Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Among Adolescents with ACEs: Cultivating Altercentrism, Expressiveness, Communication Composure, and Interaction Management

Mental health benefits of mounted equine‐assisted therapies: A scoping review

“…The studies focused on Mounted‐EAT participation for a broad range of mental health and behavioural issues across these populations. The issues included persons struggling with substance use (Collingwood et al, 2021; Gatti et al, 2020; Kern‐Godal et al, 2015; Kern‐Godal, Brenna, Arnevik, et al, 2016; Kern‐Godal, Brenna, Kogstad, et al, 2016); youth at‐risk (Bachi et al, 2012; Burgon, 2011); children with ADHD (Aviv et al, 2020; Cuypers et al, 2011; Hyun et al, 2016; Jang et al, 2015; Oh et al, 2018; So et al, 2017; Yoo et al, 2016); youth with self‐harming behaviours (Carlsson, 2017); persons with histories of trauma (Craig, 2020; Mueller & McCullough, 2017; Naste et al, 2018; Yorke et al, 2013); veterans with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Johnson et al, 2018, 2021; Lanning et al, 2017); adults with schizophrenia (Cerino et al, 2011; Collingwood et al, 2021; Corring et al, 2013); women with eating disorders (Lutter & Smith‐Osborne, 2011; Sharpe, 2014); youth with severe emotional disorders (Roberts & Honzel, 2020); women who have had breast cancer treatment (Cerulli et al, 2014); and children with stressful home environments already receiving school counselling (Pendry, Carr, et al, 2014; Pendry, Smith, et al, 2014; Pendry & Roeter, 2013).…”

“…Findings also showed that horseback riding appeared to positively impact Mounted‐EAT participants' emotional regulation (Burgon, 2013; Craig, 2020; Kern‐Godal, Brenna, Arnevik, et al, 2016), their ability to understand how their actions impact others (Naste et al, 2018), and provided an experience which allowed participants to practice empathy and giving comfort to others (Craig, 2020). Participants described that horseback riding in Mounted‐EAT facilitated a sense of calmness and tranquillity (Burgon, 2013; Collingwood et al, 2021; Kern‐Godal, Brenna, Kogstad, et al, 2016; Naste et al, 2018).…”

“…Improved interpersonal and behavioural functioning were the results of Mounted‐EAT interventions. For example, participating in Mounted‐EAT demonstrated a positive impact on individuals' confidence (Burgon, 2011; Hauge et al, 2014; Lanning et al, 2017; Saggers & Strachan, 2016); affect (Collingwood et al, 2021; Roberts & Honzel, 2020); constructive behaviours (Cuypers et al, 2011; Pelyva et al, 2020); emotional regulation (Craig, 2020; Johnson et al, 2021; Kern‐Godal, Brenna, Kogstad, et al, 2016; Lanning et al, 2017); and overall quality of life and executive function (Aviv et al, 2020; Bachi et al, 2012; Cerulli et al, 2014; Cuypers et al, 2011; Lanning et al, 2017; Oh et al, 2018). Mounted‐EAT also appeared to positively impact how participants relate socially to other people, as well as how they relate to their own selves.…”

“…Mounted‐EAT participation positively impacted participants' overall communication abilities (Craig, 2020; Saggers & Strachan, 2016) and social competence (Collingwood et al, 2021; Lanning et al, 2017; Pendry, Carr, et al, 2014). Studies that included adolescents without behavioural problems reported that Mounted‐EAT participation led to increases in their ability to trust others and themselves (Bachi et al, 2012; Carlsson, 2017; Lanning et al, 2017), prosocial behaviours (Pelyva et al, 2020), and perceived social support (Hauge et al, 2014).…”

Genders, Cultures, and Literacies

“…They do this through a long-term, holistic program of equine therapy and education that focuses on three pillars: horse therapy, academic support, and mentorship. Using equine-assisted psychotherapy, they address issues of adverse childhood experiences and work to support improved mental health through relationship building between horses and the girls (Craig, 2020). Girls at COR-RAL are referred by schools and social services and have been identified as having experienced trauma or abuse prior to entering the program.…”