Why Trust Recovery Guide By working with horses under professional guidance, individuals in recovery can build emotional awareness, trust, accountability, and self-regulation. These skills are often difficult to access through talk therapy alone.
Rehab centers that offer equine therapy combine these experiences with evidence-based addiction treatment, creating programs that address both the emotional and behavioral roots of substance use.
Below are some of the best rehab centers in the U.S. that incorporate equine therapy into comprehensive recovery programs.
Note: These rehab centers are listed alphabetically, not ranked. “Best” depends on individual needs, level of care, location, treatment approach, and other personal factors.
1. Beachway Therapy Center — New Jersey
Beachway Therapy Center integrates equine-assisted therapy into personalized residential treatment plans for adults with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Clients work alongside trained professionals and horses to strengthen emotional awareness, communication, and self-confidence in a calm, structured setting.
Equine therapy is used alongside cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, and family involvement to support whole-person recovery. The program emphasizes emotional regulation and accountability through experiential learning.
Beachway is nationally accredited and widely recognized for blending clinical care with holistic services in a highly structured environment.
Address: 4 Princess Rd, Ste 208, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
Phone: (201) 254-8440
Website: beachway.com
2. Mirmont Treatment Center — Pennsylvania
Mirmont Treatment Center incorporates equine therapy into select residential programs as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment model.
Horse-assisted sessions are used to support emotional regulation, confidence, and interpersonal growth.
Clients receive medical detox, individual therapy, group counseling, and family support services.
Mirmont is Joint Commission–accredited and has served patients for decades, earning strong recognition for clinical quality and safety.
Address: 163 Glen Mills Rd, Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 627-1400
Website: mirmonttreatmentcenter.com
3. Newport Institute — California
Newport Institute’s Temecula campus provides residential treatment for young adults ages 18–35, integrating equine therapy into a broader trauma-informed recovery model.
Working with horses allows clients to explore accountability, boundaries, and emotional awareness in a nonjudgmental environment.
Treatment includes evidence-based therapy, life-skills coaching, and wellness practices such as yoga and mindfulness.
The program is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission and well-regarded for its structured approach to mental health and substance use recovery for young adults.
Address: 43821 Shady Creek, Temecula, CA 92590
Phone: (844) 375-9040
Website: newportinstitute.com
4. Oxford Treatment Center — Mississippi
Oxford Treatment Center incorporates equine therapy into a comprehensive addiction treatment program on a large, wooded Mississippi campus.
Clients participate in horse-related activities such as grooming and groundwork, using these experiences to build trust, emotional insight, and self-discipline.
Alongside equine sessions, Oxford provides medical detox, residential care, group therapy, and holistic services including yoga and art therapy.
The rehab center is accredited by The Joint Commission and the Better Business Bureau and recognized for combining clinical structure with experiential healing in a serene environment.
Address: 297 County Rd 244, Etta, MS 38627
Phone: (662) 262-9113
Website: oxfordtreatment.com
5. Sandstone Care — Colorado
Sandstone Care’s Cascade Canyon campus offers residential addiction treatment for teens ages 13–18, with equine therapy as a core experiential component.
Horse-assisted sessions provide adolescents with a safe, nonverbal way to explore emotions, build confidence, and practice healthy boundaries.
Treatment also includes academic support, family therapy, group counseling, and outdoor recreation.
Sandstone Care is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission and highly rated for its age-appropriate, developmentally informed approach to adolescent recovery.
Address: 5250 Pikes Peak Hwy, Cascade, CO 80809
Phone: (719) 249-2465
Website: sandstonecare.com
6. Seven Arrows Recovery — Arizona
Seven Arrows Recovery offers residential treatment on a large Arizona ranch where equine-assisted therapy supports trauma-informed addiction recovery.
Clients engage with horses under professional supervision to improve emotional awareness, trust, and interpersonal skills.
The program blends Indigenous healing traditions with evidence-based therapies such as CBT and EMDR.
Seven Arrows Recovery is well-reviewed and respected for its culturally integrated approach and emphasis on whole-person healing.
Address: 2491 W Jefferson Rd, Elfrida, AZ 85610
Phone: (866) 770-4355
Website: sevenarrowsrecoveryarizona.com
7. Starlite Recovery Center — Texas
Starlite Recovery Center provides residential addiction treatment in Texas Hill Country, incorporating equine therapy into a broader experiential healing model.
Working with horses helps clients develop responsibility, emotional awareness, and healthy communication patterns.
Treatment includes 12-Step integration, trauma-informed counseling, relapse-prevention education, and wellness activities.
Starlite is accredited by CARF and known for combining traditional recovery principles with experiential therapies in a supportive, nature-based setting.
Address: 230 Mesa Verde Dr, Center Point, TX 78010
Phone: (833) 730-2035
Website: starliterecovery.com
8. Texas Recovery Centers — Texas
Texas Recovery Centers offers residential addiction treatment in a rural Texas setting where equine-assisted therapy supports emotional growth and accountability.
Clients learn emotional regulation and empathy through structured interaction with horses, guided by trained staff.
Equine therapy is combined with evidence-based counseling, mindfulness practices, fitness programming, and peer support.
The center is both Joint Commission and CARF accredited and well regarded for individualized treatment planning and its balance of clinical and experiential care.
Address: 6950 Shady Ln, Scurry, TX 75158
Phone: (214) 295-6503
Website: texasrecoverycenters.com
9. The Raleigh House — Colorado
The Raleigh House integrates equine therapy into residential addiction treatment on a spacious ranch near Denver.
Horse-assisted sessions help clients process trauma, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional resilience.
Treatment plans include dual-diagnosis support, nutritional counseling, group therapy, and holistic wellness services.
