Equine therapy—also called Equine-Assisted Therapy—is important because it uses interactions with horses to support emotional, mental, and sometimes physical healing in ways that traditional therapy alone may not.

One key reason it matters is that horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language. This makes them effective partners in helping people build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and trust. For individuals dealing with conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, or depression, working with a horse can feel safer and less judgmental than talking directly with a therapist.

It’s also valuable for developing life skills. Activities like grooming, leading, and riding encourage responsibility, patience, communication, and confidence. These benefits are especially helpful for children, veterans, and individuals with developmental challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Overall, equine therapy is important because it offers a holistic, experiential form of healing—engaging both mind and body—while helping people form meaningful, confidence-building connections.

Animal Assisted Play Therapy ® (AAPT) is a specialized form of therapy that combines play therapy with the involvement of trained animals to support clients’ mental health and developmental needs.

This therapy will be held at Animal Acres in Renick Mo. with horses.

Space is limited.

You will need Ann's book, "What is my horse saying and why does it matter?" which you can order from Amazon.