Equine Therapy: Therapeutic, Adaptive, and Joyful

Jonny's companion

During the first years of Jonny’s recovery journey, while working with traditional physical therapy, one of his therapists mentioned horse therapy, equine therapy, sometimes called hippotherapy. She suggested it might be worth exploring to help strengthen his core muscles, posture, and balance. At the time, we were not able to find any programs nearby that offered this type of therapy to adults with complex neurological injuries like Jonny’s.

In 2020, we moved to California. When physical therapy centers shut down due to COVID restrictions, I began looking for alternative outdoor therapy options and remembered that earlier conversation about equine therapy. The idea was immediately appealing to me because it combined therapeutic benefit with enjoyment, something I’ve come to believe is an essential ingredient in long-term engagement and progress.

I started researching and discovered a program within a twenty-minute drive of our home. One initial hurdle was obtaining medical clearance. Jonny’s doctor, understandably, had questions about safety. After researching program protocols, staff training, and risk measures, I shared that information with her. Following further discussion, and a promise to provide updates she signed the necessary paperwork, and we began our journey into equine therapy.

The Adventure with Jonny Begins

I chose to write about equine therapy for one of my earliest blog posts because of the meaningful benefits Jonny has experienced. Many people are unaware that working with horses can be a therapeutic modality, especially for individuals living with disability or mobility limitations.

Jonny lives with significant physical and neurological challenges following his brain injury, including mobility, communication, balance, and fatigue limitations. With adaptive mounting ramps and the support of trained therapy staff, he is able to safely mount and ride a therapy horse.

During sessions, assistants walk alongside him for stability while another staff member leads the horse. Therapy horses are carefully selected, extensively trained, and evaluated for temperament, movement quality, and safety before working with riders. The environment is structured to ensure both physical support and emotional comfort.

What makes this therapy especially powerful is that it blends clinical benefit with enjoyment, offering both physical engagement and emotional uplift.

Understanding Equine Therapy

Equine therapy, also referred to as horse therapy or hippotherapy is used to support individuals with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional needs. Below is a brief overview of several common forms of equine-assisted therapy.

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding is the form of equine therapy Jonny participates in. It is recreation-based but clinically supportive, benefiting individuals with physical and neurological disabilities.

The horse’s rhythmic movement stimulates the rider’s nervous system, supporting improvements in posture, balance, coordination, and core strength. Beyond the physical benefits, therapeutic riding often provides riders with a sense of freedom, independence, and emotional connection that is difficult to replicate in traditional therapy environments.

Just as important, it introduces joy and recreation, elements that are often limited in medically structured care.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy differs from therapeutic riding in that it is a medical treatment integrated directly into physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Sessions are guided by licensed therapists and focus on specific clinical outcomes.

Because it is prescribed therapy, hippotherapy may be eligible for insurance coverage depending on the provider and policy. The horse’s movement is used as a therapeutic tool to address targeted functional goals within a structured treatment plan.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy supports individuals with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. The presence of horses can help participants feel calmer and more open, creating a supportive environment for therapeutic work.

Activities such as grooming, leading, and interacting with horses can foster trust, emotional regulation, empathy, and communication skills. EAP programs are used in schools, youth programs, recovery settings, and mental health treatment environments.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy is similar to EAP but focuses more specifically on the relational dynamic between the client and the horse. Therapists use structured interactions to support emotional growth, trauma processing, and behavioral development.

This modality is often used in addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational challenges.

Horseplay Therapeutic Riding, Dixon, California

Jonny participates in therapeutic riding through Horseplay Therapeutic Riding in Dixon, California, where he has had a deeply positive experience.

Equine therapy offers a wide range of benefits, physical, cognitive, emotional, and relational that can significantly enhance quality of life.

For those interested in exploring equine therapy, programs affiliated with PATH International can be a helpful place to begin researching reputable options in your area.

Jonny and me at Equine therapy