Most of us can recall a time when we’ve faced mental health or emotional challenges. While our coping mechanisms and how we navigated them are personal and unique, including horses in the journey increases the likelihood of a positive outcome for equestrians and non-equestrians alike.

The Importance of Asking for Help 

Most people have had times in their lives that have felt unsettled, full of unknowns, or not 100 percent safe. However, simply asking for help is sometimes the hardest part of healing. 

“The stigma around seeking help for mental health only adds to the complexity,” said Dr. Sally Broder, Psy.D. and Executive Director of HorseSensing in Bagdad, Ky.  

The majority of Dr. Broder’s patients are male veterans and individuals with substance abuse.  

“They are very hesitant to seek out any type of mental health,” she said. “In the greater population of Kentucky, seeking mental health is viewed as a strange practice. However, one thing that is not so strange to Kentucky is the horse, which makes equine therapy an incredibly useful tool.” 

The Horse 

Horses, by nature, are very social creatures. There is a depth of complexity in terms of how they interact not only with other horses, but also with people.  

Many people feel anxious when speaking in front of a crowd or being put into the spotlight. However, equine therapy can ease the pressure of stressful social environments. “Focusing on the horse takes the focus off the individual, no matter the situation,” explained Dr. Broder. “There is a sense of magic that happens when the horse shares the spotlight with the person.”  

Dr. Lynne Phipps, Executive Director of Beachwood Center for Wellbeing in Charlestown, R.I., agrees that during equine therapy, “The horse becomes the focal point of the work.” 

Let’s compare therapy in an office setting to therapy with a horse. Sitting in a therapist’s office sometimes makes it difficult for people to fully open up, whether they feel stigmatized or simply shy. “Being placed under the microscope can really weigh you down, to the point where you may question ‘is this really helping me?’” said Dr. Phipps. This can lead to individuals skipping sessions or quitting therapy all together, both of which delay the healing process. Horses create a safe environment for individuals, which makes it easier for them to express themselves and be vulnerable. “You cannot access trauma without feeling safe,” Dr. Phipps explained. “Whatever the trauma is, it usually involves a people connection. The horse does not connect with that side of things but rather acts as a consistent presence that in turn provides a safer environment for the person.”

“I can make more progress in one session with a horse, than multiple sessions in an office setting,” said Dr. Broder. “Just walking into the barn starts the process because you are not constricted. You wear different clothes, there are different smells, you might get dirty and all of that makes things so much more relaxing for the person.”  

Dr. Phipps agreed, adding that “the feeling of relaxation, the fresh air, the sunlight, all happens before you even approach the horse. By the time you get to the horse, a client is much more prepared, allowing for a more productive session.” 

The Breakthrough  

Having a therapeutic breakthrough, where there are significant and positive changes, is very specific to each individual. It is described as a time, sometimes sudden, when a person makes a realization about themselves. This could be through self-awareness, finding the root cause of a problem, or changed behavior. Dr. Broder recalled an experience with a veteran suffering from severe PTSD. “This veteran would be sitting still and then his leg would start to shake to the point where he was completely overtaken by the shaking. Those closest to him, including his wife, would try to get him to move around to release some of this built-up energy,” she explained. However, when doing therapy with a horse, “he would walk with the horse at such a fast pass, which the horse was OK with, talking the entire time. It makes me smile every time I think about it.” 

Understanding how horses operate can give us insight into relationships with other people. Therefore, Dr. Phipps has her clients spend time watching and learning from the herd dynamics. “We use this experience to help choose which horse each individual will work with,” she said. “It's a wonderful experience when people start to notice that whatever they are dealing with has to do with something that happened in the past. The horses, dealing in the present, help them to find their voice in these situations, adding to their overall confidence.”

Mental health is all about connection. Whether that’s with your family, co-workers, friends, or even a special horse. Once you learn how to truly connect, everything else becomes clearer. Both HorseSensing and Beachwood Center for Wellbeing are part of the USEF Community Outreach Program. 

About Community Outreach Program  

The USEF Community Outreach Program (COP) recognizes a diverse group of organizations throughout the United States that provide equine-based learning opportunities and support the positive impact horses can have within their local communities. The COP currently recognizes 40 organizations who have been accepted to the Program following a rigorous application process. In order to be accepted and remain in the program, organizations must meet certain standards of horse and human welfare, follow USEF Safe Sport requirements and abide by the USEF Non-Discrimination Policy, as well as offer their services for free or on a sliding scale of fees based on financial need. To learn more, visit www.usef.org/opportunity.

Mental Health Resources 

At US Equestrian, member and athlete mental health and well-being is a top priority. In partnership with the McLaughlin Young Group, USEF offers free, confidential counseling services tailored for equestrian riders. Each member is entitled to up to three sessions with a state-license provider, ensuring expert mental health support. 

Members can reach a counselor anytime by calling 1-800-633-3353. 

For more information on services offered click here.