Riedel, A. (2009). Creating a standard of care for horses working in the equine-assisted fields. United States – Arizona, Prescott College

This thesis addresses the need for a standard of care for horses working in the fields of equine-assisted therapy and educational programming. It begins with a discussion of the horse and its co-evolution with humans and the current roles horses play in a variety of equine-assisted programs. A literature review reveals current debates on what is considered adequate care for horses. In order to obtain statistical information on actual practice, a quantitative survey instrument was designed and distributed to three fields of professionals interacting with horses: horse owners, doctors of veterinary medicine, and equine-assisted programs. Distribution was based mainly in the United States. The results indicate that professionals working with horses agree on several aspects of basic horse care. From this information recommendations are made for a standard of care for horses working in these programs. Additionally, several suggestions are given for the long range implementation of this standard.

Kachelmeier, P. A. (2009). Starting an Equine-Assisted Program: An investigative study into the creation of an Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy or learning business. United States – Arizona, Prescott College.

Have you heard the saying, the way to make a small fortune in a horse business is to start with a large one? Each year professionals in the mental health and personal growth fields among others are starting up programs that work with horses. They are part of a newly emerging field that has been developing over the last few years. These professionals are witnessing the benefits that people are receiving from a personal connection with a horse; many professionals refer to the horse as a guide and a healer. The programs are helping adults, children, families, and businesses with their mental, emotional, social issues as well as the development of teaming building and leadership skills. This project-based thesis reviews literature on the major components of starting a small Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and/or an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) business and explores EAP and EAL businesses already in existence. The thesis investigates the major business components associated with starting a successful EAP and EAL business; a business that can provide professionals in the mental health and personal growth fields an alternative and/or adjunct to traditional therapies and traditional educational teachings. The thesis studies the common issues and challenges usually inherent in operating an EAP and EAL business.

Sheely, C. L. (2008). Effect of training sessions and a horse packing notebook in preparing youth and adults participating in the 2005 and 2007 Arkansas 4-H High Adventure Horse Packing Program to pack in the wilderness. United States -- Arkansas, University of Arkansas.

The Arkansas 4-H High Adventure Horse Packing Program provides an opportunity for youth and adults to participate in an outdoor adventure. It has been conducted in odd numbered years since 1999. In 2007, participants went on a packing trip following training sessions and receiving a horse packing notebook. No research had been conducted to determine if the horse packing program effectively trained the participants; hence the need for this study. This study was set up using a pretest/posttest design. Participants' knowledge was assessed before entering the program, following the training sessions and receiving supplemental material, and after the packing trip. Results showed that the training program was effective. Further research is needed due to the limited number of participants.

Lutter, C. B. (2008). Equine assisted therapy and exercise with eating disorders: A retrospective chart review and mixed method analysis. United States -- Texas, The University of Texas at Arlington.

Eating disorders are a group of devastating mental illnesses that chronically affect millions of young women and men of all ages and ethnicities in industrialized nations. Mainstream treatment approaches thus far have proven to have variable efficacy and outcomes and new behavioral interventions such as equine assisted therapy and exercise deserve to be considered as a viable intervention with this population. The area of equine assisted therapy in the field of eating disorder research has received disproportionately little attention. Given the number of residential treatment facilities that integrate it into their treatment for eating disorders, evidence of its safety and efficacy is warranted. Exercise, however, has been investigated with eating disorder patients. Empirical evidence indicates physical activity intervention is not only safe for this population, it improves a range of biopsychosocial outcomes. Yet exercise is not a standard adjunct treatment for people with eating disorders as it is mainly viewed as a part of the pathology of the mental illness or as a method of weight loss for a proportion of this population. Reframing physical activity in terms of how it benefits patients will be a challenge for clinicians without further evidence. In this study, equine therapy notes at a residential treatment facility were examined to determine type (ground vs. mounted and group vs. one on one), duration, and intensity of physical activities, as well as perceived improvements in psychological well-being. Patient demographics and scores for the Beck Depression Inventory - II and Eating Disorder Inventory - 2 provided further data to determine whether equine assisted therapy and the physical activity during sessions were associated with improved outcomes for patients. Results indicate physical activity involved in equine therapy is safe and plays a role in eating disorder symptom improvements. The amount of energy spent in physical activity in equine assisted therapy accounted for 14.3% of Beck Depression Inventory - II discharge scores and 24.8% of changes in Eating Disorder Inventory - 2 scores, regardless of eating disorder diagnosis. The qualitative analysis revealed themes of improved psychological well-being from equine assisted therapy for those patients whose length of stay was 30 days or more: asserting needs, identifying contributing factors to the eating disorder, asking for help, problem solving, thinking positively, and verbalizing feelings of frustration. The key findings illuminate the value of equine assisted therapy with the eating disorder population. In conclusion, this type of therapy is valid and will help clinicians to better identify those patients who would benefit the most from equine assisted therapy. Likewise, the positive association of physical activity with improved mood and eating disorder symptoms legitimizes exercise as an intervention. These are exciting and promising findings for patients with eating disorders and clinicians alike who wish to include physical activity with equine assisted therapy in treatment plans. 

Francis, B. A. A. (2007). Effects of therapeutic horseback riding and hippotherapy for children with cerebral palsy, developmental delay and neurological disorders: Systematic literature review. United States -- Massachusetts, MGH Institute of Health Professions.

This systematic review identified and analyzed the effects of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Horseback Riding (THR) as alternative treatment modalities for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), Developmental Delay (DD) and Neurological Disorders (ND). Hippotherapy utilizes the multidimensional movement of the horse at the walk to challenge the rider. The professional uses the horse's gait pattern to passively manipulate the patient's body to enhance mobility, posture and balance. In THR the rider is more active, performing recreational exercises such as riding skills, stretching and catching. Eight papers were reviewed, of the eight papers three analyzed Hippotherapy and five analyzed THR. Two reviewers scored the quality of each study using the MacDermid's Evaluation Guidelines and the CEBM for Levels of Evidence. Two of the three studies documented significant improvement of selected functional skills. Three of the five articles demonstrated significant improvement of selected functional skills.

