Equine Therapy in Los Angeles
At The Meadowglade, we know healing goes beyond traditional therapy. Our equine therapy in Los Angeles combines horses’ calming presence with therapeutic support, promoting emotional growth, stronger relationships, and essential life skills.
Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges, this unique approach can be a vital part of your healing journey.
If you or a loved one are struggling, learn more about our Los Angeles mental health treatment programs by verifying your insurance or calling us at 888-862-1788.
What is Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a form of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) that involves guided interactions between clients and horses to promote emotional, psychological, and behavioral growth. Unlike horseback riding lessons, equine therapy focuses on creating meaningful connections with the animals, emphasizing trust, communication, and self-awareness.
Animal-assisted therapy uses animals as therapeutic partners, providing individuals with opportunities for emotional support and stress relief.
Examples of AAT include:
- Canine Therapy – Working with trained therapy dogs to reduce stress and encourage emotional openness.
- Therapeutic Horseback Riding – Riding therapy designed to improve physical strength and motor skills.
- Equine Therapy – Interacting with horses to improve mental health, communication, and confidence.
Horses, in particular, are known for their intuitive nature and sensitivity to human emotions. Their ability to reflect a person’s emotional state makes them ideal therapy partners, encouraging self-reflection, calmness, and personal growth.
What Happens During Our Equine Therapy in Los Angeles?
Equine therapy sessions at The Meadowglade are facilitated by trained therapists and equine specialists. Each session is carefully structured to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions and develop new skills.
Sessions may include:
- Grooming – Brushing and caring for the horse can encourage mindfulness, patience, and nurturing behaviors.
- Leading – Walking a horse requires communication, trust, and focus, helping clients build confidence and interpersonal skills.
- Observation and Bonding – Spending quiet time with a horse allows for reflection, emotional connection, and stress reduction.
- Groundwork Activities – Working with horses on the ground teaches boundary-setting, nonverbal communication, and teamwork.
Importantly, equine therapy does not require prior experience with horses. Whether you’re comfortable around animals or have never been near a horse before, the therapist will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring a supportive and empowering experience.
You Are Not Alone. You Deserve To Get Help.
The Meadowglade is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
Our Mental Health Treatment Programs That Offer Equine Therapy
At The Meadowglade, equine therapy is integrated into various levels of care, each tailored to meet your unique needs:
Residential Treatment
Our residential treatment program provides intensive, round-the-clock care where equine therapy helps residents process complex emotions, build self-awareness, and develop coping strategies within a structured, supportive environment. Learn more about Residential Treatment.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
In our PHP, equine therapy sessions complement therapeutic care by helping participants explore interpersonal relationships and emotional regulation, facilitating meaningful insights and personal growth. Explore Partial Hospitalization.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP participants engage in equine therapy to reinforce therapeutic lessons, manage mental health symptoms effectively, and apply newly learned coping skills in daily life. Discover our Intensive Outpatient Program.
How Does Equine Therapy Help? (And Can it Help Me?)
Equine therapy provides both physical and psychological benefits that can profoundly impact one’s overall well-being.
Improved Emotional Awareness
Enhanced Communication Skills
Stress Relief and Mindfulness
Boosted Confidence and Self-Esteem
Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
If you’re wondering whether equine therapy can help you, consider the following:
- Do you struggle with expressing your emotions or building trust?
- Are you seeking a more experiential, hands-on therapy approach?
- Do you feel disconnected from traditional therapeutic methods?
At The Meadowglade, our equine therapy in Los Angeles is tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re facing a mental health challenge, working through trauma, or seeking personal growth, equine therapy can provide the tools and support you need to heal and thrive.
What Does Our Equine Therapy in Los Angeles Treat?
Equine therapy is a versatile treatment modality that can address a wide range of mental health and behavioral conditions, including:
Anxiety and Depression
The calming and rhythmic nature of interacting with horses can lower stress levels, reduce symptoms of depression, and help clients stay present in the moment. Activities like grooming or simply being near a horse can promote relaxation and emotional balance.
Trauma and PTSD
For individuals who have experienced trauma, horses provide a safe and nonjudgmental presence. Their ability to sense emotions allows clients to process trauma at their own pace while building trust and confidence in a supportive environment.
Addiction Recovery
Equine therapy helps individuals in recovery develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and rebuild relationships. The skills learned through equine therapy complement other addiction treatments, fostering long-term healing.
Behavioral Challenges
Equine therapy can address anger management, impulsivity, and defiance. Working with horses teaches patience, responsibility, and the importance of clear communication, helping individuals develop healthier behavior patterns.
Relationship and Social Difficulties
Building a bond with a horse encourages nonverbal communication, empathy, and trust, skills that can translate into improved relationships with others.
By addressing emotional and behavioral struggles through experiential learning, equine therapy allows individuals to gain insights that are often difficult to achieve in traditional therapy settings.
Am I A Good Candidate for Equine Therapy?
Equine therapy can be beneficial if you:
- Experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other emotional challenges.
- Prefer experiential and holistic treatment approaches.
- Are comfortable or interested in interacting with animals.
- Seek personal growth and improved interpersonal relationships.
If you relate to any of the above, equine therapy might be a meaningful addition to your healing journey. Contact us to discuss if this treatment is right for you.
Types of Equine Therapy
At The Meadowglade, we offer several forms of equine therapy tailored to your needs:
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Utilizes interactions with horses guided by licensed therapists to address emotional and psychological issues in a therapeutic context
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
Focuses on developing life skills, confidence, and social abilities through structured interactions and activities with horses.
Therapeutic Riding
Combines horseback riding and therapeutic practices, aiming to enhance physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Connect with us to explore which type of equine therapy best suits your individual needs
Tour Our Treatment Programs in Los Angeles
Find Healing With Equine Therapy in Los Angeles Today
Healing is not one-size-fits-all. At The Meadowglade, we believe in offering innovative and compassionate therapies that honor the individuality of each client. Equine therapy is a transformative experience that provides emotional connection, self-reflection, and life-changing growth.
If you or a loved one are ready to explore the benefits of equine therapy in Los Angeles, contact The Meadowglade today. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way, providing the care, expertise, and support you deserve.
Discover the healing power of equine therapy and take the first step toward a brighter future. Contact us today to begin.
Our Mental Health Specialists
At The Meadowglade, our team of compassionate and experienced mental health professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health treatment in Los Angeles. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to offer personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Narine Babikian, MHA
Narine leads our mental health facility, overseeing all operations…
Joseph Gulino, MD
Dr. Gulino is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in mental health treatment…
Yj Kim, MD
Dr. Kim offers expert psychiatric services at The Meadowglade…
Mental Health
Yj Kim, MD
Psychiatrist
Haroon Burhanullah, MD
Psychiatrist
Narine Babikian, MHA
Executive Director
