Equine therapy for mental health in the United Arab Emirates

Harnessing the Healing Power of Horses

In the fast-paced and often high-pressure environment of the UAE, mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, and burnout are increasingly common.

Equine therapy for mental health offers a unique and effective approach to mental health support by fostering emotional healing, resilience, and self-awareness through interactions with horses.

Why horses?

Horses are highly intuitive and sensitive creatures that can mirror human emotions, providing immediate, nonjudgmental feedback.
This makes them exceptional partners in therapy, helping individuals understand and regulate their emotions, develop trust, and build meaningful connections.

Whether through observing a horse's behavior or engaging in guided activities like grooming, leading, constellation work or metaphorical obstacle courses, participants gain valuable insights into their own inner worlds. 
A coach is there to ask questions and help the patient make the relevant connections, so that the sessions becomes meaningful and relevant to what you are going through.

Tailored for the UAE Community

Equine therapy is a perfect complement to the UAE’s emphasis on mental health and well-being.

From stressed professionals to individuals facing personal challenges, this therapy is tailored to the diverse needs of residents, offering a space to reconnect with nature and themselves.
Sessions take place in Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Ras al Khaimah, in calm outdoor environments, promoting relaxation and mindfulness amidst the natural beauty of the UAE’s equestrian facilities.
Myself and several of my colleagues are offering different kinds of sessions, ranging from one hour private sessions, to group sessions, retreats with overnight stay, and more. We have native Arabic speakers, and also speak English, German, and more.
Reach out to find out how we and the horses can help you!

Who Can Benefit from equine therapy for mental health?

Equine therapy is beneficial for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including:

• Adults facing stress, anxiety, or burnout. Several companies and government entities even include equine therapy into their employee wellbeing programs.
• Children and teens dealing with emotional or behavioral challenges. Getting them away from screens, and in touch with nature, is more and more important.
• Women navigating major life changes or seeking personal growth - we also offer special FeelQuest retreats focused on this area
• Trauma survivors working through PTSD - this includes women on the cancer journey, an increasingly serious topic in the UAE

Supporting the UAE’s Vision for Mental Well-Being

Equine therapy aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, which emphasizes the importance of mental health, positive thinking, and holistic approaches to quality of life.
By integrating horse-assisted therapy into the fabric of the nation’s mental health initiatives, we contribute to a happier, healthier community, and our team of facilitators is looking forward to playing an increase role in this.
Horses have a long cultural tradition in the region, and are well loved by the countries leaders - let's use them to contribute to a healthier UAE.

Using horses in holistic sessions helps lessen the burden on the healthcare system, and at the same time gives a meaningful use especially to older, retired race horses. 

A Safe Space to Heal and Grow

Me and my colleagues work with therapy horses that are carefully selected for their calm and gentle temperaments.
At the moment we do not have our own center yet, but are actively working to find sponsors and philanthropist who are interested to develop equine wellness centers and farms in the UAE.
  
Until then, we pay attention to only collaborate with stables and equestrian centers that fulfill high standards and care for their horses.
These happy and balanced horses become trusted partners in therapy, creating a safe and nurturing environment for clients.

Please note that equine therapy is not the same as horse riding and also costs more.
Horses cannot help humans if they are hungry, in pain, fear and isolated from their peers. 

Pay close attention to where you go - both horse and human need to feel safe in order to be able to grow.
For our list of practitioners in the UAE, please visit https://www.healwithorses.com/ or reach out to me if in doubt. I have a good overview of who is operating and always happy to advise. 

Start Your Quest Today

Whether you’re seeking relief from mental health challenges, a deeper connection with yourself, or a fresh perspective on life, equine therapy offers a transformative experience.
Join us in discovering the healing power of horses right here in the UAE, as well as in our neighbor countries.

For more information about how a session works, read more on this page: 
How does a session work?

To book a session, contact me today.