Aardoom, A. (2007). Dancing with horses: The experience of the dynamics between horse and human that facilitates psychological and/or spiritual growth. Canada, University of Calgary (Canada).

The purpose of this research was to look at the experience of psychological and/or spiritual growth as a result of interacting with horses. A second element of interest was to look at the underlying dynamics in the relationship between horse and human that facilitate this growth process. This research is qualitative and based on interviews with six co-creators as well as the researcher's experience. The methodology used was a combination of heuristics and a newly developed methodology based on chaos and complexity theories. It was found that the experience of growth was very much like the story of the universal and mythological hero, as described by Joseph Campbell (1949). Participants embarked on a challenging journey with horses of learning and connecting. The learning was how to build cooperative relationships with horses but also with others, with God and with themselves. The connecting was related to connecting with self, other, nature and God. The dynamics found in the relationship between horse and rider are mutual relationship, which incorporates communication, bonding and projection. Within this mutual relationship, the horse may take on the following roles: horse as friend, teacher, therapist, role model, healer, parent (mother and father), saviour and ally. A horse was also found to be a metaphor for self, shadow self, Divine/God, other, mirror, connector, instinct and meditation. Experience with a horse could also function as an analogy for relationships and life situations. The creative synthesis was based on the Vedic Horse Sacrifice and adapted to the findings of this research. The meaning of the Horse Sacrifice is the horse representing the universe and lower self of Brahman, which is sacrificed for renewal.

Ventrudo, T. (2006). Parent's perspective: Is horseback riding beneficial to children with disabilities? United States -- New York, Touro College.

Benefits children with disabilities receive from participating in horseback riding program from their parent's perspective were examined. Parents of children with various diagnoses and levels of impairment enrolled in a therapeutic riding program or hippotherapy program were surveyed. A questionnaire comprising of both closed and open-ended questions was designed by the researcher and sent to the homes of the parents. 60 families participated in the study. Comparison of the family's responses revealed that parents regard horseback riding as a positive experience for their children with disabilities to participate in. They note improvements in their children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The questionnaire was highly useful and provided the opportunity to examine the impact of horseback riding from both an individual and occupational perspective.

Doyle, A. (2006). Equestrianism and real estate: Constructions of rurality and commodity. Canada, York University (Canada).

Becker, C. (2006). The influence of therapeutic riding and hippotherapy on children with spastic cerebral palsy---parents' perceptions. United States -- Texas, Texas Woman's University.

Parent interviews were used to determine influences of therapeutic riding (TR) and hippotherapy on children with spastic cerebral palsy. Research on the influence of TR and hippotherapy will serve to inform parents of their choices in therapeutic modalities in regard to children with spastic cerebral palsy. Data were collected in the form of qualitative one-on-one interviews. Two parents with children participating in TR and three parents with children participating in hippotherapy were interviewed. Constant comparison method was used to derive meaning units from the first interview transcript and matched against subsequent interviews. Four themes emerged: (a) physical improvements, (b) developing independence, (c) overcoming fears, and (d) differences in barriers and motivations for TR and hippotherapy. Parents perceived that both TR and hippotherapy positively affected their children's psychological and physical aspects of wellbeing. The one apparent difference between the barriers for TR vs. hippotherapy was the cost associated with hippotherapy.

De villiers, J. (2005). Therapeutic horseriding to enhance the awareness of the child with fetal alcohol syndrome. South Africa, University of South Africa (South Africa).

The motivation for this study was to use animal-assisted therapy to the advantage of the child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome that present with Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of therapeutic horse riding in Gestalt therapy and its influence on the awareness levels of the child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome that present with Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder. For the purpose of this study a quantitative research approach was used. The nature of the study was descriptive. Semi-structured interviews were used to compile information about the a single child in therapy, that was combined with information gathered from the literature to compile guidelines for the counsellor. In this study horse riding was effectively cp\combined with Gestalt play therapy to enhance the awareness levels of the child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Yorke, J. (2003). The therapeutic value of the equine-human relationship in recovery from trauma: A qualitative analysis. Canada, Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada).

The purpose of this research was to explore the nature of equine-human bonding and its therapeutic value in recovery from trauma. The study sample consisted of six participants who identified that their pre-existing relationships with horses were therapeutic in recovering from various types of trauma (i.e. car accidents, horse-related accidents, work accidents and health trauma). Using a phenomenological perspective and an emotionalist lens, through the use of semi-structured interviews and video-tapes of horse-rider interaction, the study sought to describe the nature of the equine human bond and how it is useful in trauma recovery. The research results show that equine-human bonds, like other kinds of human-animal relationships, appear to mirror some of the fundamental elements significant to therapeutic alliances between professionals and clients. Four themes that constitute aspects of the equine-human relationship emerged from the data analysis: the intimacy or nurturing bond, the identity bond, the partnership bond and the utility bond. Themes pertinent to the therapeutic value of the equine-human bond included feelings, behaviours and touch/physical closeness relevant to healing. Themes related to understanding the trauma experience and other factors related to recovery also emerged. The results underline the significance of riders' bonds with their horses to trauma recovery. A discussion of the implications for both social work and veterinary medicine is presented along with recommendations for future research.

Foley, A.J. (2008). Conflict and connection: A theoretical and evaluative study of an equine-assisted psychotherapy program for at-risk and delinquent girls. United States: Colorado, University of Colorado at Boulder.

This dissertation is the report of a qualitative study of at-risk and delinquent girls housed in a traditional residential treatment facility, who also participated in an animal-assisted and gender-specific therapy program using horses, outside of the residential institution. To date, no such studies exist examining both the gender-specific and animal-assisted approaches to addressing troubled girls' needs. The study is guided by Relational Cultural Theory, a theory that focuses on human development primarily through connections with others, which was specifically designed to address the significance of the relational experiences of females. The ethnographic approach used in this study of girls provides rich data to understand these girls and their experiences in a more comprehensive context.

