LONDON EQUINE THERAPY - Finding Healing and Connection Through Horses

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LONDON EQUINE THERAPY -Finding Healing and Connection Through Horses

For as long as humans have shared their lives with horses, these animals have been more than companions. They have been teachers, mirrors, and guides. Today, as the pressures of modern life weigh heavily on many of us, horses are once again stepping into their timeless role as healers. This is the heart of London Equine Therapy, founded in 2020 by Sarah Long, an equestrian professional whose own life was transformed by the power of horses.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY

Sarah’s story is one of resilience, passion, and rediscovery.

“Horses and sport have always been an anchor in my life,” she shares. “Not only did they shape my childhood and teach me valuable life skills such as intuition and boundaries, but they also gave me the confidence to pursue a career as a riding instructor.”

For many years, Sarah taught children, ran her own riding school, and organised pony holiday camps. Yet life brought her challenges, both physical and emotional. After a series of health scares and moments of reflection, she noticed something profound: the grounding, healing influence of her horses was what helped her most to recover her balance and wellbeing.

“I realised that what I had experienced could be of real value to others,” Sarah explains. “I wanted to create a space where people could connect with horses in a way that goes beyond sport or leisure. A place where they could rediscover themselves.”

This desire led her to the Institute of Equine Facilitated Learning and Psychotherapy in Gloucestershire, where she trained and certified in equine therapy. With her new knowledge and her lifelong bond with horses, Sarah returned to her base in Totteridge, North London, and opened the doors of London Equine Therapy.

A HAVEN ON THE EDGE OF THE CITY

Only 11 miles from the busy heart of London, the stables at Totteridge offer a surprising oasis of calm. Surrounded by leafy fields, it is a place where time seems to slow down and the chatter of the outside world fades away. Here, in a tranquil setting, horses become partners in a unique therapeutic process.

The programme welcomes individuals of all ages — from children and young people to adults and families. Whether someone is living with ADHD, autism, anger management challenges, depression, or bereavement, or simply looking for a deeper connection with themselves, the horses meet each person without judgment.

Unlike traditional therapy, where the focus is often on words, Equine Therapy is experiential. Guests step outside, breathe the fresh air, and engage with horses in simple yet profound activities. Grooming, leading, observing, or moving through structured exercises with a horse provides a mirror to inner experiences.

“Horses are incredibly intuitive,” Sarah says. “They don’t care about your job, your status, or your past. They respond only to the energy and emotions in the moment. That honesty allows people to explore parts of themselves they may have been hiding, and to do so safely.

The Benefits of Equine Therapy

Equine Therapy has gained international recognition for its ability to support mental health and well-being. At London Equine Therapy, the benefits clients discover include:

Emotional awareness and regulation — recognising feelings as they arise and finding ways to manage them.

Building self-confidence — discovering strength and presence in leading and interacting with a 500kg animal.

Developing trust and empathy — with horses and people.

Problem-solving and responsibility — learning through real-time feedback.

Support with anxiety and stress — including exam stress in young people.

Strengthening family or group dynamics — exploring how we relate to others.

In schools and care homes, sessions have opened new doors for young people, giving them fresh ways to connect, express, and grow. For adults, the sessions offer an alternative to talking therapies — one that is embodied, practical, and rooted in a relationship with another living being.

A Team of Guides

Sarah is not alone in this mission. Alongside her is a dedicated team of qualified equine-assisted practitioners, each bringing their own expertise in psychology, education, or horsemanship. Together, they create a safe, supportive space for every participant. “Our approach is simple,” Sarah says. “We don’t put pressure or expectations on our guests. Everyone works at their own pace. The horses and practitioners walk alongside them, offering support, presence, and encouragement.”

More Than Therapy

For many, a session at London Equine Therapy is more than a therapeutic intervention — it is a chance to slow down, to breathe, and to reconnect with the natural world. Horses, with their quiet strength and ability to live fully in the present moment, remind us of the simple truths we often forget in our daily rush. As Sarah reflects: “Every time I see someone leave a session standing a little taller, smiling a little wider, or simply breathing more deeply, I know this work matters. Horses have given me so much. Now I feel honoured to give something back to others.”

Discover London Equine Therapy

If you are curious about Equine Therapy — whether for yourself, a loved one, or as part of a school or community programme — London Equine Therapy welcomes you to explore this journey. Nestled in the green outskirts of North London, the stables are a sanctuary of connection, healing, and growth. For more information or to book a session, visit https://www.londonequinetherapy.com/ or contact the team directly. Because sometimes, the best way to find ourselves… is through the eyes of a horse.

Sarah Long, London Equine Therapy