Carrie Rolla - Equine Therapy Powerpoint - Dr. Marlo

A Horse Is A Horse Is A
Therapist?
Using Equine Therapy As A Model For HealingUsing Equine Therapy As A Model For Healing
Presented by: Carrie RollaPresented by: Carrie Rolla
Crisis, Trauma, and Recovery - Spring 2012Crisis, Trauma, and Recovery - Spring 2012

friendship with a horse
companion.
Equine Therapy uses horses as a
part of treatment for a variety
of physical and psychological
problems. When a participant is
working hands-on with a horse
they begin to focus more on the
care of the animal than the
difficult personal issues they
are facing. As a result, the
participant can begin to feel
more at peace while developing a
friendship with a horse
companion.
The Role of An
Equine Therapist
-
Equine Therapy involves nurturing
a horse by means of grooming,
feeding, haltering, games, and
exercises. During the process of
treatment, an Equine Assisted
Psychotherapist or Equine
Assisted Learning Therapist work
alongside the participant
integrating talk therapy. Each
realm includes a horse handler.
By teaching a participant how to
work with a horse, the therapist

Why Equine Therapy?
Horses lend us the wings we lack - Unknown
Equine Therapy is a discipline used to promote both emotional
growth and healing within one’s psychotherapeutic experience.
Although there are many different types of animal assisted
therapy, horses are commonly used for their unique attributes
and nonjudgemental behaviors. Many participants involved in
Equine Therapy express the fun and enjoyment of working hands-on
with such magnificent creatures. In addition, many participants
feel as if they are not within a traditional therapy
session.Within the therapeutic setting, horses are known to
provide immediate feedback and mirror one’s physical state. By
learning to adjust one’s body language, a trusting relationship
can begin to grow between both the participant and horse.

- Over centuries the horse has been both artistically depicted and characterized
as noble, honorable, sacred, a messenger of knowledge, and a symbol of strength or
stamina.
- Equine Therapy has its roots noted almost over 2 centuries ago. Two German
physicians, Gerald Van Swieten (1700-1772) and Anton de Haen (1704-1776),
suggested horseback riding for patients with mental illness. Interestingly, both
physicians noted a reduced number of attacks of hypochondria and hysteria in their
patients.
- In 1977, a German physician, Wolfgang Heipertz, developed a model of
therapeutic riding that defined three components of healing: Medicine,
Psychological Education, and Horsemanship. In his book, “The Therapeutic Riding,
Medicine, Education, and Sports” (1977), he supports these components as reducing
physical ailments, mental disorders, and rehabilitating individuals to increase
motor control.
- In 1969, the North American Riding for the Handicap Association (NARHA)
recognized the increase of interest in the therapeutic process of riding for those
with physical disabilities. This started a national trend of providing forms of
animal therapy for those who have a range of impairments. For example, those with
physical, emotional, cognitive or social difficulties.
- Due to the popularity of this form of psychotherapy, the first non-profit
organization launched internationally in July of 1999 called the Equine Assisted
Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). This organization continues to provide
certifications in either equine psychotherapy or equine assisted learning. All
therapeutic models are built on three core elements: a team approach, solution-
focused, and the practice of their code of ethics.
References:
www.eagala.org
www.counselormagazine.com
www.great-horses.org (Germany)
www.princetonol.com

Defining The Difference Between
EAP & EAL?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy or Equine Assisted
Learning
Learning
Learning
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY-
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
integrates the use of a horse for
emotional learning aligned with
specific treatment goals.
It is a collaboration between a
Licensed Psychotherapist and a
Professional Horse Handler.
Experiential in nature and focused on
psychology rather than horseback
riding.
Participants learn about themselves
while processing feelings, behaviors,
and patterns.
EAP applies the use of non-verbal
communication, assertiveness, and
creative thinking.
EAP consists of a brief and short-term

Matter.....
Bringing Together The Natural Lesson
Of Working With Others -
Bringing Together The Natural Lesson
Of Working With Others -
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING -
Focus is on learning or
educational goals decided by
an individual or group of
participants.
Involves an individual or team
of Mental Health Professionals
as well as Professional Horse
Handlers.
Often times, participants will
use this form of therapy as a
team-building exercise. For
example, strengthening
leadership skills and
resiliency.
Offers time for reflection,
contemplation, and discussion.
Sessions are intense and
provide rapid breakthroughs in

Why Horses?
The Silent Therapists
“One session of Equine Therapy is equal to five sessions on the couch.” Dr.
Sakeada
(Retrieved From Equine Therapy For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders by Bob
Wassom)
Wassom)
Wassom)
Wassom)
Horses are honest animals which makes them especially
honest messengers.
Horses respond negatively to negative emotions.
Horses respond positively to positive emotions.
They have no ulterior motives.
A horse can provide immediate non-verbal feedback.
Horses have distinct personalities, moods, and
temperament.
When an individuals changes themselves, a horse will
respond differently.

