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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(15); 2240; doi: 10.3390/ani15152240

A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences and Perspectives of Equine-Assisted Services Practitioners in the UK and Ireland.

Abstract: 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 mechanisms for any health benefits witnessed, and challenges faced in the area. Fifteen EAS practitioners from the UK/Ireland took part in qualitative semi-structured interviews, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified, three of which related to the horse's influence on building connections, relationships, and enriching the process, whilst the remainder explored challenges within the field of EAS. These themes were explored through the practitioners' lens, where possible linking them to our current understanding of human-animal interactions and related fields in the literature. Findings showed that horses, through EAS, were considered invaluable for building relationships, relational skills, and motivation to engage in whichever service was being provided. However, EAS was also viewed as complex. Concerns regarding competencies to practice, training, and lack of governance were expressed. These areas need further exploration and progress if EAS is to grow in efficacy and attain professional status.
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Publication Date: 2025-07-30 PubMed ID: 40805030PubMed Central: PMC12345575DOI: 10.3390/ani15152240Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the lived experiences and viewpoints of Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) practitioners in the UK and Ireland. The study delves into the practitioners’ perspectives on the observed advantages, potential health benefits, and challenges of EAS.

Objective and Methodology

  • The primary objective of the study is to explore EAS practitioners’ personal experiences, with a particular focus on the benefits they have noticed, the potential underlying mechanisms contributing to health benefits, and challenges they encounter in this specific field.
  • The research involved 15 EAS practitioners from the UK and Ireland who participated in qualitative semi-structured interviews.
  • The researchers utilized reflexive thematic analysis — a method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data — to examine the interview responses.

Key Findings

  • The analysis revealed five significant themes, three of which related to the horse’s influence on forging connections, forming relationships, and enriching the process.
  • The practitioners viewed horses, within the context of EAS, as priceless for fostering relationships, developing relational skills, and stimulating motivation to participate in the service provided. They also noted that horses appeared to contribute to the overall human wellbeing.
  • However, the study also highlighted some complexities and challenges associated with EAS, such as concerns about practitioner competencies, appropriate training, and lack of regulation in the field.

Implications and Future Research

  • The results, while illuminating the positive aspects and potential benefits of EAS, also raise important issues that need further exploration.
  • To enhance the efficacy of EAS and promote its professional status, further research should also concentrate on addressing the identified challenges related to practitioner competencies, training requirements, and governance in the field of EAS.

Cite This Article

APA
Seery R, Graham-Wisener L, Wells DL. (2025). A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences and Perspectives of Equine-Assisted Services Practitioners in the UK and Ireland. Animals (Basel), 15(15), 2240. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152240

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 15
PII: 2240

Researcher Affiliations

Seery, Rita
  • Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK.
Graham-Wisener, Lisa
  • Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK.
Wells, Deborah L
  • Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK.

Grant Funding

  • N/A / DAERA (Department of Agriculture, the Enironment and Rural Affairs) Northern Ireland. Part of a PhD studenship

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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