With Mind reporting that one in four of us will experience mental health problems every year, it’s no surprise that complementary and alternative therapies are on the rise.

From hypnotherapy and sound baths to dance therapy, there is a wide variety of non-conventional holistic options available that can help us to process our emotions.

It can be used to treat a specific health condition or to improve general levels of health, including better sleep, improved concentration, reduced stress to help us nurture our inner peace.

Equine therapy is no different. Former headteacher and equine-facilitated psychotherapist Michelle Smith, founder of Inner Grace, explains that equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) is the practice of “working with horses to help people learn about their mental health and wellbeing”.

The therapeutic value of time spent with horses is not a new phenomenon. As early as 460 BC in ancient Greek literature, there are references to the benefits of horseback riding.

In Germany, England and North America in the 1960s, a specific form of rehabilitation with horses began to emerge as a new form of therapy. Several years later, the Professional Associate of Therapeutic Horsemanship in the United States and Canada was founded to provide equine-based therapy services, and it now boasts over 800 centres across the world. 

Though the most common understanding of this therapy is sadly, rather simplistic. You might have seen Adam explain it to his dad in the latest season of Sex Education: “Do you want to hug a horse? It helps.” Instead, it seems, horse hugs are optional, as the horse will determine if you need a hug and encourage you to understand why you might be craving that physical touch.

In equine therapy, individuals get to participate in activities with the horse, before discussing and processing any feelings, behaviours or patterns that have presented themselves in the session.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on what the therapist has picked up on from the horse’s behaviour, and to interpret what feelings the client has brought into the session that week. 

Smith explains: “Horses are non-judgmental and non-confrontational. They are sensitive, can pick up on human emotions and will mirror them through their own responses and behaviours.”

It’s about building a partnership between humans and horses and tuning into the animal’s natural instinct. For instance, if someone arrives at the field and the horse bolts away, it doesn’t want to be involved or near that person’s energy at this point in time. Whatever it is you’re feeling has actually repelled the horse, and it doesn’t want to be surrounded by it.

Over time, as the person begins to relax, their stress and anxiety reduce, and the horse will begin to approach them again. Horses translate our emotions, without having to say anything at all.

Smith continues: “The horses allow the therapy to be conducted in a gentle way, with the focus on the horses and their behaviour rather than solely on the clients themselves. This helps to reduce anxiety and allows the client to explore their difficulties in a very supportive, calming, grounding environment.”

This form of therapy also takes place outdoors in nature, which comes with its own benefits for our mental health such as reducing stress, improving your mood, encouraging you to be present and boosting your immune system. 

“You are outside with nature, having to trust some large animals and listening to how they react to you with their nature instinct,” Smith tells Stylist.

“They give immediate responses and reflections of your feelings back to you. While you can develop a verbal connection with a therapist in counselling, this non-verbal communication with an animal is a different method of reflection and learning.”

It’s an ideal form of therapy for anyone with mental health issues or if you have struggled to open up to a therapist in the past as it’s hard to put your emotions into words.

Smith adds: “It’s for anyone that wants to listen to what the horse tells them; listen to yourself to make a difference. Any stresses and struggles can be brought into the therapy space with the horse. They will see the internal you, instead of what you present. Being open and honest to this will allow you to grow and heal over the course of the sessions.”

Despite working closely with these gentle giants in equine therapy, there’s no need to have any prior experience with horses, as all the sessions take place with your feet firmly on the ground.

Be prepared to be covered in horse hair, get muddy feet and obviously wrap up in warm clothes during the winter months, Smith warns. Whether you’re new to therapy or in need of a non-verbal, non-mainstream alternative, it might be time to give equine therapy a go.

In the UK, there are a host of regional options available including Smith’s own practice in Cambridgeshire, as well as Equine Pathways UK in Yorkshire and Horse Time in Berkshire. 

Images: Getty