Many veterans have found that Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) has been extremely beneficial in their battle with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, particularly when traditional treatment methods have not been effective.
Horses have a unique ability to respond to human emotions, which makes them excellent therapy partners. Their ability to communicate nonverbally is particularly important for those who have experienced trauma.
These therapy sessions are led by licensed mental health professionals, not just riding instructors. They intentionally keep the groups small to ensure that the veterans have as much one-on-one time with the horses as possible.
Several peer-reviewed studies that have been published in Military Medicine and the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry have found that PTSD symptoms significantly decrease after veterans participate in equine-assisted therapy programs.
Continue reading to learn why veterans who have not had success with traditional therapy methods have seen significant improvements after just a few sessions with horses, and what the research says about why this method is effective.
Veterans Are Finding Real Relief Through Horses
For many veterans, the road to recovery doesn’t begin in a therapist’s office, but in a barn.
Equine-assisted therapy is becoming a popular mental health treatment for military veterans, and it’s not just because it’s fun to work with animals. Veterans often come home from service with unseen injuries — PTSD, moral injury, depression, hypervigilance — that are notoriously hard to treat.
Andrew Gitzlaff, a U.S. Army Veteran, stated that equine therapy was instrumental in his fight against depression. He also mentioned that the group setting of the therapy forced him to socialize, even when it felt overwhelming to be around people. His experience isn’t unique. In fact, it’s becoming more and more common in veteran programs across the country.
The Shortcomings of Traditional Therapy for Veterans
For veterans suffering from PTSD, talk therapy and medication are the most commonly prescribed treatments, and they work for a lot of people. But there is a significant number of veterans who either don’t respond well to these treatments or stop going altogether. The reasons for this are many and varied: there is a stigma attached to mental health, it can be difficult to put trauma into words, clinical environments can trigger hypervigilance, and there is often a general mistrust of systems that feel like institutions. For these veterans, a non-traditional approach isn’t just a better option — it might be the only one that works.
The Realities of Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) is a structured, professionally guided form of treatment that uses horses as therapeutic partners. It is fundamentally different from simply learning to ride or care for a horse. Sessions are designed and overseen by licensed mental health professionals — often in collaboration with equine specialists — and focus on psychosocial, physical, and emotional outcomes. Activities may include leading horses through obstacle courses, using horses as metaphors during guided exercises, goal-setting conversations, and post-activity reflection facilitated by a therapist or occupational therapist.
What EAT Is vs. What It Isn’t
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT)
Recreational Horseback Riding
Guided by licensed mental health professionals
Led by riding instructors
Structured around therapeutic goals
Focused on horsemanship skills
Uses horse interaction as clinical intervention
Recreational or sport-focused activity
Includes pre- and post-session therapeutic discussion
No formal mental health component
Referral-based, often from mental health providers
Open enrollment, no referral needed
How Horses Help Where Other Treatments Struggle
Horses are prey animals with a nervous system finely tuned to detect threat — and that biological reality turns out to be therapeutically significant. Because horses read body language and emotional cues with extraordinary sensitivity, they respond differently depending on the internal state of the person interacting with them. A veteran who is outwardly calm but internally dysregulated will get immediate, honest feedback from a horse. There’s no masking, no people-pleasing, no pretending — just a 1,200-pound animal reflecting back exactly what it senses.
Equine-assisted therapy offers a unique type of biofeedback that traditional therapy sessions can’t match. The horse doesn’t judge, doesn’t have preconceptions about military service, and doesn’t require the veteran to explain their trauma in words. This lack of verbal pressure is a key reason why many veterans find this therapy effective. For more insights into therapeutic approaches for veterans, explore the benefits of cognitive processing therapy.
Horses React to Feelings, Not Language
The healing potential of horses is based on their reactions — not what they listen to. Veterans suffering from PTSD frequently find it difficult to express their experiences, and forcing them to do so can often lead to re-traumatization instead of healing. Horses completely avoid this. They react to the state of the nervous system, muscle tension, breathing patterns, and posture. When a veteran learns to control their own internal state in order to effectively engage with a horse, they are practicing the exact kind of emotional control required for trauma recovery.
Here are some of the reasons why veterans are turning to equine-assisted therapy for mental health:
- Real-time emotional regulation — Horses can sense when a person’s internal state changes and they respond immediately, providing instant feedback.
