Equine-Assisted Therapy

Although there appears to be heightened awareness of the alarming rise in adolescent mental health concerns, treatment initiation and adherence to traditional therapies remains low. Nurses are at the forefront of exploring innovative youth-friendly therapeutic options that engage adolescents who otherwise may be reluctant to care. Human-animal interactions (HAIs) are alternative approaches where animals are integrated as therapeutic partners to help break down barriers, build trust, uncover meaning, and foster transformation. Equine-assisted learning (EAL), a type of HAI, was the focus of this research. This study explored the lived experience of adolescents who participated in an equine-assisted learning program guided through the lens of the theory of unitary caring and the hermeneutic-phenomenological unitary-caring research method. Eleven participants between the ages of 11-19 were interviewed. The outcomes of improved self-confidence, better mood, healthier relationships, and an optimistic outlook were supported by the literature. Six essences evolved from the narratives: troubled by turbulent connections; embracing uncertainty and vulnerability; awakening to the shared human-horse condition; attuning as one; engaging harmonically; and cultivating peace and joy. These essences, blended with the theory of unitary caring, led to the discovery of the antecedents of transformational change defined in the conceptual representation of the Unitary Caring Relatedness Model. These findings contribute to nursing and HAI literature and suggest a model that may be implemented in adolescent practice.

The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the effects of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) on mindfulness, self-reflection, insight, and psychological well-being in an adult veteran population with mental health concerns. Specific aims were (1) to determine the effect of EAP on mindfulness, self-reflection, insight, and psychological well-being in veterans with psychiatric diagnoses or mental health concerns; and (2) to describe the relationship of the sociodemographic characteristics (age, ethnicity, gender, education level, income, and deployment history) to mindfulness, self-reflection, insight, and psychological well-being of adult veterans with mental health concerns engaged in EAP. Smith’s (1999) theory of unitary caring provided the guiding theoretical and conceptual framework for the study.
A convenience sampling design was used to recruit 18 participants from a South Florida therapeutic riding center and an online veterans’ forum. The sample consisted of adult veterans ages 18 years and older who had mental health concerns and/or diagnoses. Assignment to the EAP group (n=9) was determined by the therapy center director based on session days and times and participant availability. The comparison group (n=9) received their treatment as usual.