Equine Therapy at Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS) is making a real difference in helping participants/residents heal emotionally and build trust in themselves and others.
Currently offered at four SMRS locations, this unique program service is led by Kelly Boardman, LMFT, Clinical Supervisor at SMRS and an EAGALA certified Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAP) facilitator.
What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a therapeutic approach that involves utilizing horses as part of the “treatment team” in a mental health treatment setting. Unlike traditional therapy, EAP is experiential, meaning residents and participants engage in activities in a space with horses to gain insight into their own emotions, behaviors, perceptions and relationships.
The presence of and engagement with horses helps clients get a better sense of themselves as they observe horses responding naturally to body language, “feelings”, and energy. Through observation of and interactions with the horses and the environment, clients develop trust, build self-confidence, and gain valuable tools to aid their emotional growth and recovery.
A Passion for Horses and Helping People Heal
For Kelly, the love of horses started at a young age. “I’ve always loved horses. They were part of my life before I could even walk,” she said. As she grew older, Kelly realized that her passion for horses and her interest in psychology could be combined in a meaningful way.
She discovered hippotherapy—therapy using horses—and knew immediately that it was the right path for her. After studying psychology and equine-assisted therapy, Kelly became certified in Equine-Assisted Therapy through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) in 2015. This eventually allowed her to bring her love for horses into her work at SMRS, creating a space for participants/residents to experience emotional healing in a unique way.
Building Trust Through Connection
Equine Therapy provides residents with an opportunity to process emotions, rebuild trust, and come to terms with traumatic experiences in a way that traditional therapy can’t always achieve. Horses have an innate ability to respond to body language, energy, and emotions. They do not “sugar coat” anything and “what you see is what you get”. They are 100% real and raw, and as such they can teach others to do the same just by being with them. They are in essence a “mirror” for participants, allowing a perspective different from anything they have experienced.
“The horses bring out something in people that you can’t always get through talking,” Kelly explained. “Once a connection is built with the horse, everything else starts to fall into place.”
Breaking Barriers and Building Trust
Equine Therapy is especially beneficial for participants/residents who may not feel comfortable in traditional therapy settings. The horses help break down emotional barriers by responding to the resident’s energy and body language. The presence of the horses creates a safe space where residents can open up without feeling the pressure to talk.
Kelly shared the story of a participant/resident who started out very quiet and withdrawn but, by the end of the session, was confidently leading a horse during their activity. “It’s incredible to see someone go from being closed off to actively engaging and connecting,” she said. “It’s a beautiful thing and an honor to witness.”
Horses as Healers
What makes Equine Therapy so powerful is that the horses themselves become the therapists. By just being themselves and interacting together and with participants, they help participants/residents in their healing journey, offering silent but powerful insight with just their presence. “The horses are so intuitive and connected with the here and now,” Kelly says. “They (the horses) end up being the ones guiding the participants through the process of healing…they are the real therapists on this team.”
The horses’ non-judgmental nature helps participants/residents feel safe to explore their emotions and perceptions without fear. This creates a space where personal breakthroughs can happen, and emotional healing can begin.
Helping People Heal
The goal of Equine Therapy isn’t just to help participants/residents heal emotionally in the moment—it’s about giving them tools they can carry with them throughout their lives. Kelly shared a story about a participant/resident who initially kept to himself and only spoke Spanish. After several sessions, he became more engaged, even taking the lead in guiding other participants/residents through the activities with the horses. “It’s amazing to see how they start to open up once a connection is built…when you trust the process it’s just magical” Kelly says.
Equine Therapy provides participants/residents with tools they can use in their everyday lives. The connection they build with the horses carries over into their recovery, and the emotional growth they experience in the arena continues long after they leave the session.
Working Together in Healing
Melanie Arellano and Patricia Villa, two staff members at SMRS, are currently working with Kelly to co-facilitate EAP sessions. Melanie, also the Los Angeles Regional Director for SMRS, shared her thoughts on the process: “I am grateful for this opportunity that SMRS has given me. The chance to work in Equine-Assisted Therapy is something I couldn’t get just anywhere. It’s a rare opportunity, and I’m thankful to work alongside Kelly, learning from her and gaining hands-on experience with the horses.”
Patricia, who works at River Community Covina as Primary Counselor, is also excited about the chance to become a co-facilitator. “Being trained by Kelly is truly a remarkable experience. She expressed, “I’ve always dreamed of being involved in this transformative therapy, and now I have the incredible opportunity to help others heal in the same way.”
A Continuing Journey of Healing
Equine Therapy at SMRS is changing lives, and as this program service grows, more people will have the chance to experience its healing power. With horses leading the way, individuals are learning to trust themselves and others.
For Kelly, Melanie, Patricia, and everyone involved in the program, Equine Therapy is not just another treatment modality—it is a meaningful journey of healing and personal growth. The program offers a unique space for individuals to confront their past and step into a future of recovery, one connection at a time.
