Horses that heal: how equine therapy is helping people find peace of mind

Horses make great companions for psychotherapy because they can mirror and respond to human behavior. And crucially, 'there's no judgment with a horse'

It's Saturday night in downtown Long Beach, California, and laughter can be heard from the streets below. Sarah Smith is sprawled on her bed, diligently peeling through sociology notes, preparing for her impending exams. An acoustic guitar rests against her bed, and a colorful gay-pride flag is pinned next to her bookshelf.

At first glance, Sarah comes across as a typical college student - but her serious blue eyes sometimes betray a history of violence, abandonment and emotional trauma.