The Raleigh House is nationally accredited by the Joint Commission and known for its immersive, nature-based recovery environment.
Address: 4401 S Quebec St, Denver, CO 80237
Phone: (720) 891-4657
Website: theraleighhouse.com
10. The Ranch Tennessee — Tennessee
The Ranch Tennessee offers adult residential addiction treatment that integrates equine therapy with 12-Step programming and experiential learning. Clients work with horses to build self-awareness, communication skills, and emotional balance.
The program addresses substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions through counseling, outdoor activities, and mindfulness practices.
The Ranch Tennessee is Joint Commission accredited and respected for its structured yet supportive recovery environment.
Address: 5166 State Hwy 48, Dickson, TN 37055
Phone: (888) 483-7718
Website: recoveryranch.com
11. Willow Springs Recovery — Texas
Willow Springs Recovery offers holistic addiction treatment in a private Texas ranch setting, with equine-assisted therapy as a core experiential service.
Clients participate in horse-guided sessions that focus on emotional awareness, boundary setting, and trust-building.
Treatment combines equine therapy with trauma-informed counseling, mindfulness practices, and relapse-prevention education.
Willow Springs Recovery is accredited by the Joint Commission and known for its intimate program size and individualized approach to healing.
Address: Bastrop, TX
Phone: (888) 852-0546
Website: willowspringsrecovery.com
What Is Addiction Treatment Like At Rehab Centers That Offer Equine Therapy?
Rehab centers that offer equine therapy combine evidence-based addiction treatment with experiential learning through guided interaction with horses.
This approach helps individuals develop emotional awareness, accountability, and trust, which are core skills for long-term recovery.
Equine therapy is not a replacement for clinical care. Instead, it complements counseling, group therapy, and medical support by providing real-time feedback through nonverbal interaction.
Many rehab programs take place in outdoor or ranch-style settings, which can reduce stress and promote reflection.
Together, clinical treatment and equine-assisted experiences support emotional growth, behavioral change, and sustained recovery.
Tips For Choosing A Rehab Center With Equine Therapy
Not all equine therapy programs are the same. When comparing rehab centers, it’s important to ensure horse-assisted services are integrated into a legitimate addiction treatment model.
Look for recovery programs that offer:
- Licensed clinicians and certified equine specialists
- Accreditation or state licensure
- Individualized treatment planning
- Integration of equine therapy with clinical care
- Clear aftercare and relapse-prevention planning
A strong program uses equine therapy purposefully, not as a recreational activity, but as a structured therapeutic tool.
Our Selection Criteria For Equine Therapy Rehab Centers
The rehab centers on this list were selected based on clinical credibility, safety standards, and meaningful integration of equine therapy.
We prioritized programs that treat equine-assisted therapy as a therapeutic intervention rather than a novelty.
Selection criteria included:
- Verified accreditation or licensure
- Credentialed addiction and equine professionals
- Integration with evidence-based treatment
- Transparent program descriptions
- Positive reputation and longevity
These standards help ensure equine therapy is delivered safely, ethically, and effectively.
Next Steps in Finding a Rehab Center That Offers Equine Therapy
If you’re considering equine-assisted addiction treatment, start by identifying your level of care needs, location preferences, and insurance options.
Contact programs directly to ask how equine therapy is incorporated into treatment and what clinical services are provided. Comparing multiple programs can help you find a rehab center that aligns with your recovery goals.
If the right option isn’t listed here, continue exploring our treatment directories to discover additional equine therapy rehab centers across the U.S.
Rehab Centers That Offer Equine Therapy FAQs
What is equine therapy?
Equine therapy, also called equine-assisted therapy or equine-assisted learning, is a therapeutic approach that involves guided interaction with horses under the supervision of trained clinicians and equine specialists.
Activities may include grooming, leading, groundwork, or observing horse behavior rather than riding.
Because horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language, they can help individuals become more aware of their emotional states, reactions, and communication patterns in real time.
Is equine therapy evidence-based?
Equine-assisted therapy is supported by a growing body of research showing benefits for emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and interpersonal skill development.
While it is not a standalone treatment for addiction, studies suggest it can enhance engagement, self-awareness, and emotional processing when used alongside evidence-based therapies.
Most reputable rehab centers use equine therapy as an adjunct to clinical treatment rather than a replacement.
Who benefits most from equine therapy?
Equine therapy may be especially helpful for individuals with trauma histories, difficulty expressing emotions verbally, or challenges with trust and interpersonal relationships.
People who respond well to experiential or hands-on learning often find horse-assisted therapy more accessible than traditional talk therapy alone.
However, suitability depends on emotional readiness, physical safety considerations, and comfort around animals.
Does equine therapy replace traditional therapy?
No. Equine therapy is designed to complement, not replace, evidence-based addiction treatment.
It is typically integrated with counseling approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, group therapy, and relapse-prevention planning.
The goal is to reinforce therapeutic insights through experiential learning while maintaining a strong clinical foundation.
Is equine therapy safe?
When delivered by licensed clinicians and certified equine specialists, equine therapy is considered a safe and structured therapeutic intervention.
Programs follow strict safety protocols, including supervised sessions, trained horses, and clear boundaries around participation.
Rehab centers also assess physical and emotional readiness before including equine therapy in a treatment plan.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Addiction Science & Clinical Practice.Complementary horse-assisted therapy for substance use disorders: a randomized controlled trial.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7001193/ - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Animal-Assisted Therapy in the Residential Treatment of Dual Pathology.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6981395/ - Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. Equine-assisted services for individuals with substance use disorders: a scoping review.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9749232/ - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.Horse sense: Veterans reap benefits of equine therapy.
https://www.va.gov/milwaukee-health-care/stories/horse-sense-veterans-reap-benefits-of-equine-therapy/