Horse Assisted Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

This research was conducted with the first seven French military personnel who had undergone Horse Assisted Therapy as part of their treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Through the qualitative analysis of their non-directive interviews, we were able to observe that this type of therapy seems to favour the natural and beneficial links that exist between humans and animals. The triadic patient-horse-therapist relationship, but also all that it implies, brings well-being and a feeling of calmness during the sessions and thus brings about bio-psycho-social changes. Nevertheless, the present research also mentions some limitations, such as the feeling of appeasement that does not last over time and some symptoms that eventually reappear. Horse Assisted Therapy is not a treatment but an accompaniment towards a better well-being. It represents a complementary tool in the care of the patient, and deserves to be further developed. In particular in a context where the psychotherapeutic approach is considered essential in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.