The program appeared successful in empowering girls and in improving their ability to focus, manage their emotions, and relax. About half of the girls attributed improvements in their behavior to the Horseback Miracles program, and this effect was particularly evident for girls who reportedly developed connected, mutual relationships with the director of the horseback riding program. Overall, the results indicate that the equine program played an important role in girls' lives. It allowed them to distance themselves from the negative institutionalized environment, characterized by disconnected relationships with peers and staff members and by access to negative coping mechanisms (drugs, tools to self-injure, and methods of escape). Thus, it provided girls with a method of resisting the institutionalized identity.

Samaha, C. J. (2008). Relationship between leisure sport and exercise participation and psychological benefits for horsemen. United States -- Pennsylvania, Temple University.

This study was a description of horsemen's perceived psychological benefits and liabilities derived from leisure sport and exercise participation. The horsemen that participated in this study were active trainers or grooms who stabled their horses at a training center. Sixty-six horsemen completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2, Stress Profile, and this researcher's inventory of horsemen's activities entitled Samaha Horsemen's Activities Questionnaire (SHAQ). Seven horsemen were interviewed to obtain qualitative data. Two of the seven horsemen were omitted from the analysis due to no or limited responses to the questions. Quantitative data results revealed that leisure participation in exercise activities positively correlated with greater well-being, physical self concept, and total self concept scores. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between time devoted to participation in exercise and stress scores. The horsemen that participated in this study work in professional harness racing. An allowable and acceptable leisure activity is gambling. However, results indicated that there were statistically significant negative relationships between time spent gambling and physical self concept, well-being, and exercise and sport participation. Horsemen who were above the median on participation in sport and exercise had significantly higher physical self concept and well being scores than those who were below the median. The results indicate that participation in a variety of exercise and sports as well as time devoted to leisure physical activity had the strongest relationship with improved well-being. Analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed two major themes (limitations and perceived outcomes) and three subthemes within limitations (time, injury, and competitiveness) and perceived outcomes (socialization, physical, and psychological well-being) that described horsemen's participation in leisure sport and exercise. A central conflict emerged within horsemen's reluctance to become assertive in addressing their limitations. Horsemen viewed limitations in participation in sport and exercise as time, injury, and competitiveness. Those who participate in leisure sport and exercise were assertive in addressing their own limitations. The perceived outcomes were physical, socialization, and psychological benefits. Participants expressed that leisure sport and exercise provided possible benefits regardless of their involvement or adherence to an exercise program.

Lambarth, J. K. (2008). A phenomenological study of the relationship between award-winning 4-H alumni horsewomen and their horses. United States -- Washington, Gonzaga University.

This phenomenological study explored the meaning of the relationship between five 4-H alumni adult expert horsewomen and their horses. The meaning of the horse-human relationship in current lives of these adult women was a deeply emotional response the women felt to the satisfying reciprocal relationships that developed between themselves and their horses. The horse-human relationship is comparable to human-human relationships but appears in many cases to surpass the power of human-human relationships in stabilizing life. Each woman's 4-H experience had uniquely influenced her present orientation to life and the development of life skills for competency in adult living. The major theme based upon the stories of the five participants was the constancy of the horse in everyday life. Additional themes were an intense interest in horses; the horse as a source of stability in life; the horse as companion and friend; and 4-H as a uniquely individual experience. The bond between women and horses was experienced as significant. An extraordinary animal created extraordinary bonds. The pervasive finding was the role of the horse in providing its female owner with the necessary grounding that enabled her to face not only life's special challenges, but also to move ahead with confidence, courage, and competence in everyday living situations. Findings would indicate that benefits of the large animal-human relationships apply among people who are well and functioning effectively in society. As 4-H alumni, each woman found 4-H relevant to her young life and credited 4-H experience with providing direction in her adult life. Five women in their early 40s were interviewed and provided descriptive information about their initial interest in horses. They reflected on typical days spent in their youth with horses; what it took to be award-winning 4-H horse project members; effects of 4-H experience on current lives; what it means to own and work with horses; and the meaning of the horse-human relationship to their individual lives. Because each woman participated in competitive 4-H events and won major awards, the potential for the horse-human bond existed due to the attention to task and time spent in concentrated activity between horse and rider.

Koch, L. F. (2008). Equine therapy: what impact does owning or riding a horse have on the emotional well-being of women? United States -- Minnesota, Capella University.

This study answered the question "What impact does owning or riding a horse have on the emotional well-being of women?" The magnetic attraction the horse has over some women is phenomenological, mystical, and subjective in nature. This study used a qualitative approach implementing Rogerian person-centered theory to understand this question. Interviews were directed and guided by the participants. Eight women of differing ages were interviewed at their farms with their horses present. Observations, taped interviews, and field journal notes were utilized to triangulate data. This study identified twelve themes that captured the essence of the research question. The twelve themes were (a) freedom and fun; (b) abuse and subjugation; (c) emotional sensitivity through trust and bonding; (d) risk taking; (e) power and strength; (f) caretaker and teacher; (g) social networks; (h) a gift, passion, addiction, or born with it; (i) spiritual bond; (j) money; (k) talking to horses or for them; and (l) sexual. Emotional sensitivity through trust and bonding appeared to be the most important positive impact that horses have on a woman's emotional well-being leading to confidence building. Risk taking appeared to be the most negative impact that horses have on women's emotional well-being putting them at risk for future repeated injuries.

Fasula, A. (2008). The human/horse relationship in females as related to the capacity for empathy, absorption, and repression. United States -- Illinois, Adler School of Professional Psychology.

This study sought to examine the relationship between humans and horses to the Adlerian concept of social interest. The human/horse relationship was defined by relationship maintenance and intimacy towards horses and favorable attitudes towards horses. Social interest was determined by the capacity for empathy and absorption as well as the tendency to avoid defensiveness and repression. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between measures of empathy, absorption, repression and measures of relationship maintenance, intimacy, and favorable attitudes towards horses. Results showed that absorption was significantly related to intimacy with horses; however, other measures of empathy and repression were not significant. Suggestions for future research of the psychological benefits of the human/horse relationships will be discussed.

