Experience the Healing Power of Horses Through Equine-Assisted Therapy

At Annandale Behavioral Health, we believe that true healing involves caring for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we’re proud to offer equine-assisted therapy treatment, which is an evidence-based, experiential therapy that allows clients to connect with horses in a calm, supportive environment.

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or horse therapy, is a therapeutic approach that uses guided interactions between individuals and horses to promote emotional growth, mental clarity, and behavioral change. Unlike horseback riding lessons, equine therapy focuses on non-riding activities such as grooming, feeding, leading, or simply observing the horse’s behavior — all under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals and trained equine specialists.

This unique form of therapy helps people develop self-awareness, regulate emotions, build confidence, and improve communication skills. Horses are highly intuitive animals that respond to human emotions with honesty and sensitivity. Their natural feedback helps individuals identify internal struggles, practice mindfulness, and build healthy emotional responses.

At Annandale, our equine-assisted therapy program complements traditional modalities such as One-to-One Therapy, Group Psychotherapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

This integration ensures that clients benefit from both clinical structure and experiential healing, creating a more balanced and sustainable recovery experience.

What Makes Equine Therapy Effective?

Equine-assisted therapy is a powerful tool because it engages clients in hands-on, experiential learning that cultivates mindfulness, patience, and emotional awareness. Interacting with horses provides immediate feedback, helping individuals recognize and navigate their emotional responses in real time. Through structured exercises, clients can practice trust, empathy, and healthy communication — skills that naturally carry over into personal relationships, work, and daily life.

Whether someone is seeking support for addiction recovery, processing trauma, or addressing mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression, equine therapy offers a grounded, non-judgmental environment for self-reflection, emotional regulation, and personal growth. The calm presence of horses encourages clients to slow down, focus on the present moment, and explore feelings safely, making this approach both therapeutic and transformative.

How Equine Therapy Supports Mental Health and Recovery

Equine-assisted therapy provides meaningful benefits for individuals facing emotional, behavioral, and substance-related challenges. The unique bond formed with horses encourages clients to:

• Cultivate emotional awareness, patience, and trust
• Build self-confidence and a sense of personal accomplishment
• Enhance communication skills and establish healthy boundaries
• Reduce anxiety, depressive symptoms, and trauma-related stress
• Practice mindfulness and achieve stress relief through time in nature

For those recovering from substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioid, or cannabis addiction, equine therapy often serves as a complementary experience to traditional treatment. Working with horses can trigger emotional breakthroughs, reinforce coping strategies, and support long-term recovery. Many clients report that these sessions deepen their understanding of themselves, strengthen resilience, and make them feel more connected to the healing process.

Who Can Benefit from Equine-Assisted Therapy?

Equine therapy is suitable for adults who are engaged in residential or outpatient treatment and are seeking new ways to process emotions, manage stress, and reconnect with themselves. It is especially effective for those who:

• Are experiencing depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
• Have a history of trauma or are working through co-occurring disorders
• Are in recovery from substance use or detoxification
• Struggle with interpersonal relationships or emotional expression
• Respond best to experiential and mindfulness-based therapies

What to Expect During an Equine Therapy Session

Each equine therapy session is guided by a licensed therapist and an equine professional who ensures safety, structure, and therapeutic engagement. A typical session may include:

1. Grounding and Goal-Setting – The therapist and client set intentions for the session based on treatment goals.
2. Hands-On Interaction – Activities such as grooming, leading, or working alongside the horse provide insights into trust, patience, and emotional regulation.
3. Reflection and Discussion – Clients process their experience with the therapist, drawing parallels between their interactions with the horse and their relationships or emotional patterns.

Sessions are designed to be non-riding, ensuring accessibility and comfort for individuals at any experience level. Through these guided activities, clients experience meaningful progress that complements their ongoing therapy and recovery journey.

Equine Therapy in Pasadena: A Calming Environment for Growth

Located near Pasadena, our serene environment provides an ideal setting for equine-assisted therapy. This peaceful atmosphere encourages reflection, mindfulness, and connection with nature — all essential elements in mental health and addiction recovery.

By incorporating equine therapy into our Residential Program or Substance Abuse Treatment and Stabilization Program, clients gain access to a well-rounded, evidence-based treatment approach designed for long-term success.

Integrating Equine Therapy with Your Treatment Plan

At Annandale Behavioral Health, equine-assisted therapy is not a standalone treatment but part of a comprehensive, personalized plan that may include:

• Medical Treatment
• Group Psychotherapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Trauma-Informed Therapy
• Art and Music Therapy

Our integrated care model ensures that each therapeutic experience builds upon the next, creating sustainable progress and lasting emotional resilience.

Aftercare and Continued Growth

Recovery and healing are lifelong processes. Through our Post-Treatment Support Program, clients can continue developing the skills learned in equine therapy and maintain emotional balance beyond treatment. Regular engagement with therapeutic practices — including mindfulness, creative expression, and nature-based therapy — helps prevent relapse and supports overall well-being.

Find Equine Therapy Near You

For those searching online for “equine therapy near me”, our rehab center offers a trusted and compassionate setting for your healing journey. Our holistic approach integrates the emotional depth of equine therapy with leading clinical care to help you achieve meaningful, lasting recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our equine-assisted therapy program or to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. Let us help you reconnect, heal, and rediscover balance — one step at a time.