The Healing Connection Between Horses and Humans

There’s something truly special about the bond between a horse and their person. It goes beyond riding, beyond training. It’s a connection rooted in trust, patience, and mutual care. Horses have an incredible ability to heal us, both physically and emotionally. They ground us when life feels overwhelming, they offer comfort without needing words, and they remind us to slow down and be present. Things we desperately need in this busy world.

As a child I was a little anxious, and without realizing it at the time, I always found my way to animals. I was the kid that brought home injured birds, stray cats, and wanted to have 100 horses and dogs. I’m still kind of that person, and my daughter has found the same comfort in animals. Recently, she was having a tough day and was extra upset; I found her shortly after, cuddled up in the kitchen window with her bunny. She had calmed down drastically, and she was able to articulate that Cookie made her “feel better.” Animals ground and regulate us. This is no secret, as we have animals used in therapy all the time.

For this Wellness Wednesday, I want to share not only the ways animals bring healing into our lives but also the importance of giving back to them, because when we care for our animals, we’re also caring for ourselves.

I’m going to take a moment to speak about horses, as that is where my specialty is; however, this can apply to any and all animals.

Horses as Healers

Anyone who has spent time around horses knows the feeling. The steady rhythm of their breath, the warmth of their body, the quiet moments spent just being with them. It’s therapy in its purest form.

The healing powers of simply placing your face against a horse’s and taking some deep breaths can feel life-changing. Dramatic? Maybe, haha, but IYKYK!

Horses pick up on our energy. They sense when we are anxious, stressed, or carrying the weight of the day. Without judgment, they stand beside us, offering their presence as a reminder to let go, to breathe, to find balance. Many people turn to horses for emotional healing, whether through equine-assisted therapy, mindful groundwork, or simply the daily routines of care and connection. I have worked off some serious turmoil mucking stalls.

But just like us, horses carry stress, too. Their bodies hold tension from training, past injuries, and even the emotions of their riders. If we want them to continue being the incredible healers they are, we need to support their well-being as well.

The Importance of Equine Wellness

My work in equine bodywork goes far beyond muscles and movement; it’s about whole-body wellness. Through massage, acupressure, and intentional bodywork, I help horses release tension, improve circulation, and find relaxation. When a horse feels good in their body, they move better, perform better, and experience less stress.

But the impact doesn’t stop with them. A healthy, comfortable horse creates a better experience for their rider. Whether it’s a competitive athlete, a recreational rider, or someone who simply enjoys time in the barn. When a horse is well, their human benefits, too.

Shared Wellness

The connection between horse and rider is a partnership. It’s not just about what they can do for us — it’s about what we can do for them, too. Investing in their wellness is an act of gratitude, a way of saying, Thank you for carrying me, for supporting me, for helping me heal.

I can’t even begin to count the number of times horses have healed a broken heart for me. As an extremely sensitive person, I have had my heart broken by parents, friends, employers, boyfriends, and myself. For me, serving horses in this way is more than just a career. It’s a calling. I love knowing that by helping them feel their best, I’m also supporting the people who love them. Because at the heart of it all, wellness is about connection: between body and mind, between horse and human.

So this Wellness Wednesday, I encourage you to reflect on the relationships in your life—whether with your horse, your loved ones, or even yourself. How can you give back to those who bring you healing? How can you prioritize wellness in a way that nurtures both you and those around you?

And if you’re lucky enough to share your life with an animal, take a moment to appreciate all they do for you. 

I’d also like to recommend some places where you can take an opportunity to connect with horses, to feel the gifts they have to give.

Here in Creston, I recommend Confident Equine and Creston Valley Society for Therapeutic Horsemanship. I know there are a few others, but these are some of the owners and horses I have had the privilege of serving.

About the Author

Amanda McGregor is the Certified Equine Therapist of Walk Align Animal Therapy, based in Creston, British Columbia. She specializes in equine wellness but works with all animals, offering a compassionate and intuitive approach to holistic care.

Amanda combines multiple bodywork modalities—including massage, acupressure, and energetic remedies—to support full-body wellness in the animals she serves. Her work focuses on restoring comfort, movement, and emotional balance, especially for horses carrying the physical and energetic weight of their human companions.

Rooted in a lifelong love of animals and a deep respect for their healing power, Amanda’s mission is to care for those who care for us. She believes that animal wellness is not just about physical performance—it’s about connection, trust, and showing up for our animals the way they show up for us.

Instagram: @kootenayanimaltherapist
Facebook: Walk Align Animal Therapy