How horses can help people to overcome trauma

Equine therapy has been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure, alleviate stress and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. For people who have experienced trauma and its continued effects, equine therapy can be a lifeline.

Image credit

The healing power of equine therapy

As this WebMD article notes, caring for animals has been proven to have mood-boosting and stress-reducing benefits.

Thousands of people with trauma backgrounds have and continue to benefit from equine therapy. Horses are known to have a soothing presence, and as many people with a history of trauma struggle to take a deep breath without even realising it, the opportunity to join an equine therapy program can be a transformational element of their healing journey.

Despite their impressive stature, horses are grounded, loving, strong, and extremely accepting of people for precisely who they are. Additionally, many horses that take part in equine therapy programs have themselves experienced trauma in the past, which increases their ability to empathise with the very people they are now supporting to heal.

Equine therapy, boundaries, and calmness

Equine therapy is so much more than simply spending time in the presence of horses. The programmes are shaped to provide guidance on the importance of healthy boundaries, patience, kindness, and establishing an inner sense of calm through activities such as feeding, grooming, and energy work.

The importance of trauma informed practice training

There are many other ways to support people who have experienced trauma and trauma informed practice training courses can provide the skills and strategies needed to make a real difference to someone’s life.

Image credit

As trauma can manifest in a variety of different ways, trauma informed training programmes utilise a strengths-based approach that is ultimately designed to empower individuals whilst simultaneously ensuring their emotional, physical and psychological safety.