When Therapy Horses Pass On: How Practitioners Cope and Grow

In equine-assisted services (EAS), horses aren't just animals—they're trusted partners in healing. So what happens when one of these beloved equines dies? How do practitioners, clients, and entire programs manage the emotional and practical aftermath?

A new study sheds light on this rarely-discussed but deeply felt topic, exploring the grief and resilience of EAS providers after the death of a therapy horse.

Why This Matters

While there's plenty of research on grief following the loss of pets, less attention has been given to the unique grief experienced by people working in equine-assisted services programs. These horses often touch the lives of dozens—sometimes hundreds—of people. When they pass away, it's not just a personal loss. It's a collective one.

How Practitioners Build Resilience

Using the Communication Theory of Resilience, the study identifies five ways that practitioners cope with this kind of loss:

1. Crafting Normalcy
   

   Practitioners honored their horses’ lives and legacies by sharing stories, holding ceremonies, or simply continuing rituals that acknowledged the horse's role in the community. This storytelling helped them and others adjust to a “new normal.”

2. Balancing Grief with Action
   

   While grieving, many practitioners also had to remain “the professional,” juggling logistics and supporting others. They often described being “stoic,” even while feeling deep personal sorrow.

3. Affirming Identity
   

   Practitioners reinforced their identities as caregivers, leaders, and responsible stewards of their horses’ wellbeing. Even difficult decisions, like euthanasia, were reframed as acts of compassion.

4. Leaning on Support Networks
   

   Grief was shared. Whether through texts, memorials, or face-to-face conversations, practitioners turned to clients, volunteers, and staff to both give and receive support.

5. Reframing the Loss
   

   Most deaths in the study were euthanasia-related. Practitioners often reframed these decisions as "doing the right thing," helping them come to terms with the emotional weight of their choices.

Practical Tips for EAS Organizations

The study suggests that grief protocols and training can help practitioners and programs better prepare for and navigate equine loss. For instance:

• Designating memorial spaces or events
• Developing communication plans for clients and staff
• Encouraging shared storytelling and reflection

Final Thoughts

The death of an equine can leave a profound void. But as this study reveals, it also opens up space for connection, care, and resilience. By openly acknowledging grief and leaning on community, EAS practitioners not only honor their equine partners but also strengthen their programs for the future.

For those working in equine-assisted services—or anyone who has experienced the loss of a beloved animal—this research is a powerful reminder: grief is real, but so is the potential for growth.