Equine-assisted therapy is more than a supplement to traditional care. For many, it becomes a turning point—a way to connect with something meaningful, process trauma, and regain control over their lives in an environment that feels safe, honest, and judgment-free.
At Southeastern Recovery Center, we understand that recovery is about more than just stopping substance use—it’s about rediscovering who you are, rebuilding trust, and finding healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges. Whether you’re new to treatment or seeking a fresh approach after previous attempts, equine therapy for addiction treatment can be a transformative experience unlike any other.
Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or EAT, is a form of experiential therapy where individuals engage in structured interactions with horses. These activities—like grooming, feeding, haltering, leading, and even observing horses—are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and equine specialists who guide the process and help clients reflect on their emotions, behaviors, and relational patterns.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, equine therapy offers real-time feedback. Horses are incredibly intuitive animals that respond honestly to human energy and behavior. If you’re feeling anxious, guarded, or angry, the horse will respond accordingly—providing insight into your inner world that you may not even be fully aware of.
Importantly, this isn’t about horseback riding. The goal of equine therapy is not horsemanship—it’s healing. It’s about creating a safe and emotionally responsive space where clients can develop key skills for recovery like emotional regulation, communication, trust-building, and boundary-setting.
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Addiction often stems from deep emotional wounds, trauma, unmet needs, and broken relationships. Traditional therapies can address these challenges intellectually, but equine therapy for addiction adds a physical and emotional layer to the healing process. A 2023 study showed that equine-assisted therapy significantly improved emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning in individuals with substance use disorders.
Horses are highly attuned to their environment and pick up on nonverbal cues. They don’t lie, judge, or pretend. That means clients receive immediate, honest feedback from their equine partner, helping them become more aware of their emotional patterns, how they relate to others, and what triggers certain behaviors.
Some unique benefits of equine therapy include:
Emotional awareness – Clients begin to recognize their feelings as they arise, often more clearly than in a therapy room.
Stress and anxiety reduction – Simply being around horses has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
Building trust and empathy – Horses require calmness, patience, and respect, mirroring healthy human relationships.
Improved self-esteem – As clients master small tasks like haltering or brushing a horse, they begin to rebuild confidence and a sense of competence.
Enhanced nonverbal communication – Clients learn to become more mindful of their body language and the energy they bring into interactions.
While equine therapy can be helpful for nearly anyone in recovery, it’s especially effective for people who:
It’s also beneficial for those in early recovery who need to rebuild structure and confidence after months or years of substance use. We also serve individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders (dual diagnosis) and tailor equine therapy sessions to support both addiction and mental health goals simultaneously.
At Southeastern Recovery Center, we don’t offer one-size-fits-all treatment. Every person who walks through our doors has a different story, a different history, and a different path to healing. That’s why we customize every care plan, blending evidence-based therapies with holistic services—including equine therapy for addiction treatment.
These complementary services help individuals work through the underlying issues that fuel addiction while building healthy coping skills that last.
We believe that effective, compassionate treatment should be accessible. Equine therapy for addiction treatment is available as part of many of our customized programs at Southeastern Recovery Center, and we offer several payment options to make this possible for more people.
Insurance Coverage – Many major insurance providers now recognize the value of alternative therapies, especially when they are part of a licensed addiction treatment program. Depending on your plan, your insurance may cover some or all of the costs associated with equine therapy.
Self-Pay Options – If you don’t have insurance or prefer not to use it, we offer straightforward self-pay rates and the ability to customize your treatment length based on your needs and budget.
Financing Plans – To ease the financial burden, Southeastern Recovery Center partners with reputable healthcare financing services that offer flexible payment plans. This allows you to begin treatment without delay and pay over time in manageable installments.
Your equine therapy experience will vary depending on your goals and comfort level, but typical sessions include:
Meeting and observing the horse
Learning how to safely interact and communicate
Participating in guided tasks such as grooming or leading
Reflecting with your therapist on what happened during the session
Exploring how your responses mirror experiences in real life
Many clients are surprised at how much they learn—not just about the horse, but about themselves.
No experience is necessary. Most of our clients have never worked with horses before. We guide you through every interaction in a safe, supportive environment.
Not typically. Most equine therapy sessions focus on groundwork—activities like brushing, leading, and observing. While riding may be introduced in specific therapeutic scenarios, it’s not required or expected.
Yes. All sessions are supervised by trained professionals, and safety is our top priority. We choose well-trained, gentle horses for therapeutic work, and all clients are instructed on how to safely interact with them.
Absolutely. Equine therapy is especially useful for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional dysregulation in addition to addiction. Our dual diagnosis care team ensures that your mental health and substance use concerns are addressed together.
Sessions typically run for 45 to 60 minutes, and many clients attend once or twice per week during treatment. The duration will depend on your care plan and individual goals.
At Southeastern Recovery Center, we’re here to guide you through that healing process. If you’re ready to experience the power of equine therapy for addiction, reach out to us today. We’ll help you find the right treatment plan, verify your insurance, and take the first step toward a brighter, more grounded future.
Call us or complete our online form to speak with an admissions specialist. Healing is possible—and it can begin with the gentle presence of a horse.