What is Equitherapy?
Equitherapy is Wilderwood’s word for its application of psychotherapy with the assistance of horses. At its core, clinical therapy incorporating the use of horses is a collaborative approach incorporating both a licensed mental health clinician and an equine (horse). If the clinician has been trained and is experienced in horsemanship, the clinician and equine handler can be one and the same; at other times, there may be a third person involved who handles the horse. Equines are also trained to be therapeutic partners. These parameters ensure safe and effective delivery of the equine-assisted therapy.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, equine-assisted interventions engage clients in hands-on activities such as grooming, leading, and ground exercises that create opportunities for real-time learning, emotional processing, and skill development in a natural, outdoor environment. Horses are prey animals with heightened sensitivity to their environment, making them exceptional mirrors for human emotional states and non-verbal communication. They provide immediate, honest feedback without judgment, creating a safe space for clients to explore their feelings, practice new behaviors, and build confidence. Responsibility of caring for these animals also fosters empathy, accountability, and self-efficacy.
The Need for Specialized Support
Traditional talk therapy approaches often have limited effectiveness for autistic individuals, creating a need for alternative therapeutic interventions. There are several compelling reasons why Wilderwood’s Equitherapy shows particular promise for autistic people.
Natural Communication Preferences
Horses communicate primarily through non-verbal means, which aligns well with autistic communication preferences. Many autistic individuals find it “liberating to be with horses as they don’t have to communicate via words,” reducing the social pressure often experienced in human interactions.
Parallel Interaction Style
Autistic people tend to prefer “parallel play” – engaging in activities alongside others without required social interaction. Horses naturally engage in this type of parallel interaction, creating a comfortable environment for authentic connection.
Emotional Regulation Benefits
Equine interactions can enhance emotional regulation, internal confidence, and independence. Participants report that positive feelings experienced with horses “remain even afterwards,” suggesting lasting therapeutic benefits.
Effective Equitherapy for autistic women emphasizes:
- Non-verbal communication over traditional talk therapy
- Curiosity-based interactions that honor autistic preferences
- Present-moment awareness and emotional regulation
- Identity exploration and self-acceptance
- Processing grief and loss related to late diagnosis
The Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective
Wilderwood’s Equitherapy program adopts a neurodiversity-affirming approach, recognizing autistic traits as differences rather than deficits. This perspective is critical when working with late-diagnosed adults who may have spent years masking their authentic selves. The unique combination of non-verbal communication, parallel interaction styles, and emotional regulation support of Equitherapy makes horses ideal therapeutic partners for autistic females navigating identity, relationships, and personal growth. Equitherapy is a promising alternative for autistic people seeking alternatives to traditional therapeutic approaches, providing a safe space for authentic self-expression and meaningful connection.
