Throughout history , humans have relied on animals as a way of improving mental health . Equine therapy has grown in popularity in Britain in recent years . It is believed that the benefits are due to the fact that horses can be trained and controlled by people rather than being used for work or entertainment purposes. No longer viewed as simply a crackpot alternative remedy for the rich and famous , equine therapy has gained a devoted following of psychoanalysts who say it has the power to heal people suffering from depression , bipolar disorder , phobias , anger issues and trauma . Hard evidence remains scarce , largely anecdotal .
Throughout history , humans have relied on animals as a way of improving mental health . Equine therapy has grown in popularity in Britain in recent years . It is believed that the benefits are due to the fact that horses can be trained and controlled by people rather than being used for work or entertainment purposes. Hard evidence remains scarce , largely anecdotal .