Interest in equine therapy within the UK has seen a 28% surge following pop icon Britney Spears‘ revelation of her fondness for the practice.
Earlier this year, the star confessed to participating in equine therapy sessions twice weekly as a means of coping with trauma inflicted by others, sparking widespread discussion about this unique wellness approach.
Britney shared that horse riding provided her with a sense of peace and clarity, and her post rapidly gained traction online. This led to a noticeable uptick in searches for equine therapy, with TwinSpires reporting a 28% spike in the UK following her disclosure.
In December 2024, there were 45,820 searches for equine therapy, which rose to 58,860 in January 2025 – an increase many attribute to Britney’s Instagram post. The timing of the surge in interest aligns with her sharing how therapeutic interaction with horses had significantly improved her overall well-being.
Search terms such as “horse therapy”, “equine therapy benefits” and “therapeutic riding” were among the most frequently used, predominantly originating from England. In fact, 80.2% of these searches were conducted in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What exactly is equine therapy?
Equine therapy is making waves on the internet as an alternative approach for people grappling with mental health issues. This therapeutic practice typically includes guided interactions and horse riding sessions, which aim to bolster self-awareness, confidence and emotional recovery.
Recent research indicates that equine therapy can be advantageous for those suffering from depression, PTSD, anxiety and ADHD. Studies highlight that being in the company of horses and taking care of them encourages mindfulness, induces calmness and nurtures a sense of connection.
This allows people to remain grounded and fully present. Horses possess an impressive intuition and are adept at responding to human emotions.
Their reactions are almost instantaneous, offering immediate feedback that is instrumental in building trust, managing anxiety and enhancing emotional regulation. Interestingly, many horses used in equine therapy are former racehorses who have embarked on a second career.
They utilise their intelligence and intuitive nature to contribute to human healing. A notable example is Tap Til Dawn, also known as “Tristan”, a retired racehorse who now plays a pivotal role in healing people’s physical and mental well-being, and has been recognised with an award for his contributions as a therapeutic riding horse.
Vance Hanson, a horse racing expert at TwinSpires, commented: “When a high-profile individual like Britney speaks out about certain practices, it can normalise the idea of it for so many people. When this practice is based on wellness or slightly unusual, interest in it typically soars. People who may have previously been hesitant are encouraged to give it a go.
“If this sounds like you, now could be the perfect time to jump into action, with plenty of options for accessible equine therapy spanning around the UK. Many organisations also offer introductory sessions which allow people to learn more about their therapy options and experience just how calming horses can be from the start.
“And who knows? You might find yourself saddling up for a healthier and happier future all thanks to the sharing of world famous pop star Britney Spears.”
Equine therapy may not be suitable for everyone, but these programmes are designed with safety as a priority. Certified professionals lead the sessions to ensure participants feel secure and supported.
While there are inherent risks involved in working with animals, these can be mitigated through proper training, accreditation and safety measures. If you’re considering giving it a try, do your homework and consult with a medical professional to ensure it’s the right course of action for you.