Why Horses?

At Brumby Equine-Assisted Therapy, horses play an essential role as respected partners and colleagues in the therapeutic process, valued equally alongside humans. These remarkable animals, with their natural ability to communicate within herds, are deeply attuned to the nervous systems of other mammals. When engaging with clients, horses often respond to subtle cues and information we unconsciously project, fostering insight, awareness, and self-compassion toward behaviours we might typically judge.

 

Horses offer a safe, accepting environment where defences can soften, allowing individuals to connect authentically. This unique setting supports clients—particularly those dealing with attachment, regulation, and trauma-related challenges—who may feel uncomfortable with traditional, talk-based interventions. By being fully present with horses, clients gain opportunities to observe the nonverbal exchanges between horse and human, horse to horse, and human to human. This gentle, mindful interaction can reveal new perspectives on their worldview, creating space for reflective growth and resilience.