Practitioner and client experiences and perspectives of equine assisted services for human wellbeing

Abstract

Equine assisted services (EAS) encompass a wide range of activities involving horses with the express aim of promoting the health and wellbeing of humans. The efficacy of EAS has received considerable attention over the years, with much of this work pointing to physical and psychological health advantages for a range of cohorts. Virtually no attention, however, has been devoted to exploring EAS practitioners themselves and their views in relation to the field. This is important, particularly considering the integral role that practitioners’ play in ensuring the health and safety of both horse and client alike. Practitioners are also central to the success of EAS and its position within the field of complementary and alternative therapy. With this in mind, the following thesis aimed to explore practitioners’ and clients’ experiences and perspectives of EAS to gain further insights into the nature of EAS from those who provide and access such services. As a secondary aim, the thesis also hoped to gain a better understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying health benefits arising from EAS.

Four studies were carried out for this thesis. Study 1 and 2 investigated EAS from the practitioners’ standpoint. Study 1 employed a survey-based approach to assess practitioners’ background, educational training, nature of services on offer, and perceptions of challenges associated with EAS provision. Study 2 used a qualitative approach to explore the lived experiences of practitioners regarding the benefits and challenges of EAS provision. This study also explored perceptions regarding the possible mechanisms underlying health benefits arising from EAS. Both studies pointed to deficiencies with regards to practitioner education, competencies and sustainability, while Study 2 highlighted the perceived wellbeing benefits of horses, with enhanced connections and relationships coming to the fore as key mechanisms attached to the benefits of EAS.

Study 3 sought to further explore practitioners’ competencies, concentrating specifically on their ability to recognise negative equine affect/stress from a range of photographic and video material. Practitioners correctly identified negative affect for most (~75%) of the stimuli but results pointed to some gaps in knowledge in this area. Practitioners with evidence-based ethology and equine institution type education outperformed individuals without this training. Qualitative and quantitative exploration of practitioners’ responses to specific horse welfare-related questions suggested that factors including practitioner background, attitudes and beliefs, also play a role in shaping the ability to correctly recognise negative horse affect.

The final study in this thesis (Study 4) explored clients’ experiences and perspectives of EAS using an online questionnaire-based approach. Participants acknowledged the importance of building connections and relationships through these services, in addition to enhanced skill development, self-awareness and confidence. Evidence for the role of biophilia, relational development, and stress buffering effects were identified and discussed as possible underlying mechanisms explaining health advantages.

Overall, the findings from this thesis point to EAS as a complex system capable of providing rich and unexpected wellbeing benefits for clients and their families. However, significant challenges to this field exist, which must be addressed if it is to progress. Going forwards, researchers and collaborators may find considerable benefits to using a systems thinking lens to make the positive changes necessary for the field to mature and professionalise. In doing so, EAS may graduate from its present position as a fringe intervention and take its place among the growing number of respected complementary and alternative therapies.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.

Date of Award	Jul 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Supervisor	Deborah Wells (Supervisor) & Lisa Graham-Wisener (Supervisor)