Healing Through Hooves: How Horses Support Sexual Abuse Survivors and What to Look for in an Equine Therapist in New Zealand

Rachelle Millar offers a compassionate and transformative space for sexual abuse survivors, including children, to heal and reclaim their sense of self. Through her work with horses, she provides a nonjudgmental and deeply grounding environment where survivors can process trauma, rebuild trust, and rediscover their inner strength. Combining equine-assisted therapy with intuitive energy healing, Rachelle tailors her approach to each individual's journey, creating a safe and empowering path toward emotional and spiritual restoration. Her work fosters resilience, connection, and hope for a brighter future.

Horses can play a profound role in the healing journey of sexual abuse survivors through equine-assisted therapy. This approach leverages the horse's natural behaviours, sensitivities, and non-judgmental presence to create a therapeutic environment that fosters emotional growth, trust, and resilience. Here's how horses can help:

1. Building Trust and Safety

• Sexual abuse survivors often struggle with trust due to past violations. Horses, as sensitive and intuitive creatures, require calmness and mutual trust to engage positively. Interacting with horses in a safe, controlled environment helps survivors rebuild their sense of trust and safety in relationships.

  
  

2. Emotional Regulation

• Horses mirror human emotions and respond to a person's energy and behavior. This mirroring encourages survivors to regulate their emotions, as calmness and consistency are essential for positive interaction with the horse. It also offers a non-verbal way to process and understand feelings.

  
  

3. Non-Judgmental Connection

• Horses do not judge or hold preconceived notions. This unconditional presence can be incredibly comforting for survivors, who may feel shame or self-blame. The horse’s acceptance allows survivors to feel seen and valued without judgment.

  
  

4. Rebuilding Confidence and Empowerment

• Caring for and working with a large animal like a horse can be empowering. Survivors may feel a sense of accomplishment and strength as they build skills in handling, grooming, or riding, helping to restore a sense of control and agency.

  
  

5. Mindfulness and Presence

• Horses live in the moment, teaching survivors to focus on the present rather than dwelling on past traumas or anxieties about the future. This mindfulness practice can be calming and healing.

  
  

6. Releasing Trauma

• The physical presence of the horse, including activities like grooming or gentle riding, can help survivors release tension and trauma stored in the body. Some equine-assisted therapy integrates trauma-informed techniques to facilitate deeper emotional healing.

  
  

7. Creating Healthy Boundaries

• Survivors often need to relearn how to establish and maintain boundaries. Horses are excellent at communicating their own boundaries through body language, providing survivors with opportunities to practice setting and respecting limits in a safe environment.

  
  

8. Connection with Nature

• Being in nature alongside horses enhances the therapeutic experience, grounding survivors and fostering a sense of peace and connection to something greater than themselves.

  
  

Why Horses?

Horses are particularly suited for this work due to their sensitivity to human emotions and their ability to provide feedback through behavior. Their size and power symbolize strength, while their gentle nature provides comfort, creating a unique duality that fosters healing.

By engaging survivors in experiential, relationship-based learning with horses, equine-assisted therapy can provide a powerful pathway to recovery, emotional growth, and renewed self-worth.

What to Look for in an Equine Therapist

When seeking an equine therapist, it's important to find someone who is not only skilled and qualified but also aligns with your specific needs and goals. Here are some key considerations to guide your search:

1. Qualifications and Training

• There are no specific qualifications in NZ or a registered professional body for Equine Therapy. There are programmes offered internationally to support learning about working with Equines, but all programmes that will certify you for Equine Therapy require that you have a qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy first.

  
  

• Ensure they have professional training in trauma-informed care or counseling, particularly if you're seeking support for healing from sexual abuse.

  
  

2. Experience with Trauma Survivors

• Choose a therapist with specific experience working with trauma survivors, as they will understand the complexities of emotional recovery and provide a safe, supportive environment.

• Ask about their approach to sensitive topics and how they tailor sessions to meet individual needs.

  
  

3. Ethics and Professionalism

• Check that the therapist adheres to ethical guidelines and is a member of a professional body such as the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) or a similar organization.

• They should uphold confidentiality and have clear policies regarding safety and boundaries.

  
  

4. Horse Welfare

• Observe how the horses are treated. A reputable equine therapist will prioritize the well-being and ethical treatment of their horses, as this directly impacts the therapeutic process.

• Horses should appear healthy, relaxed, and well-cared for, as overworked or stressed animals may not provide the same therapeutic benefits.

  
  

5. Environment

• The setting should be calm, private, and safe, with facilities that allow for comfortable interaction with the horses. New Zealand’s natural landscapes can enhance the healing experience, so look for a location that embraces this.

  
  

6. Trauma-Informed Practices

• Ensure the therapist employs trauma-informed practices, emphasizing emotional safety, empowerment, and choice. This is particularly important for survivors of sexual abuse, as it fosters trust and minimizes re-traumatization.

  
  

7. Personal Connection

• Building a therapeutic relationship is key to success. Arrange an initial consultation to assess whether you feel comfortable with the therapist’s approach and personality.

  
  

8. Testimonials and Reviews

• Seek recommendations or read reviews from others who have worked with the therapist. Their experiences can provide valuable insight into the therapist’s effectiveness and approach.

• Recommendations can be found through Mangawhai Beach School, Te Whai Trust and Otamatea Community Services who have all referred clients to Rachelle Millar for Equine Therapy since 2021.

  
  

9. Collaborative Approaches

• Look for therapists who integrate equine therapy with other healing modalities, such as mindfulness, energy healing, or traditional counseling, to provide a holistic experience.

• Inquire about opportunities to combine equine therapy with other professional support, such as psychologists or support groups, for a comprehensive treatment plan.

  
  

10. Cultural Sensitivity

• New Zealand has a rich cultural heritage, including Māori traditions. Some therapists may incorporate Te Ao Māori principles, such as respect for the interconnectedness of people and nature. If this resonates with you, ask about culturally informed practices.

  
  

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can find an equine therapist in New Zealand who provides a safe, effective, and nurturing environment for your healing journey.

If you feel this might be right for your or your child, please contact Rachelle on 0276584552. Or fill in the contact form.