Why Equine Therapy?

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” Winston Churchill

What is Equine Therapy?

We get this question more than any other, and for those who are not familiar with horses, it’s understandable! Equine therapy is a powerful healing approach that uses the unique bond between humans and horses to support emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Through interactions with horses, such as grooming, groundwork, riding, and even just presence, individuals experience growth, connection, and restoration in ways that traditional therapies often cannot reach.

Mental Impact: Horses are deeply intuitive animals that respond to human emotions with sensitivity and honesty. This makes them ideal partners in helping individuals:

  • Build trust and confidence

  • Develop emotional awareness and regulation

  • Heal from trauma, anxiety, and depression

  • Improve communication and social skills

Physical Impact: Working with horses engages the body in gentle, purposeful movement. It can help:

  • Improve balance, coordination, and core strength

  • Enhance motor skills and flexibility

  • Support rehabilitation from injury or illness

  • Encourage physical activity in a peaceful, outdoor setting

Spiritual Impact: Equine therapy offers a sacred space for reflection, peace, and connection. Many find that time with horses:

  • Deepens their sense of purpose and identity

  • Encourages mindfulness and presence

  • Fosters a connection to creation and the Creator

  • Opens the heart to healing, hope, and grace

My Experience

I’ve been riding and training horses for over 30 years, and not a day goes by that I’m not eager to step into the barn. Time has only deepened my passion and strengthened the bond I share with these God-given creatures. Horses have been my constant, listening without judgment when I had no one else to talk to, and helping me heal both physically and emotionally in ways I can’t fully explain. Over the years, I’ve met rescued horses who’ve endured unimaginable trauma, yet still chose to trust again. I’ve witnessed people in pain lean into the quiet grace of a horse and begin to open up, finding peace, strength, and connection where words had failed.

These experiences are the heart of my “why.” They’re the reason I founded Eloheh Equine, to share the healing power of horses with others. This isn’t just therapy; it’s a sacred space where healing transcends the walls of a clinic and touches the soul. I’ve been deeply blessed to have horses in my life, and now I feel called to offer that same blessing to others. - Suzanne Agan, Executive Director

A light brown horse with dark mane standing outdoors, head lowered slightly, with blurred background of trees and sky.

The Science

As a scientist, I can’t ignore the incredible research that supports our mission. Here are just a few studies that have shown positive results between cancer treatment and equine therapy.

Bill Benda, MD, Associate Editor from Integrative Medicine, A Clinicians Journal, stated, "The cancer survivor has lost every aspect of being that the horse naturally possesses: capability, competence, independence, speed, physical completeness, and unstoppable energy. It is their very sensitivity and intuition that ensures survival in the wild that is transmitted to a human beaten down by both the disease and the treatments used to combat it. It's something every equestrian already knows; that the formidable energy of the horse can be transferred to the wounded human to great therapeutic effect". 

Healing with Horses: Study of Equine-Facilitated Cancer Therapy
Murphy et al, 2019
Conclusion - The equine-facilitated support program resulted in reducing negative effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment, reclaiming positive emotions, and development of a new sense of self through human and equine connections.

Therapeutic horseback riding in breast cancer survivors
Cerulli et al, 2014
Conclusion - EAT had positive effects on both physiologic and psychological measures, enhancing quality of life of breast cancer survivors

Healing With Horses: Fostering Recovery From Cancer With Horses as Therapists
Haylock & Cantril, 2006
In a review of 25 studies published between 1990 and 1995, researchers concluded that quality-of-life benefits derived from contact with animals are evident on psychological, physical, social, and behavioral levels.

Article - 5 Reasons To Try Equine Therapy for Recovering Cancer Patients
https://side-out.org/the-cancer-world/5-reasons-to-try-equine-therapy-for-recovering-cancer-patients/

National Foundation for Cancer Research - 5 Reasons Cancer Patients Should Try Equine Therapy - NFCR

We are starting with cancer treatment, but we will not stop there. As we are able to grow the ministry, we will include equine therapy for all types of trauma, including PTSD, stress, anxiety, and others.

“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and freedom.”

— Sharon Ralls Lemon