Equine-Informed Therapy for PTSD

Healing Through Connection

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can leave individuals feeling disconnected from themselves, others, and the present moment. Intrusive memories, hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional numbness can become daily struggles—yet healing is possible, especially when it happens in safe, relational environments.

Equine-informed therapy offers a unique, powerful pathway for individuals living with PTSD. By engaging in structured, therapeutic interactions with horses—grounded in trauma-informed care—clients can rebuild trust, reconnect with their bodies, and experience new ways of relating to themselves and the world.

Why Horses for PTSD?

Horses are intuitive, nonjudgmental beings. As herd animals, they are deeply sensitive to emotional energy and congruence. They don’t demand words—but they do respond authentically to how we show up.

This provides a rare opportunity for individuals with PTSD to:

  • Feel seen without being scrutinized

  • Relearn emotional regulation in a calm, embodied way

  • Safely explore trust and connection

  • Experience empowerment and choice in the healing process

Equine-informed therapy is ground-based and experiential—no riding is required. Sessions are guided by a licensed therapist and trained equine specialist working together to create a safe and supportive environment.

How It Helps

Clients with PTSD often report the following benefits from equine-informed therapy:

  • Reduced anxiety and hyperarousal through calming, rhythmic interactions

  • Improved emotional regulation and awareness of internal states

  • Increased self-confidence and empowerment

  • Deeper trust in self and others through safe relational experiences

  • Restoration of a sense of safety in the body and environment

Through activities like grooming, leading, and observing herd behavior, clients practice grounding skills, boundary-setting, and nonverbal communication—all essential parts of trauma recovery.

Our Therapeutic Approach

Our program integrates principles from:

  • Trauma-focused psychotherapy

  • Somatic (body-based) awareness

  • Relational and attachment-based models

  • Strengths-based, person-centered care

We work collaboratively with each client to tailor the experience to their needs and goals—whether they're processing a single traumatic event or recovering from complex trauma.

Who Is It For?

This program supports adults, teens, and veterans experiencing PTSD related to:

  • Combat or military service

  • Sexual assault or abuse

  • Domestic violence

  • Medical trauma

  • Accidents or natural disasters

  • Complex developmental trauma

No prior experience with horses is needed. Just a willingness to show up and explore.

Begin the Journey Back to Wholeness

Healing doesn’t always begin with words. Sometimes it begins with presence, breath, and the quiet companionship of a horse.

If you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk beside you.