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What is Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy is a form of animal-assisted treatment that helps people improve mental health, emotional regulation, and confidence by working with horses. Also called equine-assisted therapy (EAT) or equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP). Supported by clinical observations, such as improved confidence, self-esteem, and assertiveness in adolescents with depression and anxiety — and systematic reviews documenting benefits for PTSD, trauma, and stress, equine-assisted therapy shows promise as a complementary mental health approach.
At Mares & Motors in New Jersey, equine therapy takes place in a natural retreat setting where participants engage directly with horses under the guidance of trained facilitators.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which relies on conversation alone, equine therapy provides an experiential, hands-on process. Horses reflect human behavior and emotions in real time, helping participants build emotional awareness, self-regulation, and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.
Why Horses? The Science Behind Equine Therapy
Horses are prey animals with a natural sensitivity to their environment. This makes them highly attuned to body language, energy, and emotional states. Research in animal-assisted therapy shows that horses often mirror the emotions of the people working with them, giving participants real-time feedback.
For example:
- A person approaching a horse with stress or anxiety may see the horse step back.
- When that same person becomes calm and centered, the horse responds by moving closer.
This process helps participants develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and mindfulness, all of which are core goals in therapy.
Several studies support the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy:
- A 2023 randomized clinical trial in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that equine-assisted therapy significantly improved emotional regulation, self-efficacy, and self-esteem in patients with substance use disorders.
- A 2022 study in Healthcare reported that equine-assisted learning programs reduced stress levels and improved coping skills among disaster-response professionals.
- A 2023 systematic review in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlighted that equine-assisted interventions produced notable improvements in PTSD symptoms and emotional regulation among veterans.
Together, these findings suggest that equine therapy is more than just a wellness practice — it is an evidence-informed intervention with growing support in mental health research.
Benefits of Equine Therapy
Equine therapy offers a wide range of benefits that go beyond what many traditional therapies provide. Commonly reported outcomes include:
- Stress Reduction: Working with horses lowers heart rate, reduces cortisol levels, and promotes relaxation.
- Emotional Healing: Horses reflect inner states, helping people recognize and process emotions.
- Improved Confidence: Successfully guiding and bonding with a horse builds self-esteem.
- Stronger Communication Skills: Horses respond to body language, encouraging participants to develop clarity and empathy in interactions.
- Mindfulness: Horses live fully in the present moment, teaching participants to do the same.
These benefits apply across age groups, from children and teens to adults and professionals seeking balance.
Who Can Benefit from Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy has been shown to support a variety of individuals, including:
- People struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress-related conditions.
- Veterans and trauma survivors seeking recovery from PTSD.
- Individuals working through grief or major life transitions.
- Professionals experiencing burnout who need space for clarity and renewal.
- Youth experiencing stress-related challenges
- Adults with intellectual disabilities
- Anyone interested in building deeper self-awareness and resilience.
Because no prior horse experience is required, equine therapy is accessible to everyone. Sessions are guided by trained facilitators to ensure safety and comfort.
What to Expect at an Equine Therapy Retreat
If you attend an equine therapy session, you can expect:
- A safe introduction to working with horses.
- Ground-based activities such as grooming, leading, or guided observation.
- Reflection exercises to connect experiences with personal challenges or goals.
- Time in nature to absorb the calming effects of the environment.
Unlike horseback riding lessons, equine therapy is about connection, not control. Whether working with the horse on the ground or in the saddle, the focus is on emotional presence, self-discovery, and balance. You can learn more on our dedicated equine therapy services page.
Experience Equine Therapy at Mares & Motors
At Mares & Motors in New Jersey, equine therapy is not a stand-alone session — it’s part of a holistic retreat experience. Patients explore healing through three integrated practices:
- Equine Therapy: Connection, self-awareness, and emotional growth through guided interaction with horses.
- Horticultural Therapy: Restoring calm and focus by engaging with gardens and plant life.
