Madrid Community Uses Horses for Violence Victims' Recovery

A program with 44 women and 11 minors complements psychological and social support with equine therapy in Villanueva de la Cañada.

Generic image of a woman interacting with a horse in an equestrian center.
AI

Generic image of a woman interacting with a horse in an equestrian center.

The Community of Madrid has launched a horse-assisted therapy program since September for 44 women and 11 minors who are victims of violence. The sessions, held at the Centro Ecuestre Villafranca in Villanueva de la Cañada, complement the psychological and social support the participants receive.

The program consists of eight sessions that combine animal handling, stable care, and relaxation techniques, directed by a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and physiotherapists. The Minister of Family, Youth, and Social Affairs, Ana Dávila, attended one of these activities.
According to Dávila, the main objective of this initiative is to improve participants' self-esteem, reduce anxiety, help them manage their emotions, and strengthen family bonds. "It is about enabling them to reclaim their lives, live without fear, and be masters of their future," the minister stated.
Among the most significant benefits of these sessions are the recovery of personal confidence and the development of social skills, which facilitate communication and interaction with others.
Based on information from the official source: Comunidad de Madrid — Notas de prensa (20/10/2026)