Thompson, K. (2007). Performing Human-Animal Relations in Spain: An anthropological study of the bullfighting from Horseback in Andalusia, Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Adelaide, Adelaide.

A fundamental concern of human-animal studies is the human-animal boundary. The rider-horse relationship challenges this boundary through a degree of intercorporeality that is symbolised by the centaur. The centaur is transformative and generative; it is part-horse, part-human but more than horse- plus-human. This dissertation employs the centaur metaphor together with embodied theories of human-animal relations to explore the intercorporeality of humans and animals, and the permeability of the human-animal boundary. Using  actor network theory, it also considers the technological mediation of human- animal networks such as the centaurian relationship. The case study for this dissertation is rejoneo (bullfighting from horseback) in Andalusia (Southern Spain). It is based on fifteen months of ethnographic fieldwork in Andalusia from 2000 to 2001. Rejoneo has been underresearched compared to toreo (bullfighting from foot, also known generically as the corrida). I consider its social development using the idea of invented traditions and suggest that its ‘re-invention' in the early twentieth century is related to broader socio-economic developments. This challenges the assumption that rejoneo is an anachronistic and elitist activity. I argue that rejoneo is not a performance by the upper-class but is more accurately a performance of the upper-class. Rejoneo presents a complex triadic human-animal interaction of human-horse-bull and the network rejoneador-horse-rejon-bull. Contrary to existing dualistic arguments based on the corrida (the bullfight) from foot that assert an Andalusian segregation of humans from

animals, I argue that rejoneo is a performance of boundary transcendence. As this argument is based on the human-horse-bull trichotomy, I assert that dichotomous interpretations are insufficient in understanding the multiplicity of human-animal relations and gender representations in rejoneo. This dissertation illustrates boundary crossing at the level of individual humans and animals, through the wider relationships, contexts and networks in which they exist, to their structured interactions in the plaza and the themes they perform. I argue that rejoneo is a performance of human-animal relations; it performs the ways in which the human-animal boundary can be embodied and transcended and presents multiple ways of being human, animal, male and female. Thus, this dissertation challenges existing ethnographic research into human-animal relations in Andalusia, and contributes to an embodied and technologically mediated approach towards human-animal relations.

von Borstel, U. U. (2007). Fear in horses and how it is affected by the rider, training, and genetics. Canada, University of Guelph (Canada).

The fear reactions of riding horses can lead to problems such as accidents which result in injuries to both horse and rider. The objective of this thesis was to identify factors influencing fear in riding horses. Particular attention was paid to the riders' role and how their emotional state, behaviour and riding style can influence horses' fear, nervousness and welfare. Furthermore, horses from distinct breeding lines for show-jumping and dressage were compared for fear reactions and these were contrasted with the effects of long-term training regimens for the two disciplines. Results revealed that riders could induce nervousness in the horse by unconsciously communicating their own nervousness (p<0.05). Since other mechanisms could be excluded, this communication was presumed to be a result of the horses' ability to sense changes in the rider's muscle tension. In some cases, the reverse effect could be observed, in that riders became more nervous in response to the horses' nervousness. Ultimately, this exchange of nervousness might escalate into dangerous fear reactions in the horse. Riding style also appeared to have immediate consequences for fear reactivity in horses. When horses were ridden in the more coercive, and to the horses aversive, Rollkür riding style, they tended to show stronger fear (p<0.1) at the encounter with fear stimuli than when they were ridden in a regular, and to the horses, preferred riding style. However, differences in fear reactions could not be attributed to differences in long-term training in either show jumping or dressage, but were more likely due to genetic differences. Horses of show jumping lines exhibited weaker fear reactions than horses of dressage lines (p<0.05) regardless of whether they were trained or untrained in their respective discipline. These findings lead to the conclusion that fear reactivity in horses could be reduced: (1) by genetically selecting against fear reactivity in horses, (2) by employing less coercive riding techniques, and (3) potentially by developing and training specific techniques, such as muscle relaxation, that allow riders to interrupt the exchange of nervousness between rider and horse. Ultimately these approaches could aid to improve safety and welfare of both horses and riders.

Sullivan, A. A. (2007). Exploring equine assisted therapy programs for treating students with disabilities. United States -- New York, St. John's University (New York), School of Pharmacy.

In a recent study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that six out of every 1,000 children have been diagnosed with a developmental disorder, such as autism (Bradley, 2007). The use of a single approach to treat children with autism and other developmental disabilities is inadequate (Sherer & Schreibman, 2005). Considering this finding, the aim of the current researcher is two-fold. First, a critical review of the current status of pet therapy and equine assisted therapy is presented and the strengths and weaknesses of the extant literature are discussed. Second, the researcher sought to examine the potential treatment effects of equine assisted therapy by examining the individual case studies of three children. It was proposed that involvement in an equine assisted therapy program would produce decreased negative behaviors, increased adaptive skills, and enhanced academic performance of the participants in the home and school environments. Parents and teachers of six students (three experimental, three control) with a developmental disability were asked to fill out measures of behavior, adaptive skills, academic ability, and client satisfaction at two points over the course of ten weeks. Due to the small sample size, general conclusions about the overall efficacy of equine assisted therapy programs could not be made. With regard to the current literature, the results showed that two children in the equine assisted therapy group showed improvements on measures of social skills across parent and teacher measures. Children in the comparison group demonstrated gains on one measure of social skills according to teacher report. Parents reported no significant improvements on measures of social skills for children in the comparison condition. Despite the lack of empirical evidence to support or refute the use of equine assisted therapy for children with developmental disabilities as an outgrowth of this project, the implications for the domain of school psychology are that this project presents a useful model for the school psychologist by which equine assisted therapy and other alternative therapies can be evaluated. 