Who Is Eligible For Equine Therapies?Equine Therapy can be provided
for those who have a range of
physical, emotional, cognitive,
and social difficulties. This
includes either residential or
outpatient treatment settings.
The following is a list of
populations in which Equine
Therapy can be extremely
beneficial:
Physical and Occupational
Therapy
Physical, Mental, Sensory, and
Emotional Conditions
Handicap, Cerebral Palsy, and
those with Special Needs
Victims of Domestic Violence,
Sexual Trauma, and Rape Crisis
Pre and Post Eating Disorder
Treatments
Gang-Intervention Programs

Assistance in Stress or Anxiety Reduction
Both Children and Adults with Autism or
Asperger’s Disorder
Mental Retardation Disorders
Children, Adolescent, Adult, and Elderly
Mental Health
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in War
Veterans
Those Who Suffer From War-Inflicted Brain
Injuries
National Veteran’s Association Members
Couples and Family Retreats for Soldiers of
War
Participants in the Families of the Fallen
Programs
Substance-Related Addiction and Recovery
Assistance
Couples or Family Therapy

Psychotherapeutic Skill Sets
And Benefits of Equine Therapy:
And Benefits of Equine Therapy:
Trust, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility
Affection, Unconditional Love, Self-Acceptance
Forgiveness, Self Control, Consistency, Clear
Communication
Anger Management, Anxiety, Stress Reduction
Eating Disorders Treatment
Improved Sensory Integration and Balance Control
Corrected Posture and Increase In Muscle Tone
Development of Fine and Large Motor Skills
Improvement In Independent Social Skills
Development of Personal Boundaries
Creative, Inspirational, and Spiritual Growth

and horse is Experiential Therapy. Experiential Therapy is not
another method of problem resolution, but it directs
participants to revisit or open doors they have previously
closed. Rather than using traditional talk therapy, this model
involves actions, movements, and mental exercises. One of the
most powerful benefits of Experiential Therapy is that a
therapist can observe a participant working on a particular
task. At this time, participants are given an opportunity to
understand and discover for themselves. As a result, through
exercises, experiences, and processing one can address any
subconscious thoughts which emerge alongside their therapist.
Once the individual identifies maladaptive behaviors, they are
provided with opportunities to restructure self-supporting ways
of thinking.
From the beginning, many theoretical approaches have applied
into Equine Therapy as well as a variety of Animal-Assisted
Therapies. The most applicable in nature to both a participant
and horse is Experiential Therapy. Experiential Therapy is not
another method of problem resolution, but it directs
participants to revisit or open doors they have previously
closed. Rather than using traditional talk therapy, this model
involves actions, movements, and mental exercises. One of the
most powerful benefits of Experiential Therapy is that a
therapist can observe a participant working on a particular
task. At this time, participants are given an opportunity to
understand and discover for themselves. As a result, through
exercises, experiences, and processing one can address any
subconscious thoughts which emerge alongside their therapist.
Once the individual identifies maladaptive behaviors, they are
provided with opportunities to restructure self-supporting ways
of thinking.
From the beginning, many theoretical approaches have applied

Defining And Conceptualizing Trauma:
A) When one is confronted with overwhelming affects that threaten it
disrupt psychic activities (Krystal).
B) A unique individual experience, associated with an event or enduring
conditions, in which the ability to integrate affective experiences become
overwhelming or threaten life and bodily integrity (Peralman & Saavkitne,
1995).
C) A unbearable situation resulting in an overwhelmed affect that is
manifested in neuroses that help prevent the traumatic situation/response.
For example, a subjective feeling of helplessness (Freud, 1894).
D) As ‘affliction of the powerless’...events that ‘overwhelm the ordinary
systems of care that give people a sense of control, connection, and
meaning’ (Herman, 1992).
Resource: (Crisis, Trauma, and Recovery Lecture Notes, Dr. Marlo, 2012).

