The EMDR Therapist Weekly aims to provide a weekly dose of insights, tools, and opportunities for EMDR therapists; designed to support your growth, sharpen your practice, and connect you with what's next. To achieve this, we occasionally invite subject matter experts as guest writers. I'm excited to introduce another guest writer this week: Amanda Martin, Ph.D., LMFT-S, LPC, BCN-L.

With a diverse set of skills and experience - Amanda is a certified EMDR therapist, consultant, and trainer; certified EAGALA Mental Health Professional for equine-assisted psychotherapy; and is board certified for neurofeedback. Today she will be sharing an introduction to EMDR therapy equine-assisted - a fascinating approach that I have seen many people benefit from.

For further training on this topic, see the link and coupon code at the bottom that Amanda and CompassionWorks have generously provided for our readers.

Without further ado, Amanda Martin writes:

An Introduction to EMDR Therapy Equine-Assisted: Integrating Regulation, Relationship, and Reprocessing in Trauma Treatment

As EMDR clinicians, we are trained in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and the structured 8-phase protocol to facilitate meaningful trauma resolution. Yet in clinical practice, many of us encounter clients who struggle to fully engage in reprocessing despite thorough preparation. These clients may become overwhelmed, dissociate, or have difficulty maintaining dual attention, limiting the effectiveness of even well-executed EMDR interventions.

In response to these challenges, clinicians are increasingly exploring integrative approaches that enhance regulation and readiness for processing. One such emerging approach is the integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).

While still developing in the research literature, this combined model offers a compelling, holistic framework that may support more effective trauma treatment, particularly for clients with complex presentations.

This article provides an introduction to EMDR equine-assisted therapy, including key definitions, theoretical foundations, clinical applications, and emerging evidence supporting its use.

What Is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential therapeutic modality that incorporates interactions between clients and horses as part of the treatment process. EAP typically involves a collaborative team consisting of a licensed mental health professional and a trained equine specialist, with the horse serving as an active participant in therapy.

Horses are uniquely suited for therapeutic work due to their sensitivity to nonverbal communication and their attunement to environmental and emotional cues. As prey animals, they rely on heightened awareness for survival, which enables them to respond quickly and authentically to human behavior and emotional states. These responses can provide clients with immediate, nonjudgmental feedback that may increase self-awareness and insight.

Research has demonstrated that EAP can support improvements in emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, and social functioning (Earles & Vernon, 2015; Romaniuk et al., 2018; Rosing et al., 2022). Additionally, emerging studies suggest that equine-assisted interventions may influence physiological regulation, including increases in heart rate variability and reductions in cortisol levels, indicating improved autonomic nervous system functioning (McDuffee et al., 2024).

Beyond physiological effects, EAP offers a relational and embodied experience. Clients engage not only cognitively, but also somatically and emotionally, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals whose trauma is linked and expressed through the body.

Defining EMDR Equine-Assisted Therapy

EMDR equine-assisted therapy refers to the intentional integration of the EMDR standard protocol with equine-assisted psychotherapy. In this model, the EMDR framework remains intact, while the equine environment and horse interactions are incorporated to enhance regulation, engagement, and processing.

Importantly, this integration does not replace or fundamentally alter EMDR therapy. Instead, EAP serves as a complementary component that supports the therapeutic process. The horse is present during most if not all phases of EMDR, and bilateral stimulation can be delivered through multiple methods, including rhythmic movement while mounted, tactile interaction with the horse, or traditional EMDR techniques such as tapping or the butterfly hug (Martin et al., 2025).

The integration is grounded in the understanding that trauma is both a psychological and physiological experience. By combining EMDR’s structured reprocessing with the regulatory and relational benefits of EAP, clinicians may create a more comprehensive treatment approach.

Why Integrate EMDR and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Enhancing Emotional Regulation

One of the primary challenges in trauma treatment is helping clients maintain emotional regulation during reprocessing. Many individuals with complex trauma have limited internal resources and may struggle to stay within their window of tolerance.

The presence of the horse can provide an external source of co-regulation. Through sensory input, rhythmic movement, and relational engagement and attunement, clients may experience a calming effect that supports nervous system stabilization. Horses’ ability to return quickly to a regulated state after activation may also model adaptive regulation for clients (Martin et al., 2025).

Supporting Dual Attention

Dual attention, the ability to remain connected to both internal experiences and external reality, is a core component of EMDR. Clients who dissociate or become overwhelmed often lose this capacity, which can impede processing.

In an equine-assisted setting, the client’s awareness of the horse and environment can help anchor them in the present moment while engaging with distressing material. This natural grounding may support more consistent dual attention and reduce the likelihood of dysregulation.

Facilitating Embodied Processing

Trauma is frequently stored not only as narrative memory but also as somatic and sensory experience. While EMDR already incorporates body awareness, EAP enhances this by engaging clients in a fully embodied, experiential process.

Interactions with the horse can evoke emotional and physiological responses that provide opportunities for real-time processing. Clients may notice shifts in posture, tension, and emotional states as they interact with the horse, deepening their awareness and facilitating integration.

