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Human-animal interaction bulletin2016; 1(1); 52-75; doi: 10.1080/10509674.2012.734371

The Helping Horse: How Equine Assisted Learning Contributes to the Wellbeing of First Nations Youth in Treatment for Volatile Substance Misuse.

Abstract: There has been recent interest in Canada exploring the benefits of equine assisted interventions in the treatment of First Nations youth who misuse volatile substances. Using the richness of an exploratory case study involving the White Buffalo Youth Inhalant Treatment Centre and the Cartier Equine Learning Center, our community-based study examined the question of how an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program contributes to the wellbeing of First Nations female youth who misuse volatile substances. Both programs are grounded in a holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework of healing. Our study shares how the EAL horses, facilitators and program content contributed to youths' wellbeing in each area of the healing framework (bio-psycho-social-spiritual), with emphasis on the cultural significance of the horse and its helping role. The horse is a helper in the girls' journeys toward improved wellbeing-the horse helps through its very nature as a highly instinctive animal, it helps the facilitators do their jobs, and it also helps put the treatment program activities into practice. In addition, the role of First Nations culture in the girls' lives was enhanced through their encounters with the horses. The findings support the limited literature on equine assisted interventions and add important insights to the youth addictions treatment literature. Key implications to consider for EAL and volatile substance misuse policy, practice and research are identified.
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Publication Date: 2016-01-23 PubMed ID: 26793794PubMed Central: PMC4716821DOI: 10.1080/10509674.2012.734371Google 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 addresses the benefits of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) in aiding the wellbeing and recovery path of young girls from First Nations who have been misusing volatile substances, by focusing on various elements within a holistic bio-psycho-social-spiritual healing framework.

About the Study and its Setting

  • The study is an exploratory case study situated in Canada. It involves two establishments, the White Buffalo Youth Inhalant Treatment Centre and the Cartier Equine Learning Center.
  • These locations were chosen as the study sites because they already have programs that use holistic methods of therapy and healing to help youths suffering from substance abuse.
  • The real-life context and experiences from these centres make the study more exploratory and in-depth.

Main Study Focus: Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

  • The research was primarily designed to understand how EAL contributes to the wellbeing of First Nations girls who misuse volatile substances.
  • EAL is a therapeutic approach that involves working with horses. The nature of horses, their instincts and their interactions contribute to the healing process and wellbeing of the individuals involved.

Healing Framework and Cultural Significance of Horses

  • The healing framework outlined in the study encompasses bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of the individuals, thus addressing the whole person rather than a single aspect of their life or disorder.
  • Horses play significant roles in this healing process. Not only are they active participants as extremely instinctive animals but they also aid the facilitators to execute their tasks and carry out the treatment program efficiently.
  • Moreover, horses enhance the influence and presence of First Nations culture in the girls’ lives that’s valued and cherished within these communities, hence adding to the overall effectiveness of the EAL program.

Implications and Contribution to Literature

  • The results derived from the study support the already limited literature in place regarding EAL, bringing to light new insights about youths undergoing addiction treatment.
  • Key implications that offer potential paths for future research, establish better practices and policies around EAL and volatile substance misuse have also been identified.

The study illustrates that the incorporation of EAL may be greatly beneficial for the holistic treatment of young girls suffering from substance misuse, particularly in communities where the cultural significance of horses can be utilized as a therapeutic tool.

Cite This Article

APA
Adams C, Arratoon C, Boucher J, Cartier G, Chalmers D, Dell CA, Dell D, Dryka D, Duncan R, Dunn K, Hopkins C, Longclaws L, MacKinnon T, Sauve E, Spence S, Wuttunee M. (2016). The Helping Horse: How Equine Assisted Learning Contributes to the Wellbeing of First Nations Youth in Treatment for Volatile Substance Misuse. Hum Anim Interact Bull, 1(1), 52-75. https://doi.org/10.1080/10509674.2012.734371

Publication

Human-animal interaction bulletin
NlmUniqueID: 101647475
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 1
Issue: 1
Pages: 52-75

Researcher Affiliations

Adams, Cindy
  • University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Arratoon, Cheryl
  • Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Boucher, Janice
  • Cartier Equine Learning Centre.
Cartier, Gail
  • Cartier Equine Learning Centre.
Chalmers, Darlene
  • University of Regina, Faculty of Social Work.
Dell, Colleen Anne
  • University of Saskatchewan, Department of Sociology & School of Public Health.
Dell, Debra
  • Youth Solvent Addiction Committee.
Dryka, Dominique
  • Cartier Equine Learning Centre.
Duncan, Randy
  • University of Saskatchewan, Department of Sociology.
Dunn, Kathryn
  • University of Saskatchewan, School of Public Health.
Hopkins, Carol
  • National Native Addictions Partnership Foundation.
Longclaws, Loni
  • White Buffalo Youth Inhalant Treatment Centre.
MacKinnon, Tamara
  • Cartier Equine Learning Centre.
Sauve, Ernie
  • White Buffalo Youth Inhalant Treatment Centre.
Spence, Serene
  • University of Saskatchewan, Department of Sociology.
Wuttunee, Mallory
  • University of Saskatchewan, Department of Sociology.

Grant Funding

  • 133330-1 / Canadian Institutes of Health Research
  • 133330-1 / PHS HHS

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