Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an interactive process combining the use of an EAP trained horse, a trained mental health professional and an appropriately credentialed equine professional to address psychotherapy goals set forth by the mental health professional and the client.
Because of the horse’s prey nature and intense sensitivity to subtle changes in their environment, they are the perfect partners for professionals who teach a wide range of life and coping skills.
The concept that horses might be helpful or healing to those struggling with mental health issues is based on the idea that horses are extremely sensitive to changes in a person. Because of this, horses react and respond to people differently based upon the person’s emotional state.