Contribution of the Patient-Horse Relationship to Substance Use Disorder Treatment

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology explored how relationships with horses can support people recovering from substance use disorders (SUD). The research looked at patients’ lived experiences in equine-assisted treatment programs, focusing on the unique bond that forms between human and horse.

What They Did

• Participants: Patients engaged in substance use disorder treatment programs that included equine-assisted activities.

• Focus: Researchers examined how patients perceived and described their relationships with horses during treatment.

• Methods: Qualitative interviews captured patients’ reflections, emotions, and insights about their equine experiences.

Key Findings

• Non-judgmental Presence: Patients emphasized that horses accepted them without judgment, fostering feelings of trust and safety.

• Emotional Awareness: Working with horses helped participants recognize and regulate emotions, often in ways they struggled to do with humans.

• Motivation for Change: The horse–patient bond encouraged responsibility, consistency, and self-reflection—all critical for recovery.

• Therapeutic Value: The unique relationship with horses was described as a powerful complement to traditional treatment, offering healing through connection and presence.

Why It Matters

For individuals in recovery, equine therapy provides more than just an activity—it creates a relationship that nurtures self-awareness, responsibility, and hope. The horse’s responsiveness can help patients reconnect with themselves and strengthen their recovery journey.

Read the full article here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4904069/