Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a form of mental health treatment where licensed therapists work with clients alongside horses to support emotional, behavioral, and psychological health and well-being.

Many people describe EFP settings as:

• calmer and less clinical than an office
• more experiential and active
• emotionally intense at times
• focused on awareness rather than “performing correctly”

EFP may help a wide range of people, especially those who struggle with traditional talk therapy or who benefit from experiential, hands-on approaches.

It can be especially useful for people who:

• have trouble expressing feelings verbally
• feel “stuck” in conventional therapy
• respond well to movement, nature, or experiential learning
• are highly sensitive to nonverbal interaction

At Equine Presence we welcome offer an initial 15-minute consultation to discuss if EFP can be helpful for you and require a full intake session prior to engaging in EFP.

We find interacting with horses can make emotions, communication styles, and relationship patterns more visible in real time.

Examples of potential benefits:

• improved emotional regulation
• increased self-awareness
• better boundaries and communication
• confidence and self-esteem
• reduced anxiety in some people
• stronger sense of connection or trust
• engagement for clients who dislike office-based therapy

Research suggests some people experience meaningful benefits, but outcomes vary and the scientific evidence is still developing. It is generally considered a complementary therapy rather than a guaranteed treatment.

EFP is not ideal for everyone. It may be less appropriate or require extra caution for people with:

• severe animal phobias (especially to horses)
• active psychosis
• uncontrolled violent behavior
• environmental allergies
• severe allergies to horses/hay that cannot be managed with medication
• mobility limitations or balance problems
• major physical instability
• acute psychiatric crisis needing intensive care
• past traumatic experiences with animals

Please ensure to disclose any of these considerations to your therapist in the intake session. We will adjust activities accordingly or tell you if EFP is not a good fit.

A typical Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy session usually combines traditional therapeutic conversation with structured interaction with a horse.

Sessions vary, but they often look something like this:

1. Check-in and safety discussion.

2. Choosing a location.

3. Inviting the horse to partake, if desired. Interactions happen on the ground. Common activities include:

• grooming the horse
• leading the horse through an arena
• approaching or haltering the horse
• obstacle or teamwork exercises
• simply observing the horse’s reactions

3. Reflection and processing during encounter

4. Closing the session. There are times you may desire to:

• discuss what was learned
• identify emotional takeaways
• plan coping strategies or goals before the next session

Yes. And…

Working with horses always involves some inherent risk because horses are large, powerful prey animals with fast reflexes and unpredictable reactions, even when well-trained and calm.

Even a calm horse can cause injury unintentionally just by moving. They are large, prey animals that are wired to react quickly with fight or flight. They are biologically wired to react quickly to perceived threats.

Risks include, but not limited to:

• being stepped on
• being pushed
• rope burns or being pulled off balace
• entanglement with lead ropes or tack
• pulling away forcefully
• being startled by sudden horse movement
• kicking or biting, less often, but can happen if the horse feels threatened

There are also environmental risks:

• uneven or slippery footing (ice, mud, sand, etc.)
• equipment (gates, halters, buckets, tack, etc.)
• manure or wet surfaces
• dust and allergens (hay, mold, dust mites, etc.)

Good programs reduce these risks by:

• matching clients with suitable horses
• using trained horses
• having clear safety rules
• supervising closely
• using helmets
• avoiding unsafe activities

YES. Many people do EFP while also seeing a regular therapist, and in many cases that can work very well.

EFP is can be used as:

• a complementary therapy
• a short-term adjunct
• an experiential addition to office-based therapy

In fact, for some clients, that combination is more effective and emotionally manageable than relying on EFP alone. With office therapy helping with insight and verbal processing and EFP helping with experiential/emotional awareness. The two can complement each other.

Both services can be provided by Dr. Paul at Equine Presence or the traditional sessions with Dr. Paul can be provided in-person in Edmonton, Alberta or virtually.

If you have another provider, as long as the providers know about each other coordination of services can be accomplished to ensure consistency in approaches, avoiding duplicating work and treatment goal fidelity.

No. You do not require any horse-riding experience at all. In fact, sessions involve no riding whatsoever. EFP at Equine Presence is done entirely on the ground.

The horse is a partner in the therapeutic process not a riding animal.

A good program will adjust activities accordingly or tell you if it’s not a good fit. Some people actually benefit from starting with no horse background because their reactions and interactions are more natural and easier to explore therapeutically.

Generally services are adapted to a person’s comfort and experience level. Therapists and/or equine specialists will teach:

• how to approach a horse safely
• basic handling
• body positioning
• safety rules

Yes — clients can use their own horse if:

• the horse is safe and manageable
• the horse is physically healthy
• vaccinations and veterinary records are current

Using your own horse can sometimes deepen the therapeutic work because:

• you already have an emotional bond
• existing relationship patterns may emerge naturally
• the therapist can work with real-life challenges in the horse-human relationship

When using your own horse the relationship with your own horse is the treatment, especially for riders, competitors, or people recovering from riding-related trauma. For example, therapy may address:

• trust issues
• anxiety transfer between horse and rider
• boundaries and consistency
• grief or attachment
• confidence and communication

But there can also be downsides:

• existing relational emotional injuries may complicate therapy
• unsafe or reactive horses can increase risk
• it may be harder to be present in a new way

If you’re considering it, a provider will usually want to assess:

• the horse’s behavior
• your experience level
• whether the horse is appropriate for therapeutic goals

Yes. Being a recreational rider can actually give you some advantages in EFP because you already understand basic horse behavior and may feel more comfortable in the environment.

