The Healing Power of Horses: How Equine Therapy Supports Women Who Have Experienced Trauma

Many events can change the way we respond to others, the world, and ourselves. For women, this can often stem from a variety of experiences, including abuse, violence, or the aftermath of war. PTSD can cause debilitating symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and emotional numbness, often leaving women feeling isolated and misunderstood.

But there’s a growing body of research and anecdotal evidence supporting the idea that non-traditional therapies can provide significant relief. One of these therapies gaining attention is equine therapy — a type of therapy where patients interact with horses in a controlled, therapeutic environment.

What is Equine Therapy?

Equine therapy, also known as horse therapy or equine-assisted psychotherapy, involves guided interaction between a person and a horse. The therapy is often facilitated by trained professionals, including therapists, equine specialists, and horse trainers. The sessions may include activities such as grooming, riding, and simply spending time with the horse, as well as exercises designed to promote self-reflection, mindfulness, and emotional processing.

For women with PTSD, the relationship with a horse can provide a unique healing experience. Horses are intuitive, non-judgmental creatures that can sense the emotions of those around them, which can make the therapeutic experience particularly powerful.

Why Horses? The Unique Benefits of Equine Therapy for Women with PTSD

1. Horses are Highly Sensitive and Empathetic

   
   

   Horses have an extraordinary ability to sense human emotions. Their acute awareness of body language and energy can help women with PTSD feel seen and understood without words. This silent communication can create a sense of safety and trust — a vital foundation for trauma recovery. Horses are masters of emotional wellbeing – they monitor our heartbeat, breathing, and body language. Horses mimic emotional states and can also have a hugely calming and grounding effect on people. Your horse will know if you are regulated and grounded, and will support you to calm your body if not.

   
   

2. Non-Verbal Interaction for Healing

   
   

   One of the key aspects of equine therapy is the emphasis on non-verbal interaction. Women who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to express their emotions verbally. Horses, however, communicate through body language and behaviour, which allows women to reconnect with their own feelings without the pressure of having to speak. The idea of sharing your story, especially in traditional therapy contexts, can feel so overwhelming that people don’t feel able to access support from a professional. With somatic and equine therapy, you don’t need to share your story out loud; let your body process the story.

   
   

3. Promoting Mindfulness and Grounding

   
   

   Equine therapy often involves mindfulness-based activities that require women to focus on the present moment. Horses are highly intuitive and respond to subtle changes in a person's body language and energy. By engaging in activities like grooming, walking, or riding, women learn to focus on their breath, bodily sensations, and emotions, helping them feel more grounded and in control.

   
   

4. Building Trust and Emotional Regulation

   
   

   Many women with PTSD struggle with trust issues and emotional regulation, often stemming from their traumatic experiences. Working with a horse requires mutual trust and respect. As the woman learns to care for and interact with the horse, she may begin to rebuild trust, both in herself and others. Horses are also excellent at teaching emotional regulation, as their behaviour often mirrors the emotional state of the person they are working with. Being with other like-minded women who truly understand this experience, is also incredibly validating and powerful.

   
   

5. Empowerment and Confidence

   
   

   The process of establishing a connection with a horse can be empowering. For many women, the bond formed with a horse is a powerful reminder of their own strength and resilience. Learning to communicate with and care for a horse can foster a sense of accomplishment and build self-esteem. Doing something for yourself by investing this time and money in the workshop also helps build identity and self-esteem, as you commit to crucial self-care.

   
   

The Science Behind Equine Therapy

Research into equine therapy for PTSD is still ongoing, but preliminary studies have shown positive outcomes. One study found that equine therapy significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans, with participants reporting increased emotional regulation, better interpersonal relationships, and a reduction in anxiety and depression. While more studies are needed, the evidence supports the idea that horses can play a transformative role in trauma healing.

Many women have shared their life-changing experiences with equine therapy. For example, a woman who had suffered from childhood abuse found that interacting with horses helped her to process her trauma in a way that traditional therapy couldn't. The experience allowed her to feel grounded and connected, and over time, she began to feel more empowered in her daily life.

Another woman, a combat veteran, found that horses helped her manage flashbacks and emotional triggers. Through the practice of working with horses, she developed new coping mechanisms that helped her navigate life after the trauma of war.

Equine therapy offers a unique and holistic approach to healing for women with PTSD. The bond formed with a horse can help women reconnect with their emotions, process trauma, and develop skills for emotional regulation and trust. By integrating the powerful energy of horses into their healing journey, women can rediscover their inner strength and begin to reclaim their lives.

Why Trust The ‘Moon & Mane’ Workshops?

Dr Sophie Wicks and Dina Shale are professional, passionate women who have specialised in trauma-focused approaches. As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr Sophie has been trained to doctoral level in supporting clients using evidence-based therapy which has a strong theoretical basis in the brain and body. Dina Shale is trained in Somatic Processing and is an Equine Therapy Practitioner. Dr Sophie and Dina realised that their approaches hugely complimented each other due to the recognition that trauma is held in the body. Often people are able to talk about their experiences in a very factual way, and this may trick you into thinking they are “over it.” However, the body remembers the trauma in other ways. This could be through seemingly unexplained panic and anxiety, nightmares, intrusive horrible memories, depression, physical health ailments and pain, digestive problems, headaches...and many more. At Moon & Mane we combine Clinical Psychology theory and practice with decades of experience providing therapeutic interventions in a trauma-informed, safe, rural setting with horses. These horse shave themselves been on their own trauma healing journey and there is much to learn from them too. Finally, what makes Dina and Dr Sophie particularly apt to support this group of women is that we are part of this group of women. We have our own lived experience where life events have meant we have struggled with our own trauma responses and in grounding ourselves in our own bodies. We understand the power of finding the right healing tool for you.

We are so excited to share this brand new initiative in supporting people with their healing journey.

Please see our flyers for more information on our first workshop coming 7th June 2025.