Horses that heal: Equine therapy rising in popularity

Animal-assisted psychotherapy is a form of mental and behavioral health treatment that uses horses and other animals to help adults, children and families to heal from trauma, to manage autism or to overcome anxiety, depression, grief or other emotional problems. The therapy can help anyone but has been particularly effective in aiding Native Americans, who have a deep historical connection to horses as both working animals and companions. Above: A horse stands by as children gather during a group therapy session at Red Horse Healing in Rapid Valley, S.D.