Therapy with trotting horses helps ease anxiety and fear

A Finnish researcher is developing a new form of equine-assisted therapy using trotting horses and harness racing environments to address mental health challenges.

Anne Terävä, a licensed riding therapist and social worker from Ylöjärvi, is piloting the approach at Teivo Trotting School in western Finland, according to a report by Yle. The therapy combines short-term counseling with horse care, stable activities, and driving a trotting horse in a cart.

Terävä, who holds a C-level driving license for trotting competitions, was inspired by her own experience with the sport. “There’s something about this that creates a flow state for days,” she said. “I wanted to understand what makes me and my trotting partner feel this way. I’ve never experienced this intensity with riding.”

One of her current clients is 23-year-old Oona Helander, who seeks relief from mental health struggles, anxiety, and tension. “This activity-based therapy suits me better than traditional talk therapy,” Helander said.

During a session observed by Yle, Helander worked with Paavo, an experienced warm-blooded trotting horse. The therapy began with a discussion of emotions, aided by Terävä’s custom emotion cards depicting human feelings through horse imagery. This was followed by a mindfulness and breathing exercise with the horse, where Helander placed her palm against Paavo’s side while focusing on her breath and the sensation of her feet on the stable floor.

The session included Helander’s first cart ride as part of the therapy. She described Paavo as calm and pleasant, qualities that help manage anxiety and fear.

Terävä explains that while riding therapy involves direct contact with the horse, trotting therapy transmits movement through the reins and equipment. “When we sit in a tandem cart, we have a direct connection to the horse’s mouth through the reins. The movement travels through the entire body of the driver,” she said.

The Finnish Trotting Association (Suomen Hippos) supports the project, which may expand to other trotting schools. A pilot with additional children and youth will begin this autumn, with results expected next spring.

Terävä notes that no prior horse experience is required, but participants must manage their emotions to avoid directing negative feelings toward the horse. Physical limitations may restrict access to the carts, and alcohol or violence are prohibited on the premises.