- No need for verbal processing — Veterans don’t have to talk about their trauma to benefit from the therapy.
- Practice setting boundaries — Guiding and directing a horse helps veterans build assertiveness and learn how to set personal boundaries.
- Building trust — Forming a bond with a horse can help veterans rebuild their ability to trust others.
- Staying present — Working with a large animal requires full sensory attention, helping veterans break free from hypervigilant thought patterns.
Each of these benefits directly addresses the main symptoms of PTSD, including emotional dysregulation, social withdrawal, hypervigilance, and difficulty trusting others. This is not a coincidence, which is why researchers are starting to take notice.
Understanding the Human-Horse Connection
While the field is still growing, the evidence supporting it is becoming harder to ignore. Research published in Military Medicine (Arnon et al., 2020) documented preliminary findings supporting EAT for veterans with PTSD. A study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine (Burton et al., 2018) specifically examined equine-assisted psychotherapy in veterans with PTSD and found positive outcomes. Johnson et al. (2018), published in Military Medical Research, studied the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on PTSD in military veterans and reported measurable symptom reduction. An open trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (Fisher et al., 2021) added further clinical weight to the case for EAT as a legitimate adjunct treatment.
The Power of Non-Verbal Communication in PTSD
PTSD can have a significant impact on how the brain processes language and memory. The traumatic experience is often stored in the body, manifesting as physical tension, startle responses, and emotional flooding, rather than a coherent narrative that can be talked about. Non-verbal therapies work at this somatic level, addressing the body-based symptoms that talking alone cannot always resolve. Equine-assisted therapy naturally operates in this space. The act of approaching, touching, leading, and reading a horse directly engages the body and creates new, positive sensory experiences that begin to retrain the nervous system.
What to Expect During an Equine Therapy Session
Contrary to what you might think, equine-assisted therapy for veterans doesn’t look like a leisurely trail ride or a cowboy hat-wearing moment. Instead, these therapy sessions are structured, purposeful, and led by clinical professionals. They have specific therapeutic objectives for each participant. For veterans, exploring cognitive processing therapy can also be beneficial alongside equine therapy.
- Pre-session discussion — often facilitated by an occupational therapist or social worker to set the focus and tone
- Targeted activity — this may include leading the horse, navigating obstacle courses, or using the horse as a metaphor in guided exercises
- Real-time observation — the mental health professional observes the veteran’s interaction with the horse and identifies therapeutic material as it emerges
- Goal-setting and reflection — participants identify personal goals and connect the horse interaction to positive lifestyle choices and PTSD symptom management
- Post-activity debrief — a structured conversation that processes what happened during the session and draws out therapeutic insights
Participants are typically referred to these programs by their existing mental health providers, which means EAT is almost always used as part of a broader treatment plan — not in isolation. Groups are intentionally kept small to ensure genuine one-on-one time between each veteran and the horses, which is considered essential for therapeutic outcomes.
These sessions are not simply feel-good animal encounters. They are deliberately structured to create a therapeutic arc that supports trauma recovery, from the pre-session discussion to the post-activity debrief. The horse is not a prop, but an active participant in the process.
Why the Opening Circle is Important
Typically, sessions start with what is known as an opening circle. This is a short group meeting where veterans can share their feelings before they start interacting with the horses. This isn’t just idle chit-chat. It’s a purposeful clinical method that lets the mental health professional measure the initial state of each participant and alter the method of the session as needed. A veteran who comes in with high anxiety will require a different starting point than a veteran who is emotionally numb or disengaged.
The opening circle also starts the process of creating a sense of belonging — something that is very important to veterans who often feel incredibly alone after leaving the military. Being recognized and acknowledged by peers who have similar experiences is therapeutic in itself, and it happens before a single horse has been approached.
Intimate Group Sizes and Individual Horse Interaction
The size of the group is a conscious decision in the program design. The sessions are purposely kept small — usually just a few veterans per session — so that each participant can have significant, uninterrupted time with a horse. This is not just a logistical preference. It’s a clinical decision. Larger groups water down the quality of interaction and reduce the therapist’s ability to see and respond to individual needs in real time.
