In this article, we present an exploratory case study that describes the initial outcomes of the Equine-Assisted Positively Fit (EAPF) program. Children with obesity and their caregivers were recruited to participate in the eight-session program. Results indicated that treatment completers (n = 2) had a decrease in fat mass and fat mass percentage and an increase in fat-free mass and fat-free mass percentage. Moreover, results from accelerometer measurements of physical activity indicated that participants increased their moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as reported increased self-efficacy for physical activity. Qualitative data from the post-intervention focus group suggested children perceived the treatment acceptable and enjoyable. Findings from this study provide support for future investigations on the feasibility and potential efficacy of pairing children and their caregivers with horses to accomplish health-related goals.

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The primary purpose of this study was to gather qualitative information related to contributors of pediatric obesity in rural preschoolers, as well as potential changes to obesity interventions that could help promote the health and well-being of children and families in this population. Qualitative focus groups were conducted with 17 parents (all mothers, 19 -26 years old [M ϭ 24.7]) of children 2-5 years old with obesity. All study participants resided within a rural area (in a town or county with a population Ͻ20,000) and focus groups were held near their homes. Six primary themes were identified through framework analysis of focus group data: (a) limited access to healthy food options in grocery stores and restaurants; (b) challenges with providing recreational alternatives to screen time, especially those that promote physical activity; (c) severely limited access to weight-management services; (d) comfort and acceptability of telemedicine and other technological advancements for behavioral health services; (e) endorsement of the belief that parents are the primary agents of change for preschoolers' health behaviors and weight status; and (f) general time