For More Information Dr. Prudence Fisher | pwf1@cumc.columbia.edu Dr. Jeffrey A. Lieberman | jl2616@cumc.columbia.edu Dr. Yuval Neria | ny126@cumc.columbia.edu Article is posted in 2020 on the New York Presbyterian website https://www.nyp.org/newsletters/prof-adv/psych/equine- therapy-helps-ptsd
3 Secret Benefits of Equine Therapy for Veterans by Heroes' Mile | Oct 3, 2019 | News
As Americans, we grow up with heroic images of horses and cowpokes. There’s a kind of natural majesty there, and many people turn to horse riding to experience that feeling of power and calm in their own lives. Now, however, it has gone one step further. Veterans recovering from substance use disorder use equine therapy to lead healthy, sober lives. Here’s how it all works. What Is Equine Therapy? We proudly offer equine therapy at Heroes’ Mile, and below is how this innovative program works. In equine therapy, also known as equine assisted therapy or horse therapy, mental health professionals work with veterans to create meaningful bonds between the patients and horses. This is typically accomplished through feeding, grooming, and therapeutic riding. During therapeutic riding, the patient feels a natural sense of calm as they feel the rocking motions of riding a horse. This greatly aids in long term rehabilitation, and it’s only one of many ways that horse therapy helps.
Over the course of treatment, the equine therapist will help the
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