Equine Therapy

Clearview — Equine Therapy Program

At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, working with horses is more than just an activity—it’s a transformative experience designed to help young girls cultivate essential life skills and emotional resilience. Through this Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, guided interactions with horses, participants develop a sense of accountability, responsibility, and self-confidence while enhancing their problem-solving abilities and self-regulation. The dynamic and responsive nature of horses offers a unique, non-judgmental environment where emotional and behavioral challenges can be uncovered and addressed in a profound and impactful way.

Under the careful supervision of a licensed equine therapy professional, each session is tailored to meet the specific therapeutic needs of the individual. The process extends beyond the physical interaction with the horse—therapists closely observe the patient’s approach, reactions, and engagement during the activity, gaining valuable insights into behavioral patterns and emotional states. Following the session, guided discussions help the patient process their thoughts and emotions, drawing meaningful connections between their interactions with the horse and real-life struggles.

By fostering trust, empathy, and emotional regulation, equine therapy at Clearview becomes a powerful tool for healing and personal growth, empowering young girls to navigate challenges with newfound strength and confidence. This therapy is certified with the O.K. Corral Series by EAGALA Founder Greg Kersten.

What are the Benefits of Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy is successful in helping patients show marked improvements in the following areas:

Assertiveness
Emotional awareness
Empathy
Stress tolerance
Flexibility
Impulse control
Problem-solving skills
Self-actualization
Independence
Self-regard
Social responsibility
Interpersonal relationships

Many of the benefits of equine therapy are due to the nature of the animals with which the patient and equine therapist are interacting. Horses are typically non-judgmental, have no preconceived expectations or motives, and are highly effective at mirroring the attitudes and behaviors of the humans with whom they work.

While working with horses under the guidance and supervision of an equine therapist, equine therapy patients have a unique and effective opportunity to note their tendency to engage in self-defeating and otherwise negative thoughts and actions. These realizations provide excellent bases for discussion and processing during and after the equine therapy experience.

How Are Equine Therapy Sessions Conducted?

Equine therapy sessions typically take place in a structured, supervised environment and can include a variety of activities designed to promote healing, personal growth, and behavioral change. Sessions are facilitated by licensed therapists, equine specialists, and trained staff to ensure safety and effectiveness.

1. Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

Before starting equine therapy, individuals undergo an assessment where therapists evaluate their emotional and behavioral needs. Goals are set based on specific challenges, such as improving self-esteem, learning impulse control, or overcoming anxiety.

2. Groundwork Activities (Non-Riding Interactions)

Many equine therapy sessions focus on groundwork, meaning participants interact with horses without riding them. These activities include:

• Grooming and Caring for the Horse – Encourages nurturing, patience, and responsibility.

• Leading Exercises – Teaches communication, trust-building, and leadership skills.

• Observation and Interaction – Helps individuals become more aware of their emotions by recognizing how the horse reacts to their body language and mood.

3. Mounted Therapy (Riding Sessions – If Applicable)

Some equine therapy sessions may incorporate horseback riding, which provides additional therapeutic benefits:

• Improves coordination, balance, and motor skills.

• Encourages relaxation and mindfulness, which helps with anxiety.

• Fosters a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence.

4. Emotional and Behavioral Processing

During or after the session, a therapist will help the participant process their experiences. This might include discussing:

• How the horse responded to their emotions and behavior.

• What they learned about themselves through the interaction.

• How they can apply these lessons to real-life situations.

5. Reflection and Application

At the end of each session, participants are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and discuss ways to apply their insights to everyday life. This helps reinforce emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness.

What Conditions/Disorders Does Equine Therapy Treat?

Conditions and disorders treated by equine therapy include:

1. Emotional and Mood Disorders

• Depression – Helps build self-esteem, provides emotional connection, and encourages engagement in therapeutic activities.
• Anxiety Disorders – Reduces stress, fosters mindfulness, and promotes relaxation through structured horse care and riding exercises.
• Bipolar Disorder – Provides emotional regulation and stability by fostering responsibility and routine.

2. Behavioral and Impulse Control Disorders

• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) – Encourages respect for boundaries, patience, and improved interpersonal relationships.
• Conduct Disorder (CD) – Reinforces accountability and teaches empathy by caring for an animal.
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) – Helps regulate anger and impulsive behaviors through structured, calming equine interactions.

3. Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Provides a safe and soothing environment where individuals can rebuild trust, develop coping mechanisms, and experience emotional healing.
• Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) – Encourages connection and bonding, helping individuals build trust and emotional security.

4. Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Disorders

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Improves focus, patience, and task completion through structured activities.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Enhances social skills, sensory integration, and emotional regulation.
• Learning Disabilities – Boosts confidence, motivation, and cognitive processing skills.

5. Eating Disorders

• Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder – Fosters self-acceptance, emotional healing, and the development of healthy coping strategies.

6. Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery

• Drug and Alcohol Abuse – Encourages emotional healing, builds responsibility, and provides a therapeutic outlet to replace destructive behaviors.

7. Social and Relationship Challenges

• Low Self-Esteem and Lack of Confidence – Strengthens personal confidence and independence through equine interactions.
• Difficulty with Emotional Expression – Helps individuals process and express their emotions through non-verbal communication with horses.

Equine therapy is highly effective because horses are sensitive to human emotions, mirroring feelings and behaviors, which helps individuals recognize their own emotions and develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and improved interpersonal skills. The non-judgmental, calming nature of horses makes this therapy ideal for individuals who struggle with trust, communication, or traditional talk therapy approaches.