With society focusing more on mental health in recent years, many are acknowledging traditional talk therapy often times falls short. There is a somewhat unconventional therapy many are finding to help with the inner healing they need. Horses, yes that is right. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) or equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) has grown in modern history with the founding of American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) in 1992. Forms of this therapy can be traced back to the father of medicine, Hippocrates in the fifth century in his writing, “Natural Exercise”.
This form of therapy is not just a substitute method of therapy but a deeply rooted journey that many see reflecting Christian principles related to trust and restoration. Dr. Gina Marie Marchetti lays forth in her dissertation that horses possess an ability to assist with emotional healing.
Her thoughts take a dive into soul-to-soul interaction for humans and horses. She highlights a Jungian thought of individuation, when an individual becomes complete through discovery of self. Aligning this with Christian principles of sanctification where a believer in Christ grows deeper in their journey with God through discovering their self in the image of God. Its renewing one’s thoughts and perceptions about oneself. Buried in Romans 12:2, we read about transforming your mind by renewal through the Holy Spirit.
An Episcopal priest and author, Laurie M. Brock shares these same sentiments in her book “Horses Speak of God: How Horses Can Teach Us to Listen and Be Transformed.” She showcases that when a person works with horses it can help create a mindfulness and a type of surrender in that individual’s life. These are vital aspects of the Christian faith. She also indicates that as a person learns to pick up on the sensitive cues of a horse, that person will learn to discern the still, small voice of God in their life.
Settled on a peaceful horse ranch in Georgia, Senona Hopkins, a horse owner with over 15 years of experience, has seen the power of transformation in peoples live regarding equine therapy. “Horses have a God given nature to mirror the emotional state of a person,” Hopkins states. “This allows for the individual to see past the walls they built, so they can start to transform what’s on the inside. It’s like how Christ sees who we truly are, not just what we show to the world as our mask.”
Hopkins highlights the connection of mirroring again later in the interview by stating, “If someone approaches a horse and they are afraid, the horse will reflect that fear back to the person. The breakthrough comes when the person starts to trust their relationship with the horse, that’s when the horse shows gentleness.”
Brock shares these same thoughts on mirroring in her book. She creates a parallel among a person’s relationship with God and a relationship with horses. Both require a person to trust in the process which will teach humility and patience.
Look to the future, equine therapy has real benefits for people as a psychological and spiritual tool. No matter if you approach this therapy scientifically or from a faith filled perspective, healing may come in ways least expected. Who knows, maybe even on four hooves.
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