06/15/2026
Therapeutic Riding vs. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
1. Primary Goal
• Therapeutic Riding: Focuses on riding skills, physical development, balance, coordination, and adaptive horsemanship
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Focuses on emotional healing, mental health goals, self-awareness, and personal growth
2. Who Leads the Session
• Therapeutic Riding: Typically led by a certified therapeutic riding instructor
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Led by a licensed mental health professional trained in incorporating horses into therapy
3. Riding vs. Groundwork
• Therapeutic Riding: Usually involves mounted activities and learning to ride
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: No riding required. Sessions happen on the ground through connection, observation, and interaction
4. Focus of the Horse’s Role
• Therapeutic Riding: The horse supports skill-building, movement, and physical goals
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: The horse is an active part of the therapeutic process, helping clients explore emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns
5. Skills Developed
• Therapeutic Riding: Strength, coordination, independence, riding skills, and confidence
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Emotional regulation, boundaries, communication, trust, coping skills, and self-esteem
6. Who It Can Support
• Therapeutic Riding: Often supports individuals with physical, developmental, or adaptive needs
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Supports individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, and emotional struggles
7. What Progress Looks Like
• Therapeutic Riding: Growth is often seen through increased riding ability, physical skills, and independence
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Growth is seen through emotional insight, healthier coping strategies, and changes outside of the barn
8. The Overall Purpose
• Therapeutic Riding: “Learning skills while riding a horse”
• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: “Learning about yourself alongside a horse”