Can I Become an Equine-Assisted Therapist With a Counseling Degree?

Equine-assisted therapists combine talk therapy with riding and caring for horses. Equine therapy is a branch of animal-assisted therapy. Some benefits include reducing stress and improving mental and physical health, according to a 2020 analysis.

You can become an equine therapist with a counseling degree. Developing equine-assisted therapy plans requires specialized training. Earning a counseling degree builds the assessment, treatment planning, and counseling skills you need to work in the field.

Equine Therapy for Treatment

Equine-assisted therapy can help people with mental, emotional, and developmental conditions. Researchers and therapists have found that equine therapy improves communication and socialization skills. It can also boost self-image and self-esteem, helping patients better manage conditions such as social anxiety disorder, depression, and autism.

Children and adults with developmental disabilities can also benefit from equine therapy because it improves relaxation and focus — two key skills to support learning.

Those with physical impairments may improve their range of motion and strengthen muscles during equine therapy sessions. In addition, this therapy can improve balance, muscle use, and respiration.

Counseling Degree Overview

A counseling degree prepares you for a career as an equine-assisted therapist. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in counseling or a mental health field to enter the profession. Some certification routes require a master’s degree and licensure as a counselor.

A counseling degree explores individual and group counseling techniques while strengthening your skills as a therapist. Coursework often covers mental health assessment methods, research methods, treatment planning, and clinical intervention. You’ll likely complete an internship or practicum to gain hands-on experience working with patients.

Earning your degree in counseling prepares you for a career as a therapist or counselor. While some counseling career paths only require a bachelor’s degree, most licensed mental health counselors need a master’s degree.

Equine-Assisted Therapy Specialization

Equine therapists need specialized skills. Some colleges and other institutions offer animal or equine-assisted therapy. These programs blend coursework in counseling and psychology with classes on equine studies.

You take courses on equine health management, stable management, and equine-assisted activities. Several colleges offer undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in equine therapy.

You can also pursue certifications in equine-assisted therapy after completing a counseling degree. For example, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association offers a certification for candidates with a bachelor’s degree.

Licensed counselors can also earn certification through the Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals (CBEIP). You need three years of experience in mental health counseling to qualify for CBEIP certification.

Equine-Assisted Therapist Salary

Equine therapists earn an average salary of $76,090, according to March 2024 data from Payscale. That’s significantly higher than general mental health therapists, who earned an average of $54,410.

Your earning potential as a therapist depends on several factors, including your specialization, location, and experience. As equine therapists gain experience, for example, their compensation typically increases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Equine-Assisted Therapist