Graham, J. R. (2007). An evaluation of equine-assisted wellness in those suffering from catastrophic loss and emotional fluctuations. United States -- Utah, The University of Utah.

Regardless of the culture in which one lives, the death of a loved one or other catastrophic loss is difficult to manage. Catastrophic loss affects people emotionally, spiritually, and physically, and it is often associated with a decrease in health and the development of a depressed state. What is true about loss is that it is a normative human experience. Unfortunately, all will experience the upset of catastrophic loss sometime during their lives. This research study dealt specifically with the mitigation of depression using equine-assisted wellness interventions in coping with catastrophic loss. This study used only female participants between the ages of 30 and 65 who had experienced a loss within the last 2 years. Each participant in the treatment group received five 90-minute interventions with a trained facilitator and a horse. Pre- and postdepression measurements were taken as well as other wellness indices. Physiological data that included blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and core temperature were obtained before treatment began and after each of the five interventions. The treatment group was compared with a control group using an analysis of covariance. Results suggest that a five-intervention facilitated exposure to horses reduced depression and increased mental wellness.

Trotter, K. S. (2006). The efficacy of equine assisted group counseling with at-risk children and adolescents. United States -- Texas, University of North Texas.

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of equine assisted group counseling as compared to in-school curriculum group guidance/counseling. Research examined externalizing, internalizing, maladaptive, and adaptive behaviors of elementary and middle school students who were considered at-risk of academic or social failure. Two types of behavior instruments, the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC)-Self-Rating, Parent-Rating, and Teacher-Rating Scales; and the Animal Assisted Therapy-Psychosocial Session Form (AAT-PSF), were used in a pretest-posttest comparison group quasi experimental design. Results of the paired sample t -test analysis of the BASC Self-Report indicated that the equine assisted counseling group showed statistically significant improvement in five behavior areas, and the in-school curriculum group guidance/counseling group showed statistically significant improvement in four areas, with only one behavior area the same as the equine assisted counseling group. Results of the paired sample t -test analysis of the BASC Parent-Report indicated that the equine assisted counseling group showed statistically significant improvement in twelve behavior areas, whereas the in-school curriculum group guidance/counseling showed statistically significant improvement in only one behavior area. Results of the paired sample t -test analysis of the BASC Teacher-Report indicated that the equine assisted counseling group showed no statistically significant improvement; however the in-school curriculum group guidance/counseling group showed statistically significant improvement in one area. An ANCOVA comparison of equine assisted counseling group verses in-school curriculum guidance/counseling group using the BASC Self, Parent, and Teacher-Reports indicated that the equine assisted counseling group showed statistically significant improvement in seven behavior areas that the in-school curriculum guidance/counseling group did not. Results of the repeated measures ANOVA of the AAT-PSF (equine assisted counseling group only) showed statistically significant improvement in all 3-scale scores: (1) overall total behaviors; (2) increased positive behaviors; and (3) decreased negative behaviors.

Sole, D. P. (2006). Effects of equine-facilitated therapy on self-efficacy beliefs of cerebral palsied pre-adolescents and adolescents. United States -- Ohio, Union Institute and University.

Research has documented the effectiveness of small domestic animals as therapeutic agents in the treatment of individuals with physical and emotional disabilities, but comparatively little is known about the use of large, non-domestic animals in this population. The study investigated the effect of therapeutic horseback riding on the self-efficacy beliefs of cerebral palsied pre-adolescents (age 9-12) and adolescents (age 13-17). A pretest-posttest standardized measure of general self-efficacy was administered to pre-adolescent (n = 12) and adolescent (n = 12) groups who participated in an 8-week equine-facilitated therapy program. There were differences in probability (p) values between the pre-adolescent and adolescent groups. At alpha level .05, the pre-adolescent group exhibited a trend toward significance ( p = .08). However, the adolescent group had a much higher probability value ( p = .22) and did not exhibit the trend toward significance that was noted in the younger subjects. The study brings to light an innovative and promising form of therapy that may benefit those with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, and lays the foundation for future research into the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding.

Sanderson, L. R. (2006). "A ringside seat to paradise": Rodeo cowgirls, the New Woman, and the construction of a usable past. United States -- California, University of California, Davis.

This study of rodeo cowgirls during the first three decades of the 20 th century uses historical sources and visual analysis of real photo postcards to show the cowgirls to be manifestations of the New Woman. The participation of women in the male-dominated sport of rodeo demonstrates the liberating effect of fifty years of nation-wide political action on the part of women, and emphasizes social changes fraught with anxiety. Rodeo cowgirls existed in a liminal state between male and female, nature and culture, and analyzing cowgirls helps resolve their ambiguous gender status and related cultural anomalies. A folkloric and linguistic connection existing between women and horses suggests that a largely unconscious cultural memory of horse-goddesses, and other ancient horse-related beliefs, were part of the cowgirls' appeal. The end of the cowgirls' participation in competitive professional rodeo in 1929, despite sentimental thinking about the death of the popular cowgirl, was due to a combination of the onset of the Great Depression and the cowgirls' loss of symbolic value as the public lost interest in the New Woman. This work opens with analysis of existing texts on early rodeo cowgirls, as well as other relevant research material. Chapters Two and Three explore the rodeo as symbolic conquest, discuss the New Woman, and look at the lives of several significant cowgirls while examining both the beginning and the end of women's participation in professional rodeo competition. Chapter Four is about Folklore which connects horses and women, including interpretation of the horse-crazy girl and Epona, the horse-goddess. Methodology and theories of visual analysis are covered in Chapter Five, particularly the history of postcards and their use as primary documents for social research. Chapter Six explores contemporary ideas of the meaning of cowgirls, examining early cinematic cowgirls and the influence of exotic dancer Sally Rand as inspiration for the dramatic change in cowgirls' representation from athlete of ambiguous gender to sexualized icon.

Russell-Martin, L. A. (2006). Equine facilitated couples therapy and solution focused couples therapy: A comparison study. United States -- Arizona, Northcentral University.

