Dr. Maritess Gozon Viterbo is redefining equine therapy through her unique approach, which emphasizes the importance of truly listening to horses. Based in the Philippines, she combines her medical background with a deep understanding of animal behavior.
Listening Beyond Words
Actually, more of a horse listener,
Dr. Maritess Gozon Viterbo
Viterbo's methodology begins with grounding oneself and developing mindfulness. She highlights that horses, as prey animals, are highly attuned to their surroundings and human cues.
- Understanding horse body language is crucial.
- Behavioral signals indicate a horse's emotional state.
Viterbo explains that recognizing these signals is vital for building a trusting relationship, especially important in high-stakes environments like competitive equestrian sports.
Horses endure significant physical strain during rigorous training, and Viterbo advocates for their psychological well-being as a key component of recovery. She notes, "Like human athletes, horses need therapy too."
One notable case is Costi, a veteran dressage horse. Viterbo's initial visit three years ago revealed his complex health history and challenging temperament. Her consistent care helped him become more manageable.
During a critical moment in 2025, Viterbo traveled to Belgium to assess Costi's performance issues. She identified tension that was affecting his movement, demonstrating the intricate link between mental state and physical capability.
In July 2025, Costi and his rider Toni Leviste excelled in a competition, scoring above the necessary qualifying mark. However, just days before the 2026 Asian Games, Costi faced severe lameness, prompting Viterbo's return.
Following Viterbo's intervention, Costi showed significant improvement, allowing him to resume training in time for the Games.
A Journey Back to Her Roots
Viterbo's journey into equine therapy was inspired by a childhood passion. While her peers aspired to conventional careers, she dreamt of working with horses.
After becoming a physician, the pandemic allowed her to pursue equine-assisted psychotherapy. This led her to focus on the needs of horses, integrating various therapeutic practices into her own unique method.
Now, Viterbo applies her skills not just to competitive horses but also to raise awareness about horse welfare in the equestrian community. She believes better care for horses enhances safety and performance.
Viterbo’s advocacy stems from a profound respect for the sacrifices horses make for their riders. She states, "They give so much to humans, even when they are already injured."
For Viterbo, her work represents a full-circle return to her childhood dreams, blending her medical expertise with her passion for horses.