For thousands of years, humans have recognized the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses. As early as 400 BC, the Greek physician Hippocrates documented the positive effects of equine movement on riders. By the 1970s and 1980s, therapeutic riding gained widespread acceptance as an effective form of recreational therapy for individuals with disabilities. Shortly after, during the 1990s, the practice expanded further as equine mental health therapy gained recognition.

Julia Montagnet, founder of New Reins, has firsthand experience with the impact of both therapeutic riding and equine facilitated learning. Over sixteen years, she has taught horsemanship and riding to students with developmental disabilities, at-risk-youth, and individuals facing mental health challenges, while also coaching dressage. Across those years, she has observed how working with horses consistently helps students build patience, empathy, resilience, healthy boundaries, and critical thinking skills.