This study investigated the effectiveness of equine facilitated couples therapy as compared to more traditional solution focused couples therapy for dyadic relational adjustment as measured by three separate administrations of the dyadic adjustment scale (Spanier, 1967). MANOVA analysis revealed no significant differences between test groups on the first two administrations of the dyadic adjustment scale but did yield significant differences on the third administration. On the third administration of the dyadic adjustment scale individuals in the equine facilitated therapy group scored an average of seven points higher on the dyadic adjustment scale as compared to like subjects in the solution focused group. In addition, case study results also support quantitative data results as outlined in the following manuscript. Findings are discussed as related to future progress of equine therapy in the counseling profession.

Hemenway, R. (2006). Effects of horseback riding on depression and self-esteem in adolescent girls. United States -- California, Alliant International University, San Francisco Bay.

Adolescence is a period of many changes, which are accompanied by an increased risk for psychopathology. Rates of depression increase and gender differences emerge, with higher incidence of depression among adolescent girls. Adolescent girls are also at higher risk for loss of self-esteem. Research on the effects of people's contact with pets has investigated the relationships between both pet ownership and depression and ownership and self-esteem, but very few studies have examined the interaction of depression and self-esteem with horseback riding, and no empirical research has been done on the potential protective effects of riding or its utility as a coping mechanism in non-clinical populations. This study used a qualitative design to explore the experiences of 10 non-clinical adolescent girls who were identified as horseback riders. Both phenomenological and grounded theory analyses of the data were used to describe and hypothesize the nature of the relationship between depression, self-esteem, and horseback riding. Three major themes---Competence/Efficacy, Relationship, and Distraction/Escape---were identified as mechanisms by which horseback riding effected depression and self-esteem. Although the effects were generally positive, horseback riding had both positive and negative effects on mood and self-esteem through the functions of Competence/Efficacy and Relationship. Through the function of distracting, relaxing, refocusing and, at times, allowing for reflection and problem-solving in a reduced-stress setting, the Distraction/Escape factor always improved mood and reduced depressive feelings among the girls in this study. The results indicate that more research is warranted in this area, particularly about the biofeedback-like and physiological aspects of horseback riding. Clinical implications of the results and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Held, C. A. (2006). Horse girl: An archetypal study of women, horses, and trauma healing. United States -- California, Pacifica Graduate Institute.

This study investigates archetypal connections between women and horses to explore why increasing numbers of girls and women have been drawn to own horses and participate in equine-related activities. An alchemical hermeneutic method is used. The theoretical dissertation's structure is based on the author's poem, Horse Girl (2002). The poem describes a healing of the split that occurred six thousand years ago when the domestication of horses led to the traumatic domination of peaceful, goddess-worshipping cultures, ushering in warfare and patriarchal control as the norm. The simultaneous loss of freedom of women and horses is investigated through horse goddess myths, film, literature, imaginal dialogues, and experiences, as well as clinical and historical evidence. Pivotal myths include Saranyu, the runaway Hindu horse goddess, Celtic horse goddesses Epona, Macha, and Rhiannon, and the Greek myths of Demeter and her daughters, as well as Medusa, and Chiron. Native American myths of stallion brides are also surveyed. The runaway bride archetype emerges from a review of literature and film portrayals of women and horses. Her male counterpart is the wounded healer/horse whisperer. The rise in woman-initiated divorce, the walkaway wife archetype, and the increase in women-headed households suggest a failure of marriage to support women's autonomy and authenticity. Key findings of the study include the predator-prey relationship and its ramifications in gender, cultural, inter-species, and intrapsychic relationships. The study explores the possibility that women and beings with extra-sensitive nervous systems have unique responses to trauma. The remarkable survival of the horse over 58 million years is chronicled along with the special abilities and expanded awareness that humans can learn through being with horses. The study investigates horse abuse and contrasts it with ancient horse sacrifices. This study proposes that trauma healing, intuition, sociosensual awareness, women's and horses' leadership and non-verbal skills, spiritual awareness, and survival skills can be enhanced through learning from horses. This study has important implications for women's studies, ecopsychology, trauma healing, equine-assisted therapy, gender studies, and leadership studies. The study advocates depth psychological healing technologies that utilize body-awareness, myth, and the creative arts therapies in trauma treatment.

Frame, D. L. (2006). Practices of therapists using equine facilitated/assisted psychotherapy in the treatment of adolescents diagnosed with depression: A qualitative study. United States -- New York, New York University.

This qualitative study explored the practices of credentialed therapists using Equine Assisted/Facilitated (EAP/EFP) psychotherapy in the treatment of adolescent depression. A purposive sample of 15 licensed therapists experienced in EAP/EFP was recruited through membership roles in 2 leading EAP/EFP organizations. Respondents treated inner-city, suburban, and rural adolescents, representing diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. This study explored the role of the horse in EAP/EFP and identified theoretical influences that informed this type of treatment. Respondents perceived that interactions and exercises with the horses provided feedback mechanisms to the adolescents, as well as object representations of past and current relationships in which therapeutic change could take place. Respondents perceived EAP/EFP aided in increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy, as well as decreasing isolation in the depressed adolescents treated. Cognitive behavioral therapy, experiential therapy, Gestalt therapy, as well as object relations theory, were cited as theoretical and clinical approaches in EAP/EFP.

Esbjorn, R. J. (2006). When horses heal: A qualitative inquiry into Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. United States -- California, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.

