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Topic:Mental Health
The topic of mental health and horses encompasses the therapeutic interactions between horses and humans. This area of research investigates the behavioral and physiological indicators of stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affected by horses. It explores equine-assisted interventions, where horses are involved in therapeutic activities aimed at improving human mental health. Studies in this field often examine the effects of environment, management practices, and human-animal interactions on equine mental health. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the assessment, management, and implications of mental health related to horses, as well as the role of horses in therapeutic settings for humans.
Parents’ perspectives on equine-assisted occupational therapy intervention for their children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined how parents experienced the ASTride Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy intervention for their children with ADHD, and the meanings they ascribed to changes observed in their children and themselves. Unassigned: Thirteen parents of children aged 7-12 who completed the ASTride intervention participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. A grounded theory approach guided the analysis, which included open coding, category mapping, and thematic modeling to identify central processes across narratives. Unassigned: (1) Parents' perceived benefits for children including emo...
Horsepower: equine-assisted interventions are associated with reduced PTSD symptoms, improved sleep quality, and quality of life in military veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD. Military veterans are at an elevated risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while first-line trauma-focused treatments are less effective in this population. This highlights the need for novel, evidence-based complementary interventions for military veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD. Although equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) are increasingly popular and appear promising, many studies suffer from methodological issues. Therefore, further research incorporating both psychometric and physiological parameters is warranted. Unassigned: Nine consecutive groups of eight vet...
A non-trauma-focused equine-assisted intervention was associated with reductions in all four PTSD symptom clusters in treatment-resistant military veterans. Veterans are at greater risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and show a poorer response to first-line treatments than civilians. Although equine-assisted interventions (EAIs) represent a promising alternative for military veterans,the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain, and their effectiveness across different PTSD symptom clusters has yet to be established. This study examined the effects of a non-trauma-focused EAI on specific PTSD symptoms in treatment-resistant military veterans. Unassigned: Participants in the intervention were military veterans diagnosed with PTSD...
Effects of an Equine-Assisted Riding Program on Motor Performance, Movement Quality, and Well-Being Among Young Inmates. Equine-assisted programs have been shown to promote psychosocial outcomes, but quantitative evidence of motor benefits in correctional settings is scarce. Objective: The present study examined the effects of a one-week equine-assisted riding program on riding performance, movement quality, and well-being among young inmates in an open German prison. Methods: Ten male participants (24.5 ± 0.71 years) completed a five-day program combining practical riding exercises, cooperative activities, and guided reflection. Riding performance was assessed using standardized expert video ratings based on t...
A service provider perspective in Irish horseracing on the availability of retirement specific support services for professional jockeys and perceived barriers and facilitators to their use. Retirement can come at any time in horse racing due to the unpredictable nature of the sport. Preplanning for the retirement transition in sport has been reported to lead to faster adjustment to retirement and better transition for athletes. The purpose of this study was to highlight the current support services available to Irish horseracing jockeys to aid with career transitions and to a) explore perceived barriers and b) perceived facilitators to their use. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 representatives from various racing bodies including the Irish Horse Racing Regulator...
Effectiveness of Equine-assisted Learning on Psychosocial Well-being Among Nurses. Nurse burnout poses a significant risk to workforce stability. This study investigated the impact of equine-assisted learning (EAL) on secondary traumatic stress, job burnout, subjective distress, and resiliency among nurses. Background: Effective interventions for early detection and management of stress and burnout are essential for workforce stability. Methods: Using a pre-post-interventional design, this study evaluated the impact of EAL on psychosocial well-being. Outcomes were measured using self-reported questionnaires at baseline, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up. Linear mixed m...
Exploring the relationship between inhibitory control and coping behaviour in horses. The ability to flexibly adapt to the demands of a stressful situation is a key factor in successful coping. Appropriate coping is of critical importance in artificial environments, which may include novel and potentially stressful situations. Being able to inhibit immediate but counterproductive reactions, and thus exert inhibitory control, might allow to better adapt to the environment. Horses are required to flexibly adapt to various housing conditions and training techniques; however, not all horses successfully cope as evidenced by the prevalence of stereotypical behaviours. We tested 31 m...