Riders sometimes discover that the way they interact with horses reflects broader patterns in life. For example:

• over-controlling behavior
• difficulty asserting themselves
• fear of making mistakes
• emotional tension affecting communication
• burnout or performance anxiety

A therapist may use your existing horse knowledge to explore these patterns more quickly than with a total beginner.

Some riders seek EFP for:

• rebuilding confidence after falls or accidents
• fear while riding despite technical skill
• grief after losing a horse
• stress from competition environments
• emotional regulation
• identity issues tied to riding or horse ownership

Because you already know how horses respond to subtle cues, you may notice nuanced emotional feedback from the horse that beginners miss.

That said, experienced riders sometimes need to consciously shift out of “trainer mode.” EFP is not about:

• improving riding technique
• correcting horsemanship skills
• achieving performance goals

Instead, it focuses on the relationship and associated psychological and emotional processes.

Some recreational riders initially find it strange because:

• the pace is slower
• the emphasis is on self-awareness rather than riding success
• there is no mounted work

But many riders end up finding it surprisingly meaningful precisely because horses are already emotionally important to them.

Yes. EFP can potentially be very useful for equestrian coaches, especially because coaching involves emotional regulation, communication, leadership, boundaries, and relationship dynamics — all areas that horses tend to reflect clearly.

For coaches, EFP is less about learning horse skills and more about examining:

• leadership style
• communication patterns
• emotional reactions under stress
• confidence and authority
• empathy and attunement
• control versus collaboration
• burnout and pressure

A coach may benefit by becoming more aware of how their emotional state affects:

• students
• horses
• barn atmosphere
• conflict situations

Examples of issues EFP might help with:

• frustration or anger management
• difficulty giving feedback
• perfectionism
• anxiety around performance or business pressure
• conflict with clients or riders
• over-identification with competitive success
• compassion fatigue
• rebuilding confidence after accidents or setbacks

Because horses respond strongly to tension, inconsistency, and nonverbal communication, coaches sometimes gain immediate feedback about how they present themselves emotionally.

For example:

• a horse may resist when someone becomes overly forceful
• a horse may respond more willingly when communication becomes clearer and calmer

That can create insight into coaching habits that also affect human students.

Some coaches also use EFP-style principles informally in their own teaching by emphasizing:

• emotional awareness
• nervous system regulation
• partnership over domination
• body language and presence

However, EFP is not a substitute for:

• coaching certification
• sports psychology training
• trauma treatment
• business or management training

It tends to work best as a reflective or therapeutic process rather than a technical coaching tool.

For equestrian professionals specifically, it may be especially valuable because horses are already central to their identity and daily emotional life.

Possibly — but a severe animal fear or phobia changes how appropriate EFP may be for you.

A mild nervousness around horses is common and often manageable. A severe fear is different. Since horses are large, unpredictable animals, forcing exposure too quickly can become overwhelming rather than therapeutic.

Whether EFP could help depends on:

• how intense the fear is
• whether the fear is specifically about horses or animals generally
• whether the fear causes panic, dissociation, or shutdown
• your therapy goals

In some cases, carefully structured EFP can actually help people gradually build comfort and confidence around animals through very controlled exposure. We would move slowly, possibly starting with:

• observing horses from a distance
• observing horse behavior without touching them
• spending time near calm horses
• practicing grounding and nervous-system regulation

You would not normally be expected to immediately handle a horse.

However, if your fear is severe enough that being near animals causes intense panic or distress, we recommend starting with conventional therapy first. EFP could potentially come later if appropriate.

It’s okay if EFP simply is not the right modality for you. Therapy works best when the environment feels challenging but still emotionally manageable and physically safe.

The Equine Presence View of the Horse

Within Equine Presence, the horse is understood first and foremost as a relational being.

The horse is not viewed as a therapeutic tool, technique, or intervention, but as a living participant in an authentic horse-human encounter. Like humans, horses experience the world through their own unique Umwelt—their own way of perceiving, interpreting, and responding to their environment. They bring their own presence, history, preferences, sensitivities, and ways of being into relationship.

Through authentic interaction, horses invite opportunities for awareness, reflection, and discovery. Their responsiveness to the immediacy of a moment can make relational processes visible, tangible, and experienced rather than merely discussed. In this way, horses help transform abstract concepts such as presence, essence, authenticity, and connection into lived experience.

The transformative potential of Equine Presence does not arise from the horse acting upon the human, nor from the human acting upon the horse. Rather, it emerges through the relational space created when two beings meet authentically in the here-and-now.

Animal Sentience refers to an animal’s ability to have subjective experiences — to feel, perceive, and experience aspects of the world rather than merely react automatically.

