The Horse as a Therapist: Effects of an Equine Program Without “Therapy” on the Attention and Behavior of Youth Disengaged from Traditional School.

This research investigates the impacts of an equine program, devoid of trained therapy or specific therapeutic content, on the behavior and attention span of ‘at-risk’ young individuals.

Summary of the Research

In this study, researchers are exploring the positive behavioral changes that a therapeutic program with horses can inflict on at-risk young individuals, irrespective of the presence of trained therapists or specific therapeutic guideline. The aim is to understand the stand-alone therapeutic effects of horses in promoting behavioral change and attention among youth.

Research Methodology

• The study employs a within-subject pre-post design with a smaller sample also undergoing a control period.
• The location of the experiment is a small riding center in a rural area located in outer Brisbane, Australia.
• The participants of the study are twelve to seventeen-year-olds (total = 50; 20 girls; mean age 13.88), who were attending a nontraditional flexischool.
• The experiment is a 5-week program of 2-hour long sessions of horse-related activities, missing the presence of a trained therapist or any detailed therapeutic program.
• Measurements of external and internal behavioral were made before and after the program, using teacher-report measures and standard evaluations like the Behavior Evaluation Inventory (BRIEF) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Findings of the Research

• The study reveals a statistically significant reduction in the behavior evaluation inventory and SDQ scores between pre and post participation in the equine program.
• The findings imply that equine activities may help in reversing a trajectory of worsening problems, particularly related to symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• According to the results, equine programs could present an alternative way to decrease poor behavior and improve attention in young individuals.
• It is hypothesized that these positive outcomes are partly due to the horse and the interactions with the horse, and partly due to the context in which these interactions take place.