There is something unique about the bond between a veteran and a horse. It’s something that group therapy sessions often fail to recreate: a personal connection in a shared environment. Each veteran is building their own relationship with their horse, dealing with their own obstacles, and receiving their own unique feedback. And they’re doing it all with the support of their group.
This balance of individual attention and group support is similar to the social structure many veterans experienced during their service – personal responsibility within a team environment. This familiar structure reduces resistance and speeds up engagement.
A Quick Look at a Typical Session
Session Phase
Duration
Led By
Primary Goal
Opening Circle / Check-In
10–15 minutes
Mental health professional
Emotional baseline assessment
Pre-Activity Discussion
10–15 minutes
Occupational therapist / social worker
Goal-setting and session focus
Horse Interaction Activity
30–40 minutes
Equine specialist + therapist
Therapeutic engagement and feedback
Post-Activity Debrief
15–20 minutes
Mental health professional
Processing, reflection, insight-building
Why Mental Health Specialists Are Present at Every Session
Unlike recreational horseback riding, EAT sessions always have a licensed mental health professional present. But they aren’t just there to watch. They’re actively looking for signs of emotional change, identifying therapeutic moments as they happen, and helping veterans understand what they’re feeling as they interact with the horse. For example, if a veteran suddenly tenses up when asked to lead a horse, that’s not just a problem with the horse. A good therapist sees that as a meaningful emotional response and addresses it in the moment.
What the Science Says About EAT for Veterans
Research supporting equine-assisted therapy for veterans has significantly increased in the last ten years. Although scientists emphasize the need for more large-scale, randomized controlled trials, the current body of peer-reviewed literature consistently shows one thing: significant symptom reduction across various mental health areas. The research has moved beyond anecdotal evidence — it’s now clinical.
Multiple Studies Show Decrease in PTSD Symptoms
Several independent studies have shown a noticeable decrease in PTSD symptoms in veterans who have undergone equine-assisted therapy. The fact that these results have been consistent across various study designs and program models significantly strengthens the overall argument. For those interested in alternative therapies, exploring the mental benefits of hiking for veterans might also be beneficial.
- Arnon et al. (2020) — Published in Military Medicine, this study developed a structured EAT manual for veterans with PTSD and reported preliminary positive findings supporting symptom reduction
- Burton et al. (2018) — Published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, examined equine-assisted psychotherapy specifically in veterans with PTSD and found measurable improvements in symptom severity
- Johnson et al. (2018) — Published in Military Medical Research, studied therapeutic horseback riding in military veterans and documented reductions in PTSD symptom scores
- Fisher et al. (2021) — An open trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry added further clinical evidence supporting EAT as a viable adjunct treatment for veteran PTSD
- Earles, Vernon & Yetz (2015) — Published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress, documented reductions in both anxiety and posttraumatic stress symptoms following equine-assisted therapy
A systematic review of existing research — investigating the efficacy of equine-assisted services for military veterans with posttraumatic stress symptomology — found that EAS was associated with reduced depression and anxiety and improved quality of life. Critically, the review noted that EAS enables participants to connect with themselves and build a bond of trust with a horse, and that evidence shows this process can elicit a complete beneficial change in behavior.
In a study published in Chronic Stress (Marchand et al., 2021), the authors looked at the use of equine-assisted activities and therapies for veterans with PTSD. They recognized the potential benefits, but also discussed the challenges and future of this type of therapy. This suggests that the clinical community is taking this seriously and is planning for future research.
Enhancements in Depression, Anxiety, and Social Confidence
PTSD doesn’t often come alone. Many veterans grappling with posttraumatic stress are also dealing with depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, and broken relationships — and the research on EAT directly tackles these co-existing conditions. Studies have consistently shown enhancements not just in PTSD symptom checklists but in broader quality-of-life measures: mood stability, lowered anxiety levels, increased social engagement, and stronger sense of personal control. For veterans like Andrew Gitzlaff, who described struggling with depression and discomfort in social settings, these secondary outcomes are often the ones that matter most in daily life. For further insights into therapies for veterans, explore the benefits of cognitive processing therapy.
