Welfare Considerations for Horses in Therapy and Education Services

Fry, Nina Ekholm

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-69587-3_9

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…In examining the behavioral domain, King and colleagues [23] observed signs of stress in dogs following an animal-assisted therapy session, including panting and yawning. Ekholm Fry [24] discusses welfare considerations for equids involved in human service work, identifying equid behaviors and human misinterpretation of equid behavior as important factors. Stress behaviors in equids can include muscle tension, an unusual head position, and tail movement [25,26].…”

Section: Maintenance Behaviors and Therapy-animal Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

The Behavioral Cost of Care: Changes in Maintenance Behavior during Equine-Assisted Interventions

Fournier,

French,

Letson

et al. 2024

Animals

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This study examined human–animal symbiosis in an animal-assisted intervention through observations of animal maintenance behaviors. The rise of psychotherapy, learning, and recreation incorporating animals warrants exploration of the welfare of the animals involved in these interventions. The analysis of welfare in multispecies engagements can be discussed in terms of symbiosis. Regarding an intervention’s animal provider (e.g., therapy horse) and human recipient (psychotherapy client), the balance of cost and benefit is important. Research describing human and animal interactive behavior during interventions is limited, whether focusing on client outcomes or animal welfare. The present study adapted ethological methods to study humans and animals in an equine-assisted intervention, observing equine maintenance behaviors and equid–human interactive behavior. Maintenance behaviors were recorded before, during, and after equine-assisted (psychosocial) learning sessions with youth, providing 1600 observations. Equine alertness, eating behavior, and ambulation varied significantly before, during, and after the equine-assisted sessions. Such interruptions of typical behavior are an important aspect of welfare and unit of analysis when examining symbiotic relationships. A total of 267 sequences of equid–human approach–response behavior were also recorded, indicating that human–animal interaction was predominantly from humans toward equids. Equids’ dominant response to human approach was no response, followed by avoidance, while humans’ dominant response to equid approach was reciprocation. The findings are discussed in terms of symbiosis and animal welfare.

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Section: Maintenance Behaviors and Therapy-animal Welfarementioning

confidence: 99%

The Behavioral Cost of Care: Changes in Maintenance Behavior during Equine-Assisted Interventions

Fournier,

French,

Letson

et al. 2024

Animals

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“…On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing [3,4]. Some studies by [5,6] indicate that being in the presence of and engaging in activities with horses can have positive effects on various mental conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health

Anastasya,

Syamsuddin,

Faradilla

et al. 2024

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The problem addressed in this research is the increasing recognition of the complexity of mental disorders, and previous studies have indicated the positive potential of Equine Therapy in addressing various mental conditions. Neurobiological and hormonal changes associated with participation in equine therapy, providing a scientific basis for the clinically observed positive effects. On the other hand, as awareness of the complexity of mental disorders and the challenges in their treatment increases, attention to therapy involving interactions with animals, especially horses, is growing. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms and benefits of Equine Therapy as an innovative and effective therapy in enhancing individual mental well-being, by detailing previous research results to contribute further to our understanding. The research methodology used in this study is a literature review, involving a critical examination and review of knowledge, ideas, or findings in academically-oriented literature. The results of the study on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) have proven effective in addressing depression and anxiety in adolescents, as well as having the potential as a valuable addition to the treatment of PTSD in first responders and substance use disorders. Despite positive results in increasing self-confidence, social interaction, and well-being, limited public understanding poses a challenge to the recognition of this therapy. Further research is needed to strengthen empirical evidence and understand the positive impact of human-horse interaction in the context of animal-assisted therapy.

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“…Example triggers of such stress include pain, changes of home and/or ownership and inappropriate riding and ‘use’. Furthermore, it was noted that the ability of professionals working in equine assisted learning to recognise negative affective states has not been studied [ 15 ]. Stress during tacking up and mounting was also studied; caregivers were asked whether their horses demonstrated abnormal behaviours when being tacked up, and the horses were subsequently assessed by a vet.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions of Fear and Anxiety in Horses as Reported in Interviews with Equine Behaviourists

Rogers¹,

Bell²

2022

Animals

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One of the key welfare concerns for horses in the United Kingdom is lack of recognition of fear in horses. This study aimed to gain an understanding of how well horse care givers recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses by interviewing equine behaviourists (who interact with large numbers of horse care givers and talk to them about this topic routinely). The experiences of Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)-registered equine behaviourists working with horse caregivers were examined, including the ability of clients to recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses, how clients respond when discussing fear as the reason for their horse’s behaviour, and what explanations the participants use to explain fear and anxiety. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants and analysed using thematic analysis before being written up to reflect the discussion points. When asked how well horse caregivers recognise fear and/or anxiety in horses, three key response themes emerged: caregivers are extremely poor at recognizing fear and anxiety in horses; some clients do recognise behavioural signs indicating fear and/or anxiety but only the overt signs (e.g., rearing, running away) rather than the more subtle signs (e.g., tension in face, subtle avoidance behaviours such as a hesitant gait); and fear and/or anxiety behaviour is often misinterpreted or mislabelled. These key themes recurred throughout several other interview questions. This study has provided initial insights into the lack of recognition of fear and anxiety of horses by their caregivers in the United Kingdom as well as tried and tested approaches to conversations to change this. Such synthesis of experience and techniques across the equine behaviour sector, together with the information gained regarding perception of equine caregivers, could be a valuable approach to improve the effectiveness of behaviour consultations and welfare initiatives.

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Welfare Considerations for Horses in Therapy and Education Services

Cited by 8 publications

References 62 publications

The Behavioral Cost of Care: Changes in Maintenance Behavior during Equine-Assisted Interventions

The Behavioral Cost of Care: Changes in Maintenance Behavior during Equine-Assisted Interventions

Mechanisms and Benefits of Equine Therapy for Enhancing Mental Health

Perceptions of Fear and Anxiety in Horses as Reported in Interviews with Equine Behaviourists

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