So Horse sentience means horses are capable of things like:

• feeling pain and pleasure
• experiencing fear, stress, comfort, and possibly forms of joy
• forming social bonds
• recognizing individuals
• learning and remembering
• reacting emotionally to their environment

Research suggests horses are cognitively and emotionally complex animals. Studies have shown they can:

• recognize human facial expressions and emotional tone
• remember people and experiences
• communicate through body language and vocalization
• experience stress from social isolation or harsh treatment
• display preference and avoidance behaviors

Horses are also highly social herd animals. In natural settings, they rely heavily on:

• social relationships
• nonverbal communication
• environmental awareness

However, “sentience” does not mean horses think exactly like humans or possess human-style reasoning. Scientists generally distinguish:

• sentience (capacity for subjective experience)
  from
• human-like self-awareness or abstract reasoning

Modern animal welfare science increasingly treats horses as emotionally and psychologically complex beings rather than simple instinct-driven animals.

No referral is necessary. Simply contact Equine Presence to express your interest. Email is the best mode of contact.

Come rain or come shine; we proceed. There are sheltered areas if needed.

Yes. Dr. Paul is a Ph.D. level Registered Psychologist in Alberta and offers direct billing to your insurer. Please contact your insurer for questions regarding your specific policy.

Please note psychologist services are not covered under basic Alberta Health Care.

YES.

For a Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy session, the goal is usually to dress for:

• safety (sturdy closed-toe boots or shoes with a good grip)
• comfort (clothes you can move in)
• weather (dress with layers, gloves in cold weather, hat/toque depending on season, waterproof layer, etc.)
• long sleeves if bugs or sun are an issue
• being around horses and barn environments (i.e., clothes you don’t mind getting dirty)

You do not need traditional riding clothes. But bug spray and sunscreen are essential in the summer months.

In Alberta especially, conditions can change quickly, so consider:

• waterproof layers
• gloves in cold weather
• sunscreen
• hat/toque depending on season

No. EFP is a highly personal experience and having additional attendees (even at a distance) shifts the herd.

No. It is important for biosecurity and safety that no outside animals be brought onto Equine Presence.

Equine Presence in 52 minutes (87 km) from Anthony Henday and Highway 16 (Trans-Canada Highway).

Directions:

Drive west on Highway 16. Turn right onto AB-765 (signs for Alberta 765 N/Darwell). At stop sign (approximately 9.5 kms) turn left on AB-633 W. Proceed for 13 km. Turn right onto Range Road 61. Turn left onto Range Road 62. Proceed to the end of the road. Equine Presence is on your right (AFTER the house with –that is our neighbour).

You should tell the provider if you have:

• severe fear of horses
• allergies
• mobility limitations
• balance problems
• past traumatic experiences with animals

We can adjust activities accordingly or tell you if it’s not a good fit.

Yes. All forms will be sent to you once you book your first appointment. Just reach out and we’ll get you started.

Equine Presence requires an Alberta Equestrian Federation (AEF membership). The Alberta Equestrian Federation promotes safety rules and best practices, including:

• helmet use
• facility safety guidelines
• instructor expectations
• emergency preparedness

Requiring membership helps barns show they operate within a recognized safety framework.

AEF membership is about insurance and safety, not skill level. You don’t need to be an experienced rider. Horses are inherently risky (falls, kicks, unpredictable behavior). Membership helps ensure:

• legal and insurance protection is in place
• participants have acknowledged risk
• coverage exists for structured activities

AEF membership provides access to:

• personal accident insurance for participants
• third-party liability coverage (if someone is injured or property is damaged)
• coverage during approved equestrian activities

EFP is not ideal for everyone. It may be less appropriate or require extra caution for people with:

• severe animal phobias (especially horses)
• active psychosis
• uncontrolled violent behavior
• environmental allergies
• severe allergies to horses/hay
• mobility limitations or balance problems
• major physical instability around large animals
• acute psychiatric crisis needing intensive care
• past traumatic experiences with animals

Please ensure to disclose any of these considerations to your therapist in the intake session. We will adjust activities accordingly or tell you if EFP is not a good fit.

Research suggests some people experience meaningful benefits, but outcomes vary and the scientific evidence is still developing. It is generally considered a complementary therapy rather than a guaranteed treatment. Studies on EFP generally suggest possible benefits, such as:

• reduced psychological distress
• improved emotion regulation
• increased self-efficacy and trust
• improved quality of life

But:

• most studies are observational or small
• many lack strong control groups
• causation is not firmly established

👉 So we can say: EFP has promising but not definitive evidence overall.

👉 A key factor is the quality of the program and whether it’s led by qualified mental health professionals and trained equine specialists.

EFP = Mental health treatment WHEREAS EAL = Skills, growth, and learning

EFP is:

• psychotherapy/psychology services
• clinically focused
• led by a licensed mental health professional
• can treat emotional or psychological issues

EAL is:

• educational or developmental
• usually not psychotherapy
• often led by coaches, educators, facilitators, or equine specialists
• focused on learning, leadership, or personal development

YES. The role of the horse is conceptually different.