Emotion-Focused Therapy: The Most
Applicable Model For Treating Complex
Trauma Within an Equine FacilityEFT or Emotion-Focused
Trauma Model treats a
variety of complex
stress disorders such
as PTSD, sexual, and
physical abuse.
EFT is a
scientifically-based
model which works with
specific emotions to
increase one’s ability
to adapt.
Past experiences of
maltreatment, abuse,
and complex trauma can
strongly influence
one’s belief system
and self-concept.

Emotion-Focused Model Continued...“Founded on the premise that
verbally symbolizing present
moment subjective experiences
(feelings and meanings) is the
primary source of new
information, psychological
growth, and when emotion is
activated, the healing”
(Courtois, 2009, p.299).
EFT uses standard emotion
management techniques such as
breathing, relaxation, and
present-centered exercises to
bring awareness back to an
individual.
“The initial session is
devoted to a strong emotional
bond and plan for therapy
goals” (Courtois, 2009,
p.302).
The use of a horse in the EFT
model replaces the past trauma
experiences with a renewed
connection to life and
humanity (Courtois, 2009).
133f

Approaches And Strategies Used By A
Therapist In An Emotion-Focused Model
Safety and trust to avoid a damaged alliance.
Empathetic responses and validation to one’s feelings.
Allowing a participant to manage, process, and control painful
feelings on their own time.
Practice active listening in response to a participant’s past
and current trauma experiences.
The use of verbal and directive communication.
The integration of new strategies to help one cope with
feelings of fear, avoidance, and depression.
Continual observation to mark progress and guide interventions,
if needed.

Taking The Reins -
What Does A Typical Emotion-Based
Session Look Like?
Session Look Like?
Session Look Like?
Dressing appropriately for
weather and wearing closed-toe
shoes.
Identifying goals of sessions
with Equine Therapist and Horse
Handler before treatment begins.
Individuals are asked to fully
participate in treatment and
refrain from missed/cancelled
sessions due to emotional
distress.
The first session is dedicated in
becoming acquainted with one’s
assigned horse. Time is spent:
touching, petting, talking,
grooming, haltering, and even
leading their horse. Some learn
how to feed their horse.

Taking The Reins Continued...
Pre-process: Practice safety, understand
zones, and non-verbal and verbal tones of
communication with assigned horse.
Most treatment programs range from 10-12
sessions, but the time frame is not always
predicted.
Sessions are approximately 50 - 90 minutes
long.
Costs range from $25.00 - $125.00 per session
to over $1,000.00 for an entire treatment
program. Many organizations are accept
donations and individuals must apply to
receive admission.
All sessions follow the law and ethics of
Psychotherapy including confidentiality and
HIPAA regulations.
Equine Therapy can be a billable service to
the following insurance companies: Aetna, Blue
Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicaid. Most all
veterans of war, including family members,
receive free treatment programs.
Many participants are provided with the
opportunity to come back as a volunteer
helper. This is very important for those who

What Does A Neurological, Cognitive,
And Occupational Therapy Session Look
Like?
First, goals and treatment plans are set in place. Sessions
begin with medical, educational, and social updates provided
by parent(s).
Participant is dressed in helmet, safety belt, and secured by
the team.
Participant is led to grooming area where he/she is supervised
while grooming their horse. This assists in the development of
speech, planning, and fine or gross motor skills.
Inside the arena, participants are engaged in
balance
exercises, basketball or hoop games,
singing,
sensory stimulation integration, and
verbal command practice.
The participant dismounts, hugs their
horse horse, and thanks staff.
Post-session, the therapist informs parent(s) on the progress
demonstrated

“Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD gained the attention of the United States
Department of Affairs, who has provided grants for practitioners to run equine
assisted therapy groups with returning troops from Afghanistan and Iraq.
Preliminary results are favorable, suggesting statistically significant rates of
change” (Wassom).
“The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) also evaluated
treatment of members of the Georgia National Guard where deployment averaged two
years or more. The study revealed that 100 percent of soldiers who completed
therapy had dramatically reduced stress levels” (Wassom).
** Retrieved from www.disaboom.com a leading online resource for information and
articles for those living with disabilities. Articles include topics ranging from
health and adaptations in one’s lifestyle.
.com a leading online resource for information and articles for those living with
disabilities. Articles include topics ranging from health and adaptations in
one’s lifestyle.
one’s lifestyle.
one’s lifestyle.
one’s lifestyle.
one’s lifestyle.
one’s lifestyle.
one’s lifestyle.

