Differences between Equine Assisted Learning Therapy (EALT) & Hippotherapy

Choosing the right equine-based therapy is essential to getting the results you need. Equine-Assisted Learning (EALT) supports personal growth, confidence, and emotional development, while Hippotherapy focuses on clinical rehabilitation for physical or developmental conditions.

Understanding these differences ensures you receive the most appropriate, effective, and meaningful support.

Equine Assisted Learning Therapy

Focus: Personal development, life skills, emotional growth.

Goals: Build confidence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, self-awareness.

Activities: Mostly ground-based (no riding) — exercises, obstacle courses, leading horses, reflective activities.

Who conducts it: Typically trained facilitators, educators, or mental-health professionals (depending on the program).

Target group: Anyone seeking personal growth — adults, teens, corporate teams, etc.

Dr Naoko, in collaboration with Re:Life, is the one and only provider of EALT in Malaysia.

Hippotherapy

Focus: Therapy using the horse’s movement as a treatment tool.

Goals: Improve motor function, balance, coordination, core strength, sensory processing.

Activities: Riding is central — the horse’s gait is used like a therapeutic device.

Who conducts it: Licensed healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or speech therapists).

Target group: People with medical or developmental conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism, stroke recovery).

Advantages of EALT compared to Hippotherapy

1. More accessible (no medical diagnosis needed)
EALT is open to anyone seeking personal growth, team-building, or emotional development.
Hippotherapy requires a medical need and a licensed therapist, so access is more limited.

2. Flexible goals (not restricted to clinical outcomes)
EALT can target communication skills, leadership, self-awareness, self-confidence, coping skills, and behavioural insights — areas hippotherapy doesn’t focus on.

3. Mostly ground-based (less intimidating for many participants)
Since EALT usually doesn’t require riding, it is safer and more comfortable for people who may feel nervous about being on a horse.

4. More reflective and psychologically oriented
EALT emphasizes emotional insight, personal reflection, and experiential learning — something hippotherapy does not centre on.

5. Easier to integrate into educational or mental-wellness programs
Because EALT is not a medical treatment, it can be incorporated into schools, youth programs, leadership training, and wellness retreats without clinical requirements.