Equine Therapy at The Fullbrook Center
Healing Through Connection, Presence, and the Wisdom of Horses
At The Fullbrook Center, we believe that healing doesn’t always happen in the therapist’s chair. Sometimes, it happens outdoors—where words are unnecessary, and presence is everything. That’s the transformative power of equine therapy.
Our equine assisted therapy program invites women to engage in a therapeutic relationship not just with a mental health professional, but also with one of the most intuitive partners in healing: the horse. In these moments, something sacred unfolds. Women begin to reconnect with their instincts, build trust in relationships, and experience safety in their bodies again—often for the first time in years.
What Is Equine Assisted Therapy?
Equine assisted therapy, also known as horse therapy or equine assisted psychotherapy, is a form of experiential mental health treatment that incorporates interaction with horses to support emotional growth, trauma processing, and behavioral change. Unlike therapeutic riding, which focuses on physical mobility, our program is grounded in emotional and relational healing.
Under the guidance of a licensed mental health professional and a certified equine specialist, women participate in structured sessions that may include grooming, leading, observing, or simply being near the horses. The work doesn’t require riding horses—in fact, most of the healing happens on the ground, where body language, energy, and relational patterns take center stage.
Why Horses?
Horses are deeply sensitive animals. They read emotional cues, mirror nervous system states, and respond honestly to the energy we bring into a space. For women navigating post traumatic stress disorder, substance use, or other mental health conditions, these animals provide an unspoken invitation to show up as they are—with no need to explain or justify.
The moment a woman approaches a horse and begins to regulate her breathing, quiet her nervous system, and shift into presence, the horse responds. These subtle yet profound interactions are often where we see major change in our clients. This is where self-esteem, confidence, and new relational patterns begin to take root.
Equine Therapy for Trauma and PTSD Symptoms
Many of the women who come to The Fullbrook Center are carrying the weight of traumatic experiences, unresolved pain, or lifelong struggles with traumatic stress disorder. For them, talk therapy alone may not be enough. That’s where equine assisted services come in—offering a pathway to healing that engages the whole body, not just the mind.
Equine therapy has shown promising outcomes in reducing PTSD symptoms, improving emotional regulation, and restoring a woman’s sense of agency. As part of a holistic trauma treatment plan, it helps clients:
Rebuild trust in self and others
Develop boundaries and emotional awareness
Practice vulnerability in a safe, non-judgmental environment
Increase body awareness and nervous system regulation
Heal attachment wounds through relational repair
These are not small wins. For many women, they are major healing milestones—ones that ripple into their relationships, their recovery, and their ability to be the women they’ve always wanted to be.
Who Can Benefit from Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
Our equine assisted growth model supports women with a wide range of challenges, including:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Substance use disorders
Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and dissociation
Attachment trauma and complex relational histories
Emotional regulation difficulties
Low self-esteem or a fractured sense of self
Disconnection from body or emotion
No prior experience with horses is necessary. The only requirement is a willingness to engage, to listen, and to let the process unfold at your own pace.
The Fullbrook Equine Experience
On the lush property of The Fullbrook Center, surrounded by nature and supported by a compassionate team, women are invited to do something different. To leave behind the noise, the clinical walls, and the pressure to “perform” recovery—and instead, to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the horses guide them back to themselves.
We work closely with certified equine specialists and licensed therapists to ensure that every equine therapy session is clinically sound, emotionally and physically safe, and deeply respectful of each woman’s unique story. We believe that equine related treatments, when integrated into a trauma-focused model, offer a healing opportunity that is both grounding and transformational.
A Bridge Between Presence and Healing
In our work, we often say: the only way out is through. And sometimes, going through means standing in the stillness with an animal who sees past your defenses and offers you presence, connection, and peace.
If you’ve struggled with emotional support, hypervigilance, or relational distrust, equine therapy can help you rewrite those patterns—not just cognitively, but somatically. This is therapy that meets you where words have failed and gently leads you forward.
If you or someone you love is seeking a powerful, embodied path to recovery, contact The Fullbrook Center today to learn how Equine Assisted Therapy can support your healing.
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FAQs About Equine Therapy
Is equine therapy the same as occupational therapy?
While both can support healing, equine therapy is distinct from occupational therapy. However, elements of occupational therapy may overlap when equine activities are used to enhance coordination, motor planning, or emotional regulation within a trauma treatment context.
Does equine therapy involve horseback riding?
Not always. While some forms of therapeutic horseback riding include horseback riding, the equine therapy offered at The Fullbrook Center focuses on emotional healing, trust-building, and trauma recovery—not riding.
Is equine therapy backed by clinical psychology?
Yes, equine therapy is supported by principles in clinical psychology and used as part of a trauma-focused approach. It integrates somatic and relational healing within a structured clinical practice, often led by licensed mental health professionals and equine specialists.
Is equine therapy a type of animal assisted therapy?
Yes, equine assisted therapy falls under the umbrella of animal assisted therapy. Horses are used specifically for their sensitivity and ability to mirror human emotion, offering deep opportunities for connection and growth in therapeutic relationships.
What is therapeutic horseback riding, and is it part of The Fullbrook Center's program?
Therapeutic horseback riding generally focuses on physical rehabilitation and coordination. While it has benefits, The Fullbrook Center’s equine therapy is not about riding—it is about presence, healing, and emotional awareness through ground-based interaction with horses.
Are equine therapy sessions conducted in traditional therapeutic settings?
No, equine therapy atThe Fullbrook Center takes place outside of traditional therapeutic settings, offering a more open and natural environment. The outdoor space becomes the session room—an ideal space for grounding, regulation, and emotional discovery.
Is there a professional association that supports equine therapy?
Yes, several professional associations support equine assisted therapy, including PATH International and The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). These organizations uphold ethical standards and training requirements for practitioners.
Can equine therapy be part of a clinical practice?
Absolutely. At The Fullbrook Center, equine therapy is integrated into a broader clinical practice of trauma-focused care, led by licensed therapists and certified equine professionals working in tandem.
Can women with physical limitations still participate in equine therapy?
Yes, equine therapy is inclusive and adaptable. Women with physical limitations can still benefit from the emotional and relational aspects of working with horses without needing to ride or perform strenuous activities.
