Equine-assisted therapies (EAT) have gained traction in recent years, especially within the realms of speech language pathology and online therapy services. The concept analysis titled "Equine-assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis" by Sharon White-Lewis provides a comprehensive understanding of how these therapies can be implemented to improve various health outcomes. This blog delves into the key findings of this research and discusses how practitioners can harness these insights to enhance their therapeutic interventions.
Key Attributes of Equine-Assisted Therapy
The concept analysis identifies several defining attributes of equine-assisted therapy:
- A human participant with an equine physically present to assist the human participant.
- A treatment or intervention resulting from interactions between an equine and a human participant.
- A purposeful and regulated interaction.
- A positive health outcome goal from the interaction.
These attributes highlight the structured and intentional nature of EAT, ensuring that each session is designed to achieve specific therapeutic goals.
Antecedents for Successful Equine-Assisted Therapy
Before engaging in EAT, certain conditions must be met:
- Access to a live horse and a human participant physically able to interact with the horse.
- Presence of a trained facilitator.
- Availability of an equine-assisted therapy program.
These antecedents ensure that both the human and equine participants are prepared and capable of engaging in meaningful interactions, which are crucial for achieving the desired outcomes.
Positive Outcomes of Equine-Assisted Therapy
The research highlights numerous benefits of EAT, including:
- Improved balance and physical well-being.
- Enhanced quality of life and self-esteem.
- Increased trust and self-efficacy.
- Reduced spasticity and improved nurse presence.
- Greater sense of pleasure and accomplishment.
These outcomes demonstrate the holistic impact of EAT, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of well-being.
Implementing Equine-Assisted Therapy in Practice
For practitioners looking to incorporate EAT into their therapeutic repertoire, the following steps can be taken:
- Conduct a thorough assessment to determine the suitability of EAT for each client.
- Ensure access to trained facilitators and appropriate equine-assisted therapy programs.
- Develop individualized treatment plans with clear therapeutic goals.
- Monitor and evaluate progress regularly to adjust interventions as needed.
By following these steps, practitioners can maximize the benefits of EAT and provide comprehensive care to their clients.
Encouraging Further Research
While the current research provides valuable insights, there is still much to explore in the field of equine-assisted therapy. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to better understand the mechanisms behind EAT and to identify best practices for different populations.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Equine-assisted therapies using horses as healers: A concept analysis.
