Blog 5: War Horses and Healing Hearts

horse in field

If you’ve ever watched a horse gallop across a field and felt something stir in your chest, you’re not alone.

There’s something ancient, almost sacred, about our connection to these animals. It’s more than admiration, it’s a bond. A shared journey. In this chapter of our “Horse Sense” series, we’re diving into the powerful healing connection between horses and humans a bond that has carried us through war, trauma, growth, and even healing.

From Battlefields to Bonded Souls

Think back to the image of a soldier and his horse, side by side on the battlefield. You may have seen it in history books, or felt it in films like War Horse – where a courageous stallion runs through barbed wire and bullets, driven by sheer loyalty and the pull of reunion. That’s not fiction. That’s the real power of the horse-human bond. Horses weren’t just transportation during war, they were partners, lifelines, and quiet confidants. Long after the war ended, those bonds lingered. Many veterans reported that the connection with their horse was what got them through. There was no judgment, no need to talk, just presence, trust, and understanding.

It makes sense, then, that today, horses are stepping into a new kind of battlefield helping people heal from emotional wounds.

Enter: Equine Assisted Services (EAS)

As we moved into modern times, we discovered something incredible: Horses don’t just carry us physically, they help carry us emotionally.

This realization led to the growth of Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Services (EAS) where horses are used to support people with physical disabilities, trauma, mental health challenges, and more.

What started as physical therapy soon turned into something deeper. Children with autism found peace in the rhythm of the trot. Veterans with PTSD felt safe and seen in a horse’s quiet gaze. People who had lost their voice (literally or figuratively) began to speak again. It wasn’t magic. It was connection.

The Birth of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

As these programs grew, another question emerged: If horses can help us heal, can they also help us grow?

That question gave rise to Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) a powerful, hands-on approach where horses help humans develop critical life skills like leadership, teamwork, empathy, and communication.

Trust me, it works! In EAL, you’re not riding. You’re partnering. You’re making decisions. You’re problem-solving alongside a 1500-pound animal who responds honestly to how you show up. There’s no faking it. No shortcuts. Just real-time feedback and connection. And the lessons stick. Why? Because you feel them, you experience them.

Why It Works (Even If You Don’t Love Horses… Yet)

You don’t have to be a “horse person” to benefit from this work. In fact, some of the most powerful transformations come from people who’ve never been near a horse. Why?

Because it’s not about the horse, it’s about you:

  • Building confidence through connection
  • Practicing trust and letting go of control
  • Rediscovering your voice and your value
  • Learning how to lead…and how to listen

Yes it’s about healing, too. Not in the “sit in a room and rehash your trauma” kind of way, but in the “let this beautiful, intuitive animal show you what’s still possible” kind of way.

 

Real Stories, Real Change

We’ve seen people walk into an EAL session afraid to even enter the arena and walk out with their arms around a horse, tears in their eyes, and a strength they didn’t know they had.

One participant told us, “I found my voice again and it was a horse who gave it back to me.”

Another said, “For the first time, I felt like I mattered.”

That’s the kind of impact horses make, not just in war zones or therapy barns, but in everyday lives, one connection at a time.

 

So What Comes Next?

In our next blog, we’ll break down what actually happens in an Equine Assisted Learning session, the structure, the science, and the life skills you’ll walk away with. Spoiler alert: it’s more than just petting a horse (though you’ll probably want to do that, too!).

Until then, remember this:
Horses have always carried us through hard times. And today, they’re still doing it – one heart at a time.

 

Have a group or Team who want to join us for an Equine Assisted Learning session and experience firsthand the healing, growth, and connection that happens when you partner with a horse. You don’t need riding boots. Just an open mind and a willing heart. Contact Ride@horsepower.org for more information.