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EXPERIENCE EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY

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A powerful tool for veterans healing trauma.

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Join us for a live demonstration of how horses can support trauma recovery by helping regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and restore a sense of calm and connection. This is not about riding—it’s about presence, partnership, and the powerful way horses help us come back into our bodies. Experience it for yourself and discover how this modality can serve your veteran community.

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📊 Why It Works

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  • Equine-assisted therapy has been shown to reduce PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms through body-based, relational experiences that help regulate the nervous system.

  • A Columbia University-led study found that over 50% of veterans with PTSD experienced significant reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms after participating in an eight-week equine-assisted therapy program—with improvements sustained at a three-month follow-up.

  • A randomized controlled trial on Somatic Experiencing (SE)—a body-based trauma modality often integrated into equine-assisted work—found that 44% of participants no longer met PTSD criteria following treatment, with large effect size improvements in both PTSD and depression symptoms.

  • Research from the HeartMath Institute shows that heart rate variability (HRV) increases significantly when humans are in the presence of horses. When interacting closely, human and horse heart rhythms can sync, promoting calm, connection, and a sense of safety in the nervous system.​

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🔍 Types of Equine-Assisted Therapy

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  • Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): Licensed mental health professionals facilitate therapy sessions with horses as co-regulators.

  • Equine-Assisted Coaching (EAC): Also known as equine-assisted learning. These sessions are often led by certified coaches or facilitators—not necessarily licensed therapists—and are focused on emotional insight, growth, leadership, and connection.

  • Therapeutic Riding: Structured horseback riding lessons adapted for individuals with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges, led by certified therapeutic riding instructors.

  • Hippotherapy: A clinical treatment where physical, occupational, or speech therapists use the movement of the horse to support functional outcomes.​

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🐴 About Zenhorse®

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Zenhorse® is a nonprofit dedicated to healing partnerships between humans and horses. Based in the Greater St. Louis area, we provide ground-based, trauma-informed equine experiences for individuals and groups—no riding required.

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Our trauma healing programs are led by a licensed trauma therapist, ensuring every session is safe, supportive, and clinically grounded.

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We are honored to support Irreverent Warriors and share what’s possible when healing includes horses.

📧 Contact: kit@zenhorse.org
🌐 Learn more: www.zenhorse.org
📍 Based in the Greater St. Louis Area | Programs Available Nationwide

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🔎 Looking to bring this work to your veteran community?
There are equine-assisted therapy providers across the country—including many that work specifically with veterans. We encourage you to connect with a program in your area that best fits your group’s needs.

If you have questions about how to get started, what to look for, or how to find the right partner—I’m happy to help.
Reach out any time: kit@zenhorse.org

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