What Veterans Are Saying About the Benefits of Equine Therapy
While research data offers a solid foundation, it’s the testimonials from veterans themselves that really drive the point home. In both program reports and published studies, veterans have repeatedly spoken about the personal changes they’ve experienced from equine therapy. These benefits go beyond simply ticking off symptoms on a list. Veterans report feeling more present, being less defensive, sleeping better, improving relationships with family, and even feeling hopeful again.
These aren’t just abstract, positive results. They directly address the main problems caused by PTSD – emotional numbness, hypervigilance, relationship issues, and the overwhelming feeling that recovery is unattainable. When a veteran says they feel calm after a session for the first time in years, that’s not just a story. That’s their nervous system reacting to a therapeutic technique that succeeded where talk therapy failed.
Developing Self-Assuredness and Setting Limits
One of the most frequently mentioned advantages is a renewed feeling of self-assuredness, particularly when it comes to setting limits and expressing needs. Guiding a horse necessitates a clear, calm, and self-assured approach. A horse, which is ten times heavier than a human, will not respond to aggression, anxiety, or passivity. It responds to grounded, clear leadership. Veterans who practice this dynamic with horses often find themselves transferring those skills directly into their human relationships — with partners, children, colleagues, and care providers. For more on mental health strategies, consider exploring cognitive processing therapy for veterans.
Reducing Social Isolation in a Group Setting
One of the most harmful and long-lasting effects of PTSD in veterans is social isolation. Many veterans isolate themselves from their friends, family, and community, not because they want to, but because they find social situations to be intimidating and draining. Equine therapy programs offer a group structure that provides a balance: social interaction without the intense social demands of traditional group therapy. Veterans can focus on the horses, which takes away the stress of direct interpersonal communication, while still being in the company of others who can relate to their experiences. This is a form of social rehabilitation that is set at a manageable level – for many veterans, this is the first time they have felt at ease in a group setting since they left the service.
Equine Therapy Is a Complementary Treatment, Not a Standalone Solution
Equine-assisted therapy is a powerful tool, but it works best when it’s used as part of a larger treatment plan, not as the only form of treatment. The best programs use EAT as a supplement to existing clinical care, not as a replacement for it. Veterans are usually referred to equine programs by their mental health providers, so there’s already a therapeutic relationship in place that the horse-based work can support and deepen. The goal is to integrate the therapy, not to replace existing treatment.
Let’s also clarify what EAT doesn’t do. It’s not a quick fix for trauma. It doesn’t eliminate the need for medication management in cases where that’s clinically appropriate. And it won’t replace evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Processing Therapy or Prolonged Exposure for veterans whose treatment plans center on those approaches. What it does — and does well — is reach veterans who have disengaged from those approaches, creating a bridge back into treatment and building the emotional regulation skills that make other therapies more effective.
Veterans With PTSD and Depression Are Seeing Results
From peer-reviewed studies, program reports, and firsthand accounts from veterans, the results are consistent: equine-assisted therapy is yielding significant results for veterans who haven’t found relief through traditional treatment paths. The improvements range from PTSD symptom severity, depression, anxiety, social confidence, and overall quality of life — which is a remarkably broad therapeutic footprint for a single intervention type.
The significance of these results is amplified by who they are affecting. Veterans who have tried multiple treatment approaches without finding relief are often the ones who are most at risk of falling through the cracks of the mental health system. The fact that a non-verbal, experiential, horse-based therapy is reaching this population is not just encouraging, but it is clinically significant. It highlights a gap in traditional treatment that EAT is uniquely suited to fill and it makes a compelling argument for expanding access to these programs through VA referral networks and community-based veteran support organizations.
Key Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy for Veterans: A Quick Overview
Area of Benefit
Veterans’ Experiences
Scientific Evidence
Reduction in PTSD Symptoms
Decreased hypervigilance, less frequent flashbacks, diminished startle response
Numerous peer-reviewed studies including Fisher et al. (2021), Burton et al. (2018)
Depression
Enhanced mood, heightened motivation, increased sense of hope
Findings from systematic reviews; Arnon et al. (2020)
Anxiety
More relaxed baseline state, decreased social anxiety
Earles, Vernon & Yetz (2015)
Social Confidence
Increased comfort in group settings, improved familial relationships
Data from program outcomes; self-reports from veterans
Emotional Regulation
Improved capability to control emotional flooding and triggers
Biopsychosocial model; Johnson et al. (2018)
Setting Boundaries
Heightened personal assertiveness; more transparent communication
Marchand et al. (2021)
Common Questions
Before deciding to participate in an equine therapy program, veterans and their families often have several practical questions. Here are the most frequently asked questions — with straightforward answers.