Learning in the arena: healthcare students’ lived experience of interprofessional education in equine-assisted services. This qualitative study explored healthcare students' lived experiences during an interprofessional education (IPE) event incorporating equine-assisted services (EAS). Traditional IPE events often rely on classroom settings that may limit interprofessional engagement, collaboration, and application. Utilizing interpretive phenomenological analysis, researchers examined how the equine environment influenced interprofessional learning among fourteen graduate students from diverse healthcare disciplines at a western United States public university. Participants engaged in experiential demonstratio...
An overview of the benefits of animal-assisted interventions in medical and therapeutic contexts for human health: cognitive mechanisms, sensory perception and welfare considerations. Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are programs that incorporate animals as a therapeutic factor to improve human well-being. To date, these programs have been associated with significant physical and physiological benefits to human health. Animals have been incorporated as monitoring companions, such as diabetes-alert and seizure-alert dogs. Moreover, animal therapy for people with mental health issues, physical impairments, or autism spectrum disorders has shown social and communicative benefits. Although AAIs are proposed as a complementary treatment approach to humans with mental health ...
Effect of Equine-assisted Biographical Work (EABW) in older adults with subclinical depression: a randomized controlled trial. Preventive approaches for depression in adults aged 50 years and older have received little attention, despite increasing needs arising from demographic changes. In particular, subclinical depression is often underdiagnosed and associated with anxiety, a poorer quality of life, and greater need for assistance from the healthcare system. This multicentre, randomised, controlled phase III trial investigated if Equine-Assisted Biographical Work (EABW) is effective to improve subclinical depression. Qualified sites in Germany enrolled 52 participants ≥ 50 years (Full Analysis Set (FAS),...
A Newfound Experience of Being Good Enough: Youth’s Experiences of an Equine-assisted Therapy Intervention. Mental health, encompassing self-esteem, confidence, physical activity, and social interaction, is essential for the well-being of children and adolescents and supports executive functions crucial for school performance. Mental ill health among young people is increasing in Sweden, with rising rates of self-reported problems, psychiatric diagnoses, and prescriptions of psychotropic medication. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of equine-assisted interventions (EAI) among children and adolescents with anxiety-related mental ill health in southern Sweden. A qualitative design ...
Mental health challenges in the Irish thoroughbred horse breeding industry: Prevalence and associated risk factors. The thoroughbred horse breeding industry contributes significantly to the Irish economy. However, staff shortages threaten the economic sustainability of the industry, as well as the welfare of both horses and workers. Previous research on the staffing crisis faced by the broader horseracing industry has highlighted mental health concerns as a factor. Furthermore, the influence of workplace context on mental health has been widely recognised in organisational psychology. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence rates of Common Mental Disorders (CMDs) in Irish thoroughbred horse breeding ...
Animal-Assisted Therapy for Reducing Anxiety in Vulnerable Clinical Populations: A Systematic Review. : Anxiety is highly prevalent among individuals living with disability, chronic illness, or hospitalisation, yet it often remains insufficiently addressed in healthcare settings. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been proposed as a complementary intervention to reduce anxiety; however, existing evidence is fragmented across populations and methodologies. : A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024494109); no amendments were made to the protocol after registration. Four databases (Scopus, APA PsycInfo, Web of Sci...
Perceived Benefits and Barriers for Autistic Adults Accessing Therapeutic Horse Riding for Mental Health. Therapeutic horse riding (THR) is a non-traditional intervention that may support mental well-being in individuals with autism spectrum conditions. Despite growing interest, most research has focused on children and has tended to privilege practitioner or caregiver perspectives, leaving autistic adults underrepresented. This qualitative study explores the psychological benefits and systemic barriers associated with THR among Autistic adults, drawing on perspectives from both clients and practitioners. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Autistic clients and four practitioners, a...