Providing Flexible Bilateral Stimulation

Bilateral stimulation is a central mechanism of EMDR therapy. In equine-assisted settings, BLS can be adapted to include:

• Rhythmic bilateral movement while riding
• Alternating tactile input through interaction with the horse
• Standard EMDR methods such as tapping (self-tapping or tapping the horse)

This flexibility allows clinicians to tailor interventions based on client needs, preferences, and levels of tolerance (Martin et al., 2025).

Strengthening Relational Safety

For many trauma survivors, particularly those with attachment-related trauma, relational safety is a critical component of healing. Horses offer a nonjudgmental, responsive presence that can facilitate trust and connection.

The therapeutic relationship expands to include the horse, creating a triadic dynamic that may enhance feelings of safety and support. This relational component can be particularly valuable for clients who have difficulty trusting others.

Clinical Applications

In practice, EMDR equine-assisted therapy can be applied across the standard EMDR phases while incorporating equine elements as appropriate.

• Preparation Phase: Clients may develop grounding and resourcing skills through interactions with the horse, such as observing breathing, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in relational exercises.
• Assessment Phase: Clinicians may gather additional information by observing client-horse interactions, including discrepancies between verbal reports and nonverbal behavior.
• Desensitization Phase: Bilateral stimulation may be delivered through equine movement or interaction, while the clinician guides reprocessing.
• Body Scan: Clients may integrate internal sensations with external awareness of the horse and environment.

Structured models such as EAGALA and Natural Lifemanship provide frameworks for interpreting equine behavior and integrating it into therapeutic work (EAGALA, 2015; Jobe & Shultz-Jobe, 2022).

Considerations for Clinicians

While the integration of EMDR and EAP offers potential benefits, several important considerations should be noted.

Training and Competency

Effective integration requires competency in both EMDR therapy and equine-assisted psychotherapy. Clinicians should seek formal training and consultation in both areas of this integrated approach to ensure ethical and effective practice.

Maintaining Protocol Fidelity

It is essential to maintain fidelity to the EMDR standard protocol. EAP should be used to support, not replace, the established phases and procedures of EMDR.

Client Selection

Not all clients may be appropriate for equine-assisted therapy. Considerations include comfort with animals, physical limitations, and clinical presentation.

Environmental Factors

Equine-assisted sessions may involve variables such as weather, setting, and logistical considerations that differ from traditional office-based therapy.

Conclusion

EMDR equine-assisted therapy represents a promising integration of two complementary modalities. By combining the structured, evidence-based framework of EMDR with the experiential, relational, and regulatory benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy, clinicians may enhance their ability to support clients with complex trauma.

For EMDR clinicians seeking to expand their therapeutic toolkit, the integration of equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen the work of trauma healing, bridging mind, body, and relationship in the path of healing and recovery.

Amanda Martin Ph.D., LMFT-S, LPC, BCN-L

Certified EMDR Therapist, Approved Consultant, EMDR Trainer

EAGALA Mental Health Professional

​OnDemand Training on This Topic << use coupon code Helicon10 with registration for any of the OnDemand workshops for a 10% discount.

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References

Bachi, K., Terkel, J., & Teichman, M. (2012). Equine-facilitated psychotherapy for at-risk adolescents: The influence on self-image, self-control, and trust. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 17(2), 298–312.

Buck, P. W., Bean, N., & de Marco, K. (2017). Equine-assisted psychotherapy: An emerging trauma-informed intervention. Advances in Social Work, 18(1), 387–402.

Carletto, S., Malandrone, F., Berchialla, P., et al. (2021). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1).

de Roos, C., van der Oord, S., Zijlstra, B., et al. (2017). EMDR therapy compared with cognitive behavioral therapy for pediatric PTSD. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(11), 1219–1228.

Earles, J. L., & Vernon, L. L. (2015). Equine-assisted therapy for anxiety and PTSD symptoms. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 28(2), 149–152.

EAGALA. (2015). Fundamentals of the EAGALA model: Training manual (8th ed.).

Jobe, T., & Shultz-Jobe, B. (2022). Natural Lifemanship trauma-informed equine-assisted psychotherapy model.

Martin, A., Choe, K., Atkins, T., Battise, J., Collins, C., Gurley, D., Odoms, C., Robertson, C., Robinson, P., Scott, S., Thompson-Janis, J., Tonkin, C., & Carbajal, J. (2026). EMDR and equine-assisted psychotherapy: A case study analysis using clinical progress notes. [Manuscript submitted for publication].

McDuffee, L. A., Montelpare, W. J., & LeBlanc, C. (2024). Psychophysiological effects of equine-facilitated psychotherapy. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 10(3), 135–147.

Romaniuk, M., Evans, J., & Kidd, C. (2018). Evaluation of an equine-assisted therapy program for veterans. PLOS ONE, 13(9).

Rosing, T., Malka, M., Brafman, D., & Fisher, P. W. (2022). Equine-assisted therapy for veterans with PTSD. Health and Social Care in the Community, 30(6).

Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.

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