The 3 main types of equine therapy offered in Orange County are Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Hippotherapy, and Therapeutic Riding. These are typically used and have been proven to be very beneficial in mental health wellness. Mariposa Center has helped Southern Californians with mental health and recovery since 1977, but equine therapy is the one offering in our “stable” of services that raises the most questions. We’ll explain the different types of equine therapy and how we use them at Mariposa in the sections below.
1. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an internationally recognized form of treatment for a variety of physical and mental health challenges.
Participants recovering from substance use, cognitive issues, trauma, and other disorders can benefit from EAP. Horses’ natural empathy, in conjunction with a licensed professional, helps those in treatment identify and process emotional issues in an outdoor environment while performing tasks like grooming, saddling, and riding.
2. Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy, or therapy combined with controlled horseback rides, is another equine-assisted treatment. Occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other medical professionals prescribe it to improve cognitive and motor function. (Note: Actual hippopotamuses are not involved, just horses.)
Individuals who need to build muscle coordination and sensory processing for walking, talking, and control of fine motor skills can benefit from the inputs that come from riding horses with the assistance of a therapist within a broader recovery strategy.
3. Therapeutic Riding
EAP and hippotherapy incorporate equine-related activities into a broader treatment strategy. Therapeutic riding, while still beneficial, is a recreational activity that provides the benefits of equine interactions for those with disabilities or special needs within the context of riding or animal care lessons.
Also, therapeutic riding programs often focus on making these benefits available to children. Many children demonstrate notable improvements in communication, self-confidence, empathy, and other skills after participating.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Vs. Hippotherapy Vs. Therapeutic Riding
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between hippotherapy, equine therapy, and therapeutic riding. Hippotherapy is a formal treatment strategy prescribed by a medical professional that uses the movement of the horse to improve neurological and sensory processing.
Equine therapy is a broader term encompassing various treatments like Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which focuses on mental and emotional well-being through interactions with horses. Therapeutic riding, on the other hand, is a more recreational activity that provides physical and emotional benefits through riding lessons and horse care, often geared towards children with disabilities.
Types of Equine Therapy at Mariposa Center
As a non-profit facility in Orange County that offers equine therapy, the Mariposa Center team incorporates EAP as a treatment method for clients recovering from substance use and struggling with mental wellness challenges like anxiety and depression.
“We have relied on equine therapy as part of our services for years because the benefits are so powerful. Clients at Mariposa are often surprised by how much of a difference their sessions with horses can make – and frankly, sometimes we are too.”
Krista Driver, LMFT; President & CEO, Mariposa Center
Finally, even though equine therapy isn’t widely available in Orange County, several local organizations offer therapeutic riding programs and other equine-assisted activities that do not require a prescription.
Mariposa is one of few counseling centers that offers equine therapy programs in Orange County, which are often integrated into programs for substance use, addiction, behavior disorders, and more. Through interactions with these majestic animals, clients gain valuable insights into their own behavior patterns, communication styles, and leadership abilities.
How Do I Know Which Type of Equine Therapy Is Right for Me?
Choosing the right type of equine therapy depends on your individual needs and goals. If you’re seeking to address mental health concerns like trauma, anxiety, or depression, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) might be the best fit.
If you’re looking to improve physical strength, coordination, and sensory processing, hippotherapy could be the good for you, and if you’re interested in a more recreational approach to experiencing the benefits of horses, therapeutic riding might be a good option. By talking with one of our qualified mental health team members, we can help you determine which type of equine therapy aligns best with your specific needs.
How Do Equine Therapy Programs Work?
Equine therapy isn’t just about identifying emotions; it’s about learning to express and manage them in healthy ways. It’s a powerful tool for building emotional resilience and creating a more fulfilling life.
Contact Mariposa Center now to learn more about how equine therapy improves recovery and mental wellness.