A Systematic Narrative Review of Stable Staff and Trainers’ Occupational Health and Well-Being in Thoroughbred Horse Racing: An International Perspective. Stable staff and trainers are essential to racing yards and horse welfare, yet limited research focuses on this vital workforce that the thoroughbred industry heavily relies on. This systematic narrative review synthesizes existing literature on the occupational health and well-being of stable staff and trainers in the thoroughbred horse racing industry. Methods: A systematic narrative review was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using relevant keywords. Manuscripts reporting occupational or mental health data on stable staff and/or trainers and had the full-text available we...
A Pilot Observational Study in Ohio, USA of the Healing of Our Veterans Equine Services Intensive Intervention for Veterans with Trauma Histories. : Equine-assisted services are being increasingly utilized as complementary interventions for military veterans who have experienced trauma. However, rigorous research is lacking, and randomized controlled trials are needed. The H.O.O.V.E.S. Intensive intervention was developed for this population. This intensive program is an equine-assisted learning approach developed for veteran and active-duty military trauma survivors. The program integrates equine-assisted learning, peer mentorship and experiential learning in a residential retreat format. The primary aim of this pilot study was to deter...
Horses and ADHD: the ASTride intervention for cognitive and emotional growth. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Attention Skill Training (ASTride) protocol, an Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) intervention, for children diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in enhancing and promoting cognitive and emotional aspects including executive functions, self-efficacy, anxiety and hope perception. Methods: A prospective cohort study with an Interrupted Time-Series design was conducted. Fifty participants (mean age = 9.51 years, SD = 1.52) were assessed at four time points: baseline, pre-test (following a 12-week waiting ...
Parental perceptions of the psychosocial outcomes of equine-assisted activities and therapies for children with autism spectrum disorder in Japan: a phenomenological study. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience challenges in social communication, behavioral regulation, and daily life adaptation. Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) have been implemented as complementary approaches to support psychosocial development. However, little is known about the experiences of parents in Japan whose children participate in EAATs. Unassigned: The study aims to qualitatively explore how parents in Japan perceive the psychosocial outcomes of EAATs for their children with ASD. By focusing on parental perspectives, this study seeks to clarify ...
A Multi-Site Observational Evaluation of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Veteran Trauma Survivors. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary outcomes of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) model of equine-assisted psychotherapy for active-duty military and veteran trauma survivors. This was a retrospective multi-site observational study. Study participants completed four psychological instruments pre- and post-intervention. These were the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Sheehan Disability Scale. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 was also completed ...
An occupational group with multiple musculoskeletal trauma and precarious employment: jockeys. Jockeys endure considerable physical and psychological demands, rendering them vulnerable to occupational injuries such as fractures, concussions, and soft tissue damage. This descriptive case series presents the medical and occupational histories of three professional jockeys with long-term disabilities following work-related accidents. Each individual commenced their jockey career in early adolescence. All sustained head trauma from horse falls and had histories of hospitalization due to injuries incurred while riding. Documented injuries included rib, vertebral, clavicular, and upper extrem...
Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Elucidate Neurophysiological Mechanism of Action of Equine-Assisted Services: Proof-of-Concept Study. Equine-assisted services (EAS) are used for civilian and military trauma survivors to reduce depression and posttraumatic stress symptoms. While early scientific evidence supports the benefits of EAS, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying these benefits are unknown. The specific aims of this exploratory study were to determine (1) whether functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging can be used to explore neural responses of EAS veteran participants and (2) the correlation between neural responses and psychological outcomes of the participants interacting with equines. Fif...
Equine therapy in the management of teenagers with anorexia nervosa: a qualitative study. Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric pathology with limited therapeutic tools to reduce morbidity and mortality. Equine-assisted therapy could provide additional therapeutic benefits. Objective: We aimed to explore the effects of equine-assisted therapy on the experience of adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Methods: Using a qualitative approach based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine participants who had taken part in equine-assisted therapy sessions. Results: Three superordinate themes were found. Participants initially descri...