Resource: (2008, April 17). One In Five Iraq And Afghanistan
Veterans Suffer From PTSD Or Major Depression. Retrieved from
Science Daily
Website: http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com• Nearly 20 percent of military service members who have
returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, 300,000 in all, report
symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or major
depression.
• 19% of returning service members report that they experienced
a possible traumatic brain injury while deployed, with 7%
reporting both a probable brain injury and current PTSD or
major depression.
• Researchers estimate that PTSD and depression among returning
service members will cost the nation as much as $6.2 billion
in two years following deployment - an amount that includes
both medical care and cost for lost productivity and suicide.
• Since October 2001, about 1.6 million troops have deployed to
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with many exposed to
prolonged periods of combat-related stress or traumatic
events.

Statistics Continued....
• Rates of PTSD and major depression were highest among Army
soldiers, Marines, and those who were no longer on active
duty.
• Women, Hispanics, and enlisted personnel all were more
likely to report symptoms of PTSD and major depression, but
the single best indicator of PTSD and depression was
exposure to combat trauma during deployment.
• Just 53% of service members with PTSD or depression sought
help from a provider over the past year, and of those who
sought care, roughly half got minimal treatment.

The best thing for inside a man is
inside of a horse.
- Winston Churchill
- Winston Churchill

Research Study II
Treating Children Exposed To Intra-Family
Violence With Equine Therapy:
Resource: Schultz, P., Remick-Barlow, G., & Robbins, L. (2006). Equine-assisted
psychotherapy: A mental health promotion/intervention modality for children who have
experienced intra-family violence. Health and Social Care In The Community, 15(3) 265-271.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2524.2006.00684.x
Case Study:
Substantial numbers of children witness family violence. There is evidence that violence
between parents has adverse effects on the children of the family. These children are at
greater risk of both behavioral and mental illness disorders such as: anxiety, anger,
depression, suicidal ideation, social withdrawal, low self-esteem, attention deficit
disorder, and hyperactivity disorder. Over an 18 month period (June 2003 - June 2005), 63
children (37 male and 26 female) were referred to psychotherapists for treatment of various
conditions by school counselors, pediatricians, and local therapists. The sample age ranged
from 4 - 16 years old. In addition, the therapist incorporated (EAGALA) Equine-Therapy
program guidelines in her case sample as a means to encourage expression of one’s feelings.
The 63 children received from 1 to 116 sessions with the average mean of 19 sessions. Those
failing to complete at least 6 sessions were excluded from the case analysis.
Sample Study Statistics:
40% of the sampled children had a history of inter-parental violence in the home.
27% had a history of abuse and/or neglect.
20% had a history of sexual abuse.
32% had at least one parent with a history of substance abuse.
(Schultz, Remick-Barlow, & Robbins, 2006)

Case Results:
Upon completion of the equine-based therapy sessions, all children
showed an improvement in GAF scores. There was a clear correlation
between the number of sessions attended and a statistical increase of
significance in GAF scores in all participants. Overall, the youngest
of the subjects showed the greatest of improvements in GAF scores, but
it still remains unclear what kind of long-term effects this type of
intervention may provide. In sum, it needs to be carefully noted that
all the children had an improvement in scores and this supports both
the credibility and validity of equine therapy intervention programs.
GAF = Global Assessment of Functioning
Based on a 1 - 100 Scale.
Functioning based on a level of severe, moderate,
and mild.
-Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders -DSM-IV-TR
American Psychological Association

Case Study III
Equine-Assisted Experiential Therapy
During Residential Treatment
Resource: Klontz, B., Bivens, A., Leinart, D., & Klontz, T. (2007). The Effectiveness of Equine-
Assisted Experiential Therapy: Results of an Open Clinical Trial. Society and Animals, 15, 257-267.
doi: 10.1163/156853007X217195
doi: 10.1163/156853007X217195
doi: 10.1163/156853007X217195
doi: 10.1163/156853007X217195
doi: 10.1163/156853007X217195
•
An Experiential Therapy study
selected 66 volunteer individuals
ranging from 23 - 70 years of age at
a residential treatment facility
located in the southern United
States.
•
Participants attended 28 hours of
(EAET) for 4 1/2 days. The
participants worked alongside
psychotherapists, equine specialists,
and horse handlers.
•
Participants completed psychological
measures pre-treatment, during
therapy, and 6 months post-treatment.
•
The treatment model addressed
‘unfinished business.’ In other
words, unexpressed feelings that may
be linked to past memories carried
into present day life in ways that
interfere with one’s overall
functionality (Klontz, Bivens, Leinart, &
Klontz, 2007).

