I’ve been giving talks lately about the research I’ve done over the past 30 years on serial killers. At the end, I take questions. Generally, people ask how I deal with so much immersion in the vile things some people do. My response is that I do volunteer work on a horse farm. This puzzles people, but the healing effect of horses is well researched.
The most popular image of hippotherapy is the use of horses for special needs kids, especially those on the autism spectrum. I’ve witnessed its benefits. I once encouraged my undergraduate psychology students to apply for internships in a local equine therapy program, and we all saw how well the kids responded. The horse’s rhythmic motion had a soothing effect, and staying balanced brought confidence, but more important was the bonding experience. These kids were often isolated at school. The horses became their friends.
Theresa Williams, a licensed professional counselor at Red Horse Healing in South Dakota, has used horses in her practice for more than 15 years. She said the treatment brings comfort and mutual understanding. “Horses hear what is not spoken. They help create and maintain non-judgmental relationships.”
Therapy for Stress and Self-Regulation
Hippotherapy is a therapeutic modality; several U.S. therapy organizations offer certification, including the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. The National Association of Social Workers, along with numerous college programs, supports its use. Multiple research publications found that equine-assisted interventions can reduce stress, lower cortisol levels, and improve self-regulation. I even saw it recommended for older people to help delay cognitive decline. Military veterans use it for treating PTSD.
For me, I have found mutual trust, mindfulness, and care. For the past four years, I’ve worked with a Kentucky Mountain Saddler named Sunny. He had his own needs, having been through laminitis and serious hoof surgery; assisting him back to soundness focused me fully on him. There wasn't any room for thinking about serial killers. In the process, I gained my own emotional and physiological benefits.
Because horses are prey animals, they're highly attuned to their environment, including to anyone who approaches them. They watch body language, listen to tone of voice, and even heart rate. If I’m nervous or moody, they’ll pick up on that. If I’m calm, they can relax and trust me. And their calmness draws me into a similar state. Their heartbeat attunes to mine. Each horse I encounter has a personality, a backstory, and a way of interacting. Trust is thus a process of negotiation. Once earned, it’s heartwarming—nothing beats hearing a nicker of recognition and welcome.
Addiction Recovery Through Horse Care
Other program types benefit from human-to-horse interaction, like those that help people trying to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. They are built on the belief that recovery requires accountability, structure, and discipline. Healing through hands-on work like daily chores includes feeding, grooming, picking hooves, cleaning and bedding stalls, checking for injury, and learning about horse anatomy and vet care. The routine and structure help, but more important is the sense of partnership they can build with the horses in their care. It's a commitment.
My professional work takes an emotional toll, but time with horses heals me. It’s not just about being outside in the fresh air. It’s not just about riding. It’s mostly about connection with an intuitive animal that needs me to be present, focused, and protective. If I do that, I get more than enough back to keep my life balanced.
References
Ammann, J. (2024). The rhythm of horse riding: How riding stimulates the brain and boosts cognitive function. In the Irons Equestrian Center.
Emory. E. (2015). Healing by horseback: Hippotherapy provides results.
Koca, T. T., & Ataseven, H. (2016). What is hippotherapy? The indications and effectiveness of hippotherapy. Northern Clinics of Istanbul, 2(3), 247–252.