves, and reacts to its environment.
- Approach and greeting: Learning how to approach a horse safely and calmly.
- Bonding activities: Petting, brushing, or simply standing quietly near the horse to build trust.
These initial moments set the tone for your relationship with the animal.
The Core Activities of the Session
Depending on your therapy goals, your therapist may guide you through a range of hands-on activities that don’t require riding, such as:
- Leading the horse: Encourages leadership, confidence, and communication.
- Grooming: Promotes connection, trust, and sensory awareness.
- Obstacle courses or patterns: Build problem-solving skills and resilience.
- Observation-based reflection: Exploring what the horse’s responses may say about your emotions, boundaries, or thought patterns.
All interactions are designed to be therapeutic—not physical training or performance. You’ll often pause between activities to process your thoughts and feelings with your therapist.
Emotional Insights and Reflections
The therapeutic magic of equine sessions lies in the real-time feedback horses offer. For example, if you’re feeling anxious or uncertain, the horse may step back or act restless. When you ground yourself and stay present, the horse often calms as well.
This dynamic can spark powerful discussions about emotional regulation, relationships, assertiveness, and self-awareness. You’ll have time at the end of your session to reflect with your therapist, discuss key takeaways, and talk about how these lessons apply to your daily life.
After the Session: Processing and Progress
It’s common to leave your first equine therapy session feeling a mix of emotions—peaceful, surprised, even a little overwhelmed. You may have uncovered insights about yourself that talk therapy never touched.
Many clients report feeling:
- More relaxed and centered
- Emotionally lighter
- Empowered or more confident
- Curious about the horse-human connection
Like any therapy, equine sessions are most effective with consistency. Your therapist may recommend a weekly or biweekly schedule, depending on your goals.
Tips for Your First Equine Therapy Session
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothes
- Be honest with your therapist—your emotional state will guide the session
- Let go of expectations—there’s no “right” way to interact with the horse
- Be open to feedback from both the horse and your therapist
Final Thoughts
Equine therapy offers a safe and unique path to healing through the nonverbal, honest, and intuitive presence of horses. Your first session is just the beginning of a journey that can transform the way you connect with yourself and others.
Whether you’re dealing with trauma, stress, addiction, or just seeking emotional clarity, stepping into the world of equine-assisted therapy could be one of the most rewarding decisions you make.
At Avatar Residential Detox Center, we integrate innovative, evidence-based approaches—like equine therapy—into our holistic addiction recovery programs. Our mission is to support your healing journey in a nurturing, judgment-free environment. Discover how therapeutic interactions with horses can help you build resilience, reconnect with yourself, and move toward lasting recovery.
