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Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland)2025; 10(6); 145; doi: 10.3390/geriatrics10060145

Equine-Assisted Interventions: Cross Perspectives of Beneficiaries and Their Caregivers from a Qualitative Perspective.

Abstract: : Although equine-assisted interventions (EAI) are gaining growing attention, their scientific evaluation among individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) living in nursing homes remains limited. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of an EAI program from the perspectives of the participants living with AD as well as their families and professional caregivers. : Thirty non-directive interviews were conducted between June and July 2024 across several nursing homes in the Centre-Val de Loire region (France). The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. : Four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the experience with the horse, reflecting a unique relationship with the animal, the activities carried out, and perceived personality traits; (2) the environment of EAI sessions, offering a break from daily routines, encouraging contact with nature, and taking place in a setting specific to this type of intervention; (3) the implementation of the program within the institutional context, highlighting logistical aspects, environmental factors, and the adherence; (4) the effects of the intervention, including enhanced social interactions, memory stimulation, emotional engagement, and behavioral benefits. : These findings provide insight into the multiple dimensions involved in an EAI program. By giving voice to both participants and their caregivers, this study emphasizes the value of qualitative approaches in deeply understanding the meaning and impact of these non-pharmacological interventions.
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Publication Date: 2025-11-06 PubMed ID: 41283456PubMed Central: PMC12641621DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics10060145Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

Overview

  • This research explores how people with Alzheimer’s disease, along with their families and professional caregivers, experience equine-assisted interventions (EAI) in nursing homes.
  • The study uses qualitative interviews to understand the unique aspects, environment, and effects of EAI from multiple perspectives.

Background and Purpose

  • Equine-assisted interventions (EAI) involve therapeutic activities with horses intended to improve physical, emotional, or social well-being.
  • There is increasing interest in using EAI for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly those living in nursing homes.
  • However, scientific evaluation of EAI in this population is still limited, especially qualitative insights capturing lived experiences.
  • The purpose of this study was to explore and gather rich, descriptive accounts of how individuals with AD and their caregivers perceive the EAI program.

Methodology

  • Participants included people living with AD in nursing homes, their family members, and professional caregivers.
  • Data was collected through 30 non-directive (open-ended and conversational) interviews conducted between June and July 2024.
  • Interviews took place in multiple nursing homes within the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.
  • All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis.
  • Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and key themes emerging from the qualitative data.

Main Findings: Four Thematic Dimensions

  • Experience with the Horse
    • Interviewees described a unique and meaningful relationship with the horse, highlighting the horse’s personality traits.
    • Activities involving the horse were recognized as enjoyable and engaging for participants.
  • Environment of EAI Sessions
    • The setting provided a refreshing break from the participants’ usual daily routines.
    • Contact with nature was valued as a soothing and stimulating element.
    • The location and ambiance were seen as specific and important to the success of the intervention.
  • Implementation within the Institutional Context
    • Logistical and organizational factors such as scheduling and space availability affected program delivery.
    • Environmental considerations, such as accessibility and safety for participants, were highlighted.
    • Adherence from both participants and caregivers influenced the consistency and effectiveness of the program.
  • Effects of the Intervention
    • Social interactions were enhanced, with participants engaging more visibly with others.
    • Memory stimulation was reported, suggesting cognitive engagement during sessions.
    • Emotional engagement included increased positive feelings and mood improvements.
    • Behavioral benefits such as reduced agitation or restlessness were observed.

Significance of the Study

  • The study offers comprehensive insight into EAI from the viewpoint of both individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and those involved in their care.
  • It highlights how EAI is multidimensional, involving animal interaction, environment, institutional factors, and therapeutic effects.
  • Giving voice to multiple stakeholders enriches understanding beyond quantitative outcomes or clinical measures.
  • The findings support the importance of qualitative research methods to capture nuanced experiences and perceived benefits in non-pharmacological interventions.
  • This knowledge can inform better design, implementation, and evaluation of EAI programs in nursing home settings for people with AD.

Cite This Article

APA
Badin L, Van Dendaele E, Bailly N. (2025). Equine-Assisted Interventions: Cross Perspectives of Beneficiaries and Their Caregivers from a Qualitative Perspective. Geriatrics (Basel), 10(6), 145. https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10060145

Publication

Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland)
ISSN: 2308-3417
NlmUniqueID: 101704019
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 6
PII: 145

Researcher Affiliations

Badin, Léa
  • Department of Psychology, University of Tours, UR 2114, 37000 Tours, France.
Van Dendaele, Elina
  • Department of Psychology, University of Tours, UR 2114, 37000 Tours, France.
Bailly, Nathalie
  • Department of Psychology, University of Tours, UR 2114, 37000 Tours, France.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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