Case Study III Continued...
- Treatment Model:
“The present study examined the
effectiveness of Equine-Assisted
Therapy. EAET combines experiential
therapy with specific equine activities
to give clients the opportunity to
relieve physical distress, live more
fully in the present, and change
destructive patterns of behavior. In,
EAET, horses serve as the catalysts and
metaphors to allow clinical issues to
arise” (Klontz, et al., 2007).
- Results:
Participants showed significant and
stable reductions in overall
psychological distress and enhancements
in psychological well-being from pretest
to posttest to follow-up. They reported
being a) more oriented in the present;
b) better able to live more fully in the
here-and-now; c) less burden by regrets,
guilt, and resentments; d)less focused
on fears related to the future; e) more
independent; f) more self-supportive
(Kluntz et al., 2007).

Resources for A Potential Participant
or Patient Interested In Equine
Therapy
Suggested Literature:
The Faraway
Horses: The Adventures and Wisdom of
One of America’s Most Renowed
Horseman By Buck Brannaman (2003)
On the Back of a Horse: Harnessing
the Healing Power of the Human-Equine
Bond By Claire Dorotik (2011)
Suggested DVD for Viewing:
Buck - A
Documentary Exploring the Strong
Emotions Between Humans and Horses By
Buck Brannaman (2011)
Resource Agencies:
National Center
for Equine-Facilitated Therapy
(NCEFT) located in Woodside, CA.,
www.nceft.org (National and Local
Agency)
The Equine Assisted Growth and

Professional Resources For A Psychotherapist Or Equine
Therapist
Suggested Literature: Harnessing the Power of Equine Assisted Counseling: Adding
Animal Assisted Therapy To Your Practice By Kay Sudekum Trotter (2011)
Resource Agencies: American Hippotherapy Association located in Fort Collins,
Colorado, www.americanhippotherapy.org (National)
National Center for Equine-Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT) located in Woodside, CA.,
www.nceft.org (Local) Includes continuing education and workshops for current equine
therapists.
Suggested DVD Series for Equine Certification: The following DVD’s can be purchased
for training purposes through (NCEFT) in Woodside, California.
Equine Facilitated Therapy
The Hippotherapy Horse
The Therapy Horse - Moods, Behavior & Instinctive Response
Program Safety & Emergency Procedures
Treatment Options for Patients with Severe Functional Limitations
Discovery News - Benefits of Hippotherapy

How To Get An Equine
Certification -
Due to the increase in demand for Equine Therapists, many
organizations across the United States are beginning to offer this
therapeutic model in their facilities. During my research, I found
a variety of equine certifications, however, many did not require a
MFT License as a prerequisite for admittance. The most reputable
organization which provided an intensive ‘Behavioral-Approach
Equine Certification’ was located in Utah at the Equine Assisted
Growth and Learning Association.
EAGALA’s Program Includes:
- Session 1 - 3 Full Days of Training
- Developmental Portfolio which is approved by both EAGLA and
Equine Board.
- 150 Hours of Equine Mentoring
- Attend One Annual EAGALA Conference
- Session 2- 3 Full Days of Training
- A Course in Advanced Training
- This certification program is designed to be
most applicable to your scope of therapy.

Courtois, C., & Ford, J. (2009). Treating complex traumatic stress disorders: An evidence-
based guide. The Guilford Press, New York, NY.
Klontz, B., Bivens, A., Leinart, D., & Klontz, T. (2007). The effectiveness of equine-
assisted experiential therapy: results of an open clinical trial. Society and Animals, 15,
257-267. doi: 10.1163/156853007X217195
Marlo, H., Crisis, trauma, and recovery. (2012). Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont,
CA.
Schultz, P., Remick-Barlow, G., & Robbins, L. (2007). Equine-assisted psychotherapy: A
mental health professional/intervention modality for children who have experienced intra-
family violence. Health and Social Care in the Community, 15(3), 265-271.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2524.2006.00684.x
Professional Websites:
American Psychological Association: www.apa.org
National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy : www.necft.org
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International: www.paathint.org
The Equine Association of Growth and Learning Association: www.eagala.org
United States Department of Veteran Affairs: www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov
www.va.gov

Carrie Rolla - Equine Therapy Powerpoint - Dr. Marlo

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