PSXV-12 Application of a Survey Instrument for Determining the Impact of Horse Breed Association Youth Programs for Youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Almost 10% of U.S. youth are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and while this disorder is not a learning disability, these youth are often labeled academically as “at-risk”. While equine assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) has shown to promote an emotionally safe learning environment for at-risk youth, these programs are often limited and hard to locate, particularly within a rural setting. On the other hand, horse breed associations offer activities for all youth and can be located throughout all U.S. states, and while these programs do not have a therapeutic focus, they are accessible. Therefore, the objective of this study was to utilize a survey instrument to determine the benefit of participation in horse breed association youth programs for youth with ADHD. A survey instrument was developed with 6 fixed response questions consisting of 5 multiple choice questions and one question formatted as a rating scale with a list of 10 life skills for participants to rate. Paper surveys were distributed at various association-sponsored activities in 2021. Participants (n=58) included the following: 1) parents of ADHD youth that had participated or were participating in breed association youth activities or 2) individuals with ADHD that had participated as a youth in these activities. The majority participated in these programs >5 years (67%) with >2 horses (78%). As for tangible returns, the most common were trophies/ribbons (52%) and the least common was scholarships (17%). Respondents were in overwhelming agreement, either responding “somewhat” or “definitely yes”, that these programs had impacted academic (55%) and career (60%) goals. As for development of life skills, all skills reported improvement through participation with “respect” having the highest rating. While EAAT has shown promise for youth with ADHD, breed association youth programs may be an alternative or complimentary approach in working with youth with ADHD.