This dissertation explored the relatively new approach to experiential psychotherapy known as Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) or Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). For the purposes of this study, EFP/EAP was defined as a therapeutic approach in which a licensed or otherwise legally sanctioned mental health professional works with clients in the company of an equine for all or some of the time spent in psychotherapy. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 30 female and 5 male psychotherapists, aged 30 to 62, who had been practicing EFP/EAP for at least 1 year completed a questionnaire. The second part of the project consisted of in-depth semistructured interviews of 15 of the psychotherapists who had completed the questionnaire. Through the questionnaire and interviews I sought to answer three questions regarding the topic: (a) How is EFP/EAP being conducted at this time; (b) what are the major benefits and clinical outcomes of EFP/EAP as perceived by the therapists, and how are these benefits and outcomes effected; and (c) why do psychotherapists choose to work with equines? A combination of a heuristic and grounded theory method was used. Results showed a wide variety of ways psychotherapists implement their practice of EFP/EAP. However, there was substantial agreement in what the equine brings to the therapeutic encounter: unique equine attributes, opportunities for metaphor, and relational aspects. The participants demonstrated a consensus in the belief that this approach can be beneficial to a large spectrum of populations. Many clinicians alluded to transpersonal benefits including somatic aspects, a calming effect, and equines assisting clients in being attentive and totally present to the moment. The intersubjective field was seen as a way in which all EFP/EAP could be perceived. I concluded that each style of working with equines demonstrated two to four major types of five intersubjectivities---as context, as resonance, as phenomenology, as relationship, and as spirit

Debuse, D. (2006). An exploration of the effects of hippotherapy on people with cerebral palsy. England, University of Northumbria at Newcastle (United Kingdom).

The aim of this mixed-method study was to explore the effects of hippotherapy on people with cerebral palsy, and to investigate how these effects are being evaluated. Germany and the UK were chosen as study locations for their differences in history and availability of hippotherapy. A questionnaire survey of physiotherapists practising hippotherapy sought to establish clinicians' perceptions of the effects of hippotherapy on this user group and to investigate current practices in the evaluation of outcome. It also served to contextualise the study in terms of practice and resources. This was followed up with focus groups to investigate with physiotherapists how hippotherapy outcomes can be evaluated. Focus groups and individual interviews were used to explore the effects of hippotherapy from the perspective of users and parents. The results are remarkable in several ways. Not only was this the first study to investigate hippotherapy from a user perspective, users and parents discussed a range of issues that went well beyond answering the key questions. Thus, users provided unique and new insights into the effects of hippotherapy, the context in which hippotherapy happens, as well as its effects and the impact of these effects on them in terms of activity, participation and quality of life. Two of the key findings of this study were that hippotherapy is experienced as being more effective than conventional physiotherapy and a difference in effectiveness of hippotherapy in the UK and in Germany. The comprehensive information users shared was triangulated with physiotherapists' observations expressed in the questionnaire survey and existing literature to establish theory to account for these findings. This resulted in the development of a conceptual framework to explain why hippotherapy provides such an effective opportunity for motor learning, something that had not been attempted before. This was the first study to comprehensively explore the effects of hippotherapy on people with cerebral palsy. Its findings can serve as the basis for further study in this specialist area within physiotherapy.

Brouillette, M. A. (2006). The psychological impact of equine-assisted therapy on special education students. United States -- Minnesota, Walden University.

Youth with mental health and special education needs propel providers to create innovative interventions, as traditional methods do not always meet the diverse needs of these youth. Adjunct intervention using equine assisted therapy (EAT) has been previously used. However, scientific research on EAT remains sparse, and its credibility has been questioned. Thus, the problem this study addressed was whether or not 12 weeks of EAT could provide psychological, behavioral, social and academic benefits to special education students. Using a mixed method design, phenomenological data was combined with pretest and posttest scores on The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results showed no statistical differences between pretest and posttest scores for students and parents; however, staff reported more strength was gained during the intervention. Further, from staff and student reports, phenomenological themes related to EAT that emerged included the student's ability to participate and be responsible, building self-control, emotional insight, behavioral awareness, relationship skills, and coping skills, positive interactions with horses and staff, and recounting experiences via fond stories. Collaborative data suggested staff and students thought EAT was beneficial socially, behaviorally and psychologically. Parents did not concur with this conclusion. The mixed method design filled a gap in previous EAT studies that were qualitative or quantitative only. The implications for social change include a more expanded dialog about the effectiveness of EAT with special education students. This study demonstrated the utility of a comprehensive and collaborative mental health intervention using EAT that can result in a deeper understanding of special education students' values, learning, social/life skill acquisition.

Mason, M. A. (2005). Effects of therapeutic riding in children with autism. United States -- Minnesota, Capella University.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first 36 months of life. Research suggests autism is caused by a biomechanical or neurological disturbance (Green Lake County Health & Human Services Fox River Industries, 2004). It occurs in approximately 5-15 per 10,000 births. It is four times more common in boys than in girls. Autism targets all racial, ethnic, social, lifestyle, educational or psychological factor populations (Kohn, 1996). Adults and children with autism have impaired language acquisition and comprehension; uneven development in physical, mental and social skills; difficulty relating to people, objects or events; lack of play skills, and abnormal sensory responses. Autism has various treatment modalities such as speech-language therapy, behavior modifications, sensory motor and integration, and special education intervention for school-age children with autism; however, my research suggests that the developmental disabilities of autistic children can also be addressed through therapeutic horseback riding. Therapeutic riding offers physical benefits from the gait of the horse, which resembles a human's natural walking movement. For the autistic population, research also suggests therapeutic riding offers social interaction as the instructors, volunteers, therapists, and riders build relationships with the horses. The purpose of this study is to measure specific communication and social benefits that therapeutic riding may offer autistic children.

Hynes, J. W. (2005). The role of andragogy and self-directed learning in the draft horse industry. United States -- Texas, Texas A&M University.

Brandt, K. J. (2005). Intelligent bodies: Women's embodiment and subjectivity in the human-horse communication process. United States -- Colorado, University of Colorado at Boulder.

