ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview and rationale to justify the inclusion of horses and other domestic equines in counseling. The chapter will open with a historical review of the human-horse relationship, beginning with ancient cultures and progressing to the present with support from contemporary research. The chapter will then discuss the neurobiology of the human-equine bond to establish the foundation of this relationship as a vehicle to provide healing. Following this discussion, the chapter summarizes the benefits of including equines in counseling and psychotherapy. The chapter then provides a history of the equine-assisted activities and therapies field, including a discussion on common terms and definitions within the field.
