Horse Therapy

Interested in petting and interacting with a horse? Stop by a drop-in horse therapy event and get to know the amazing and beautiful horses at the Equestrian Center! Snacks for the horses will be provided!

• Friday, May 8 from 4-5 p.m.

Equestrian Center, 4950 Trenton Oxford Rd, across from the Ditmer parking lot and the Miami University Police Department.

Students who are already participating in therapy at the Student Counseling Service are eligible for equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP). EAP has been proven effective in treating depression, trauma, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. EAP uses groundwork, so no riding experience is necessary. Clients engage in structured grooming and caretaking of the horses while the therapist and client engage in talk therapy. Grooming a horse includes currying, brushing, cleaning hooves, haltering, and walking.

Horses are incredibly perceptive animals and respond to subtle cues and emotions in humans. Their natural behaviors provide metaphors for clients to explore their life experiences and engage in self-reflection. After EAP sessions, clients report increased trust, self-esteem, and confidence. They also report decreased anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Two SCS clinicians offer EAP and receive training from the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). Clients can request to meet with the clinicians for EAP and sessions are conducted at the Equestrian Center.

For more information about drop-in horse therapy events and EAP, please contact us at 513-529-4634.