The cowboy's stranglehold on the label of expert in human-horse relationships, as well as mythic construction of the woman-horse bond, have effectively silenced women's voices and rendered their experiences with horses non-authentic. This dissertation takes women's knowledge of horses seriously as data and draws from three years (2001-2004) of ethnographic research of in-depth interviews and participant observation. I explore the human-horse communication process and argue that the two species co-create what I call an embodied language system to construct a world of shared meaning. I problematize the centrality of verbal spoken language and the mind in theories of subjectivity, and maintain that the privileged status of verbal language has left untheorized all non-verbal language using beings, human and non-human alike. I bring questions of embodiment--in particular women's embodiment--to the center and examine how lived and felt corporeality shapes human subjectivity. I call for an understanding of embodiment not as deterministic but as a lived process that has a meaningful impact on how individuals understand themselves and others. Further, the women's experiences of embodiment when working with horses propose a way to subvert oppressive dominant constructions about female bodies as inherently flawed and allow for a re-imagining of women's bodily comportment. Finally, this dissertation represents the promise of human-animal studies to deepen our understanding of the human and non-human animal experience by offering new and different pathways for the creation of knowledge.

Tsohantaridis, V. A. (2004). Development of the Jewel Equestrian Scale. United States -- Oregon, George Fox University.

Equestrian athletes have not been the topic of systematic study. There is a vast array of folklore and wisdom, lay study, and practice at the grassroots level regarding the relationship of horse and rider. The field of therapeutic horseback riding primarily consists of examining the benefits of riding for the physically handicapped. There is also the relatively fledgling movement of equine-assisted psychotherapy, that typically combines qualified therapists alongside qualified horse trainers. European study is more longstanding, extensive, and includes exploration of the psychotherapeutic benefits of equine therapy. The smattering of work is grounded on the study of the equestrian athlete, the unique aspects of the horse-human relationship, and how these animals serve in the healing of human minds, bodies, and souls. Levinson (1982) called for both intuitive and scientific approaches that address how humans and animals interact. He called for further study addressing the effects of animals on the human psyche, human-animal communication, and the therapeutic use of animals in formal psychotherapy. The Jewel Equestrian Scale was developed to further the quantitative research while exploring the benefits and risks of equestrian activities. The impact of injury, the attraction to and fear of the horse, and the difference between performance anxiety and fear for one's safety is also explored. Thus far, the literature has addressed the computer-human interaction, the pet-human interaction, and this study will investigate the horse-human interaction.

McBride-Conner, A. (2004). Hearing the voices of experienced equestrians with disabilities. United States -- Texas, Texas Woman's University.

The purpose was to examine the personal meaning of equestrian sport participation to advanced level competitors with acquired disabilities in relation to its impact on their lives as well as the barriers and supports. Participants were 8 equestrians, ages 38 to 56, (7 females, 1 male), who competed in dressage against others with disabilities at a National Championship conducted primarily for able-bodied riders. Data were collected through participant-observation and semi-structured interviews, interpreted by qualitative methodology based on constructivist grounded theory (Glaser, 1994) and checked for truth value and theoretical sensitivity. Four themes emerged: (a) constructing equestrian identity, (b) engaging in equestrian sport, (c) becoming one with a horse, and (d) deriving meaning. Both supports and barriers centered on the human-horse bond and the variables that increased or decreased communication and trust with the horse during competition.

Iannone, V. N. (2003). Evaluation of a vocational and therapeutic riding program for severely emotionally disturbed adolescents. United States -- District of Columbia, The Catholic University of America.

It is estimated that approximately 10% of adolescents are classified as severely emotionally disturbed, and suffer from motivational problems, difficulty with authority figures, trust and boundary issues, and an overall resistance to therapy. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal is incorporated as an integral part of the treatment process. The benefits of AAT include increased self-esteem, reductions in depression and anxiety, and enhanced social interaction. These benefits, along with the potential for animals to help adolescents overcome motivational and trust issues, suggest that AAT might be a worthwhile intervention to use with this population. The present study was a formal program evaluation of the Right Track Program (RTP), a vocational and therapeutic horseback riding program for severely emotionally disturbed adolescents from the Baltimore Metropolitan Area. The program's aim is to help adolescents achieve a variety of therapeutic, educational/vocational, and community involvement goals through the completion of three separate phases. Participants were 19 SED adolescents who participated in the program and 8 Waiting List Control participants. In order to evaluate the therapeutic goals, measures of self-esteem, locus of control, psychiatric symptoms, and behavioral conduct were completed at baseline and after Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the program. Educational/vocational goals were evaluated through the use of knowledge and proficiency tests, and descriptive data were gathered to evaluate community involvement goals. Results indicated that participants in the RTP experienced significant increases in self-esteem after each phase of the program, although no significant improvements in locus of control, psychiatric symptoms, or behavioral conduct were found. There were no significant improvements in self-esteem for the control participants, and post-test levels of self-esteem were higher in RTP participants than in controls. Results suggest that the treatment program is successful in improving self-esteem, although further research is needed to determine whether other therapeutic benefits exist. Achievement of educational/vocational goals was observed, as all participants passed the proficiency tests and performed better on post-test measures of equine knowledge. Additionally, data show that the RTP was successful in providing opportunities for participants to achieve community involvement goals.

Thompson, Kirrilly (1999) A Dance of Discipline: The disciplinary aesthetic of the kür (freestyle dressage to music), Unpublished Honours Thesis, University of Adelaide, Adelaide.

My honours research explored the relationship between sport and art in aesthetic sports where marks are given for qualitative dimensions of performance. I proposed the concept of the 'Disciplinary Aesthetic' to reconcile sport and art. Drawing from Foucault's (1977) techniques of discipline, I considered the disciplining effect of aesthetic ideals. I used the case study of Freestyle Dressage to Music (the kur) to illustrate the ways in which aesthetic ideals (embodied in dressage philosophy and the rule book) discipline and are embodied by the rider and horse through external forces of space, dress, music, rhythm and movement. This is an innovative application of Foucault's techniques of discipline to human and animal bodies. This analysis suggested that the techniques of discipline do not necesarily produce docile bodies. In Freestyle Dressage to Music, for example, they produce artistic and creative human and animal bodies. My illustration of the Disciplinary Aesthetic through Freestyle Dressage to Music involveed a consideration of the performance of human-animal relations and a discussion of the concept of 'dancing horses'.