Horses have been used in therapy for the physically disabled for many, many years and since the 1990's horses have been used in mental health with great success.

 

As prey animals horses are extremely sensitive to their environment and their communication through behavior is always honest, vigilent, and immediate. This feedback can be used as unlimited opportunities of self exploration and due to the horses power, large size, and intimidation accomplishing any tasks with the horse can cultivate life skills that are necessary when experiencing challenging situations.  The horse can be a powerful messenger in any therapy.  Many believe there is no other animal that is more sensitive to human non verbal communication and emotion than the horse.  Their involvement in mental health practices offers the human being the possiblity of unbelievable amounts of  growth and healing from mental and emotional pain and suffering.