Does the VA Cover Equine-Assisted Therapy?
It depends. The VA has been taking more interest in complementary and integrative health approaches, but equine-assisted therapy is not covered as a standard VA benefit at all facilities. Some VA medical centers have established partnerships with community-based equine therapy programs and can facilitate referrals, while others have not yet integrated EAT into their formal service offerings. Veterans are encouraged to speak directly with their VA mental health provider about available options in their region, as local program availability and funding structures differ significantly from state to state. Nonprofit organizations and veteran-focused equine programs frequently offer services at low or no cost to bridge this gap.
What sets Equine Therapy apart from Traditional Talk Therapy?
In traditional talk therapy, veterans are required to put their trauma into words — to describe experiences that are often remembered as physical sensations rather than coherent stories. This verbal requirement can be a hurdle for many veterans. Equine-assisted therapy eliminates this hurdle. The healing takes place through action, relationship, and immediate feedback from the horse — not just through talking.
However, EAT sessions do involve verbal processing — the discussion before the session and the debrief after the activity are essential clinical components. The difference is that the verbal processing happens after a lived experience, which provides veterans with something concrete and immediate to reflect on rather than requiring them to dig up the past from scratch. This order — experience first, reflection second — is fundamentally different from the structure of traditional talk therapy and is one of the reasons EAT appeals to veterans who have disengaged from conventional clinical approaches.
Do Veterans Need to Have Experience With Horses?
There is no need for previous experience with horses. In fact, it can be beneficial if the veterans have never worked with horses before. This means they can approach the experience without any preconceived notions or habits. They can give the interaction their full attention and be completely open to it. The healing doesn’t come from the ability to handle horses. It comes from the relationship that the veteran forms with the horse.
Equine specialists and program staff provide all necessary guidance around safe handling and interaction. The learning curve is intentionally gentle, and the focus is always on the therapeutic relationship rather than technical riding or care skills. Veterans with physical limitations are also accommodated — equine-assisted therapy does not require the ability to ride a horse.
When Can Veterans Expect to See Results From Equine Therapy?
Many veterans say they feel a significant change — a sense of calm, feeling more centered, being more in the moment — after just one session. This is not unusual, and it shows how fast the nervous system can react to the special requirements of interacting with a horse. Long-term, permanent improvements in PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety usually occur over a structured program, which can last from a few weeks to a few months depending on the organization and the veteran’s personal treatment plan.
How long it takes for veterans to see results from equine-assisted therapy depends on a variety of factors, such as how severe their symptoms are, how engaged they are in the therapy, whether they’re receiving other treatments at the same time, and the quality of the equine-assisted therapy program. Veterans who are referred to equine-assisted therapy by their mental health providers and participate as part of a coordinated care plan tend to see more consistent and lasting results than those who participate on their own, without any other treatment.
Is Equine-Assisted Therapy Compatible with Other PTSD Treatments?
Definitely — and it’s actually the suggested method. Equine-assisted therapy is most potent when incorporated into a wider mental health treatment strategy rather than used as a solitary intervention. Veterans might be concurrently involved in Cognitive Processing Therapy, medication management, individual psychotherapy, or group therapy while also participating in EAT sessions. These methods are not in conflict. They address different aspects of trauma recovery and frequently boost each other’s effectiveness.
For instance, the emotional management skills developed through interaction with horses can greatly assist a veteran in actively participating in more mentally challenging therapies such as Prolonged Exposure. The trust and self-awareness gained through EAT can reduce resistance to more profound therapeutic work. Consider it the groundwork that makes the rest of the building more secure, not a substitute for the structure itself.
Whether you’re a veteran, a loved one, or a mental health professional looking for alternatives, MKE Urban Stables provides a veteran-centric equine therapy program. This program is administered by social workers and mental health professionals who are familiar with the unique intricacies of military trauma. If you’re interested in other therapeutic options, you might explore the benefits of cognitive processing therapy for veterans. It’s certainly worth discussing.
