Establishing Evidence-Based Practices in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

As Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) gains popularity, it faces a crucial crossroads: how to evolve from promising pilot programs into rigorously validated, evidence-based practice. Early clinical observations highlight EAP’s potential—improvements in emotional regulation, social skills, and cognitive flexibility—but the field still grapples with inconsistent definitions, varied protocols, and uneven research methods. To earn a solid place alongside established therapeutic modalities, EAP must embrace standardization, robust study designs, and clear conceptual frameworks.

Standardizing Terminology and Protocols

One of the first steps toward evidence-based EAP is creating consensus around key terms and intervention guidelines. Today, what one center calls “therapeutic riding” may differ significantly from another’s protocol—even when both operate under the same certification. Without uniform definitions of “Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy,” “Equine-Assisted Activities,” and related terms, researchers struggle to compare outcomes or replicate studies. Standardizing intervention manuals, specifying therapist qualifications, and outlining consistent session formats will allow for clearer communication among practitioners and more reliable aggregation of data across programs.

Clarifying the Horse’s Role

To align with professional standards in mental health, EAP research must conceptualize the horse as a therapeutic tool guided by a licensed clinician, rather than as an autonomous “magical” healer. This distinction emphasizes that clinical change arises from therapist-led, horse-facilitated interventions—integrating somatic, cognitive, and relational techniques. By framing the horse’s presence as a deliberate modality within a clinician’s skill set, studies can better isolate which elements of the intervention drive client progress and ensure ethical practice.

Gathering Rigorous Empirical Evidence

Preliminary studies report that clients in EAP exhibit higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and improved social support–seeking behaviors. Youth participants show marked gains in relational skills, while adults often demonstrate reductions in trauma symptoms and stress markers. However, many of these studies rely on small samples, lack control groups, or include heterogeneous populations—factors that weaken causal claims. Controlled trials, like the one comparing EAP to traditional therapy in youth, set a valuable precedent; more such randomized studies are needed to confirm EAP’s efficacy and identify which client profiles benefit most.

Overcoming Methodological Challenges

Researchers in EAP confront unique obstacles: limited access to funding for large-scale trials, logistical complexities of involving animals, and difficulty blinding participants to treatment conditions. To counter these issues, multi-center collaborations can pool resources and client cohorts, increasing statistical power. Utilizing mixed-methods designs—combining quantitative measures (e.g., standardized emotion regulation scales, heart rate variability) with qualitative interviews—provides a richer understanding of both measurable change and client experience. Longitudinal follow-ups will help determine whether gains persist months or years after therapy ends.

Investing in Professional Training

High-quality research and practice depend on well-trained clinicians. Currently, few graduate programs or continuing-education courses offer specialized training in EAP’s theoretical underpinnings and practical skills. Expanding professional development—through accredited workshops, supervised practicums, and interdisciplinary certification—will equip therapists to design, implement, and evaluate body-centered EAP interventions. As the field matures, cultivating a community of practice around shared standards will support both clinical excellence and ethical accountability.

Exploring Mechanisms of Change

Beyond demonstrating that EAP works, the field must uncover how it works. Hypothesized mechanisms include somatic regulation—where rhythmic horse movement anchors attention and calms the nervous system—and the corrective attachment experience provided by a responsive animal partner. Neurobiological studies may explore changes in brain regions associated with emotion and executive function, while psychophysiological research can track shifts in cortisol or oxytocin levels during sessions. Identifying these pathways will guide more targeted interventions and strengthen the scientific foundation of EAP.

Conclusion

Transforming EAP into an evidence-based practice is an ambitious but achievable goal. By standardizing terminology and protocols, clarifying the therapist’s role, pursuing rigorous empirical research, investing in specialized training, and investigating underlying mechanisms, the field can offer safe, effective, and ethically sound care. As EAP integrates seamlessly into the broader mental health landscape, individuals who have not found relief in traditional approaches will gain access to a powerful, body-centered path toward lasting change.