Finding Healing in the Herd: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for First Responders and Military Veterans
By Martin Gendron, MACP, CCC, RSW, BSW
When the weight of service becomes too heavy to carry alone, healing often begins in the most unexpected places—like a quiet pasture, beside a horse.
As a military veteran and retired first responder, I understand the deep scars trauma can leave—visible and invisible. The constant alertness, the split-second decisions, the unbearable losses. These experiences don’t just fade when the shift ends or the uniform comes off. For many of us, traditional talk therapy can feel like just another task on the to-do list—another thing we’re expected to do, but without the connection we truly need.
That’s where equine-assisted psychotherapy comes in.
Why Horses?
Horses are prey animals. They survive by being acutely aware of their surroundings, and they respond to human emotion and energy without judgment. They don’t care about your rank, your past, or the things you’ve seen. They respond only to your presence, your authenticity, and your willingness to be real in the moment.
For those of us who have spent our careers hiding pain behind a professional mask, the honest feedback of a horse can be profound. They don’t lie. They don’t pretend. And they don’t expect you to be anything other than who you are right now.
What Happens in Equine Therapy?
In equine-assisted psychotherapy, the horse is a co-therapist. We don’t teach you to ride. Instead, you engage with horses on the ground—grooming, leading, observing, and reflecting. These interactions mirror relationships, boundaries, trust, and communication patterns. A horse’s response can reveal more than hours of conversation ever could.
For example, a horse might walk away when someone is trying to control too much, or lean in when someone finally lets their guard down. These moments become therapeutic gold—inviting insight, awareness, and emotional breakthroughs.
Healing Through Connection
Many first responders and veterans carry a deep sense of isolation, shame, or helplessness. Horses help us reconnect—not just with others, but with ourselves. They encourage stillness, presence, and the kind of emotional regulation that trauma often disrupts.
This isn’t about fixing people. It’s about restoring the parts of ourselves that got lost along the way—compassion, self-trust, and the ability to feel safe in our own bodies.
Why This Works for Us
Non-verbal healing: Horses don’t require you to talk about the worst day of your life. They help you feel.
Regulation and grounding: Their calm presence helps regulate the nervous system.
Trust and boundaries: You learn how to rebuild healthy relationships without pressure or judgment.
Empowerment: Each small success with a horse—earning trust, setting boundaries, calming your own energy—translates into life outside the arena.
You’re Not Alone
If you’ve served—whether in combat, on the front lines, or in the heart of a community—you’ve seen things most people can’t imagine. And you’ve survived. Now it’s time to thrive. To feel again. To find peace.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a path forward—not by erasing what’s happened, but by helping you carry it differently.
Come as you are. The herd is waiting.
About the Author:
Martin Gendron is a military veteran, retired first responder, social worker, and mental health therapist who now leads equine-assisted psychotherapy programs for those that needs it. His practice centers around compassion, connection, and the healing power of animals and nature.
