Therapy

What is Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW)?

In short: Partnering with horses to improve mental health

“Luna” Author photo. I have a big image of this photo in my counselling office. She helps keep a loving eye on everyone.

First, let’s break down these terms that make the acronym EFW:

Equine:

• Latin for horse. From Latin equinus “of a horse, of horses; of horsehair,” from equus “horse”.
• Equine includes horses, zebras, and asses (eg. donkeys and mules). Generally, most EFW programs work with horses, sometimes donkeys and mules, and I’ve yet to hear about one that works with zebras.

Facilitated:

• To “make easy, render less difficult,” from French faciliter “to render easy.”
• EFW programs are facilitated by professionals who have a background in equine assisted learning, equestrianism (have skills, knowledge and background in working with and taking care of horses), and mental health.

Wellness:

• A journey into healing and growth. It is an active process of making choices that help you move toward health and well-being.

EFW is an alternative therapy that involves partnering with horses to promote emotional, mental, and physical health.