Equine therapy has been shown to improve the lives of those affected with PTSD, including Veterans. Statistics show that 18.5% of returning Veterans
are diagnosed with PTSD.
People with PTSD often struggle to connect with others, have difficulty with establishing trusting relationships,and tend to isolate themselves.
Additional PTSD symptoms include feelings of emotional numbness, or a feeling of being “out of one’s own body”; and a limited awareness of body language.
Difficulties with body language and emotional numbness include a lack of understanding regarding how an individual’s body responds during moments of
stress or anxiety. Usage of horses, who are large, naturally respond to stress and anxiety as part of their hyper-vigilance to surroundings,
and require trust building as part of their herd mentality are a natural choice for adults with PTSD.
