In the face of an escalating mental health crisis among children, an innovative therapeutic approach is emerging from the vast open landscapes of Australia. Equine-assisted therapy (EAT), which involves structured interactions with horses under the guidance of trained health practitioners and equine specialists, is demonstrating significant promise in addressing psychological distress among young populations. This pioneering intervention, explored through the lens of social work and mental health practice, has captured the attention of researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA), who recently published their findings in the Journal of Social Work Practice.
Mental health challenges among children have been steadily rising, compounded by systemic barriers such as long waits for counseling services and the limited effectiveness of conventional psychological therapies for some individuals. Traditional clinical environments, often confined to closed rooms and sterile settings, can inadvertently heighten anxiety or resistance in children. In contrast, equine-assisted therapy leverages the natural, dynamic environment and the unique behavioral attributes of horses to create therapeutic experiences that foster emotional openness and resilience.
The UniSA research team conducted a qualitative survey involving ten social workers and mental health practitioners engaged in delivering equine-assisted interventions (EAI) to children. These professionals shared rich, lived experiences that illustrate how horses serve not merely as passive companions but as active participants in mental health care. The researchers emphasize that the sensitivity of horses to human emotional states and body language enables a form of non-verbal communication and emotional mirroring that often catalyzes therapeutic breakthroughs.
At the core of EAI’s efficacy lies the horse’s capacity to perceive and react empathetically to subtle cues, allowing children to witness their own emotions reflected without judgment. This phenomenon creates a safe emotional container, a critical condition often absent in traditional therapeutic encounters. Participants in the study reported that children frequently experience a palpable shift — feelings of safety and calm descend, enabling them to engage authentically and begin to articulate thoughts and feelings previously locked behind defensive barriers.
The sensory-rich environments where EAI sessions occur further enhance these therapeutic outcomes. Typically conducted in natural paddocks surrounded by greenery and wildlife, these settings provide children with a grounding experience, reconnecting them with nature. Activities such as walking barefoot in sand, observing wildlife tracks, or simply standing quietly alongside a horse facilitate mindfulness and a heightened awareness of the present moment, promoting emotional regulation and mental clarity.
Importantly, equine-assisted therapy extends benefits beyond immediate mental health improvements. Children involved in these interventions often develop broader psychosocial skills — increased confidence, enhanced communication ability, and greater emotional resilience. The multisensory, relational nature of the therapy supports these gains, reinforcing children’s capacity to form healthy attachments and cope with adversity.
The therapy’s impact is especially profound for children with trauma histories or those engaged with child protection services. According to senior UniSA researcher Dr. Fatin Shabbar, the EAI process often sparks emotional breakthroughs where conventional therapies have faltered. These breakthrough moments manifest as deep bonds formed between child and horse, enabling access to healing pathways that are difficult to penetrate through conventional clinical means.
Yet, this emerging field faces significant challenges. Despite growing interest and anecdotal success, equine-assisted therapy is far from universally accessible. The costs associated with equine care and the maintenance of rural therapy sites make sessions financially prohibitive for many families unless subsidized by government programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or child protection agencies. This financial barrier restricts the therapy’s reach, limiting its potential impact on the child mental health epidemic.
Equally concerning is the current lack of regulatory frameworks governing EAI in Australia. Dr. Shabbar warns that without standardized ethical guidelines and requisite practitioner qualifications, services risk being offered by inadequately trained individuals. Such lapses not only endanger the safety and well-being of vulnerable children but also place stress on the horses involved, undermining the therapy’s integrity and ethical foundation.
The professional community is called upon to respond. Researchers urge organizations such as the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) to spearhead efforts to formalize EAI protocols, establish credentialing standards, and advocate for the integration of equine-assisted interventions into mainstream therapeutic offerings. Formal recognition would not only elevate practitioner professionalism but also support the acquisition of funding and the expansion of accessible services.
The research led by UniSA graduate Morgyn Stacy, as an Honours project, underscores the necessity of innovative therapeutic models that resonate with the realities faced by today’s children. Stacy highlights that traditional talking therapies, while valuable, are not universally effective — particularly for younger clients who may find clinical environments intimidating or alienating. EAI’s outdoor, experiential nature offers a compelling alternative that meets children where they are, both physically and emotionally.
As the evidence base for equine-assisted therapy strengthens, the dialogue surrounding its implementation becomes increasingly urgent. The combination of animal sensitivity, natural environments, and skilled practitioners creates a multi-layered therapeutic experience uniquely suited to addressing complex emotional and psychological needs. The study encapsulates a transformative approach to child mental health, one that marries evidence-based practice with the timeless human-animal bond.
In summary, equine-assisted therapy emerges as a promising frontier in mental health care for children, offering a potent blend of environmental, relational, and psychological interventions. Its pathways to healing are rooted in the embodied, in-the-moment interactions between horse and child, set against the healing backdrop of nature. For this approach to realize its full potential and serve more children in need, systemic support in regulation, funding, and professional guidance is imperative. This research acts as a clarion call for the mental health field to broaden its scope and embrace the power of the horse-human relationship as a catalyst for emotional recovery and growth.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Healing in relationships, the power of equine-assisted mental health interventions
News Publication Date: 13-May-2025
Web References:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02650533.2025.2495741?src=exp-la#abstract
References:
Stacy, M., & Shabbar, F. (2025). Healing in relationships, the power of equine-assisted mental health interventions. Journal of Social Work Practice. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2025.2495741
Keywords:
Mental health, Psychological science, Social research, Children