- Automotive Artistry: Appreciating craftsmanship and creativity through a curated car collection.
This combination creates a unique sanctuary for healing, blending nature, animals, and artistry in ways that traditional practices cannot.
Schedule an Appointment
Equine therapy at Mares & Motors is more than a wellness activity — it’s an evidence-based practice with proven benefits for mental health, trauma recovery, and emotional resilience. Our trained facilitators specialize in equine-assisted therapy and trauma-informed care, ensuring each session is safe, supportive, and effective.
By blending equine therapy with horticultural therapy and automotive artistry, we’ve created a comprehensive retreat experience that promotes healing on every level — mind, body, and spirit. This unique approach combines science-backed therapeutic methods with restorative lifestyle experiences.
If you’re looking for equine therapy in New Jersey, you can call us at 973-320-3220 or contact us online to schedule a session.
By Mares & Motors Staff
Equine & Horticultural Therapy in Long Valley, NJ | Mares & Motors
Sept. 4, 2025
FAQs
What does equine therapy involve?
Equine therapy typically focuses on ground-based activities such as grooming, leading, or guiding horses through simple exercises. These activities encourage communication, trust, and confidence. In some programs, therapeutic riding may also be included to support balance, strength, and coordination.
Do I need prior experience with horses?
No experience required. Every session is fully guided, with the emphasis on creating a meaningful connection with the horses — whether that’s from the ground or in the saddle.
Is equine therapy safe?
Yes. Sessions are supervised by trained facilitators who ensure safety for both guests and horses.
How quickly can I see results?
Many participants feel calmer after their first session, though long-term growth comes with continued practice.
What makes equine therapy different from traditional therapy?
Equine therapy adds an experiential element — guests learn about themselves through real-time feedback from the horse, not just conversation.
How does equine therapy help autism?
Equine therapy has been shown to support children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder by improving social interaction, communication, and emotional regulation. Horses provide consistent, non-judgmental feedback, which helps participants practice skills such as patience, empathy, and body awareness in a calm environment.
Is equine therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage for equine therapy depends on the provider and the insurance plan. Some insurers may cover equine-assisted therapy if it is delivered by a licensed mental health professional as part of a recognized treatment program. However, many plans do not yet list equine therapy as a standard covered service. It’s best to check directly with your insurance provider or ask our team for guidance on available options.
How long does an equine therapy session last?
Most equine therapy sessions last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the goals of the participant and the structure of the program. Sessions typically include time for introductions, hands-on activities with horses, and reflection guided by a trained facilitator.
References
- Bachi, K., Terkel, J., & Teichman, M. (2023). The effect of equine-assisted services on post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1277338. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1277338
- Borioni, N., Marinaro, P., Celestini, S., Del Sole, F., Magro, R., Zoppi, D., Mattei, F., Dall’Armi, V., Mazzarella, F., Cesario, A., & Bonassi, S. (2012). Effect of equestrian therapy and onotherapy in physical and psycho-social performances of adults with intellectual disability: A preliminary study. BMC Psychiatry, 12, 240. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-12-240
- Fenner, K., Yoon, J., & Dabelko-Schoeny, H. (2022). Equine-assisted interventions for mental health: A systematic review. Healthcare, 10(8), 1564. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10081564
- Hoagwood, K. E., Cavaleri, M., Olin, S. S., Burns, B. J., Slaton, E., Gruttadaro, D., & Hughes, R. (2021). Services for children with autism spectrum disorder in the United States: Equine-assisted interventions and beyond. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 50(6), 881–900. https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2020.1831815
- Mueller, M. K., & McCullough, L. (2023). Equine-assisted services and youth mental health: A scoping review. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 28(4), 1195–1213. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591045221151172
- Wilson, K., Buultjens, M., Monfries, M., & Karimi, L. (2017). Equine-assisted psychotherapy for adolescents experiencing depression and/or anxiety: A therapist’s perspective. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 22(1), 16–32. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104515572379
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