A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences and Perspectives of Equine-Assisted Services Practitioners in the UK and Ireland. Equine-Assisted Services (EAS), which incorporate horses in a variety of ways in an effort to improve human wellbeing, have grown in popularity in recent years. Although much research has been conducted regarding the benefits that horses may provide for human health and wellbeing, little attention has been paid to practitioners' experiences and perspectives of the field, despite the fact they are uniquely positioned to advance our understanding of this area. This study aimed to explore practitioners' lived experiences of EAS, focusing on the benefits they observed, possible underlying mechanis...
Lady and the champ: The shared career experiences and retirement transition of a champion jockey and his partner. Elite sporting careers are made up of a succession of transitions and adjustments across multiple layers. Part of the microenvironment is an athlete's romantic partner who moves through the transitions alongside them, being impacted along the way. Though researchers are yet to explore jockeys and their partners experiences within the horse racing context. Framed through the transition environment working model (Henriksen et al., 2024) and supported by the family systems theory (Broderick, 1993), this study aimed to explore the career experiences and retirement transition of a retired Champion ...
Stoicism or Defeat? The Psychological Impact of the Kiln Environment on Working Donkeys and Mules. One of the most problematic situations for the estimated 60 million working donkeys and mules across the world is within the brick kiln environment. In countries such as Egypt, Nepal, India and Pakistan, donkeys and mules carry dried bricks into small kilns either by pulling carts or carrying loaded packs. The health and welfare problems of this environment are well documented: they may carry excessive loads; work long hours, have difficulties accessing food, water and rest options; and can frequently suffer untreated illnesses including dental problems, lameness and open wounds from poorly fi...
Investigating the Effects of Equine-Assisted Therapy in Individuals With Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. To examine the effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy on symptoms, quality of life, anxiety, and loneliness in individuals with schizophrenia. Unassigned: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with individuals with schizophrenia registered at a community mental health center. The study involved 61 participants (30 in the intervention group, 31 in the control group). An 8-week equine-assisted therapeutic intervention was implemented for the intervention group. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Trait Anxiety Inventory...
Experiences of End-of-Life Decision-Making in Equine Veterinary and Charity Teams. Veterinary and charity teams are frequently involved in equine end-of-life decisions. These can cause ethical dilemmas and emotional burdens and complicate communication with owners. Semi-structured focus groups explored experiences of making decisions about end-of-life care and euthanasia at three UK equine veterinary practices and one charity. There were 26 participants in a mix of roles. Inductive coding was conducted during thematic analysis. Major themes generated were 'Equine Welfare', 'Relationships', 'Decision-Making', and 'Emotional Toll and Coping Strategies'. Communication, finances...
Protocol to implement and evaluate a culturally secure, strength-based, equine-assisted learning program, “Yawardani Jan-ga” (horses helping), to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Australian aboriginal children and young people. Australian Aboriginal people experience stressors from inequalities across crucial social determinants, including deep and entrenched disadvantage and exclusion. The impact of unaddressed historical issues is pervasive and intergenerational. The disproportionate rates of Aboriginal youth suicide, juvenile detention and imprisonment highlight the inadequacy of existing social and emotional wellbeing programs and services for Aboriginal children and young people. There is increasing recognition in Australia that aligning social and emotional wellbeing interventions with Western values and concep...
Promoting mental health in military veterans. Methodology and evaluation tools in a pilot study involving an Equine-Assisted Intervention. Military veterans exposed to stressful or traumatic events may experience adjustment difficulties in the post-deployment period, developing a high risk of mental health-related issues. Promising complementary practices such as Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) are now widely used, although standardized protocols are missing. The present study aimed to develop an EAT standardized intervention. Methods: A total of 16 veterans were enrolled for the study (11 veterans for the EAT group and 5 veterans for the control group). The EAT lasted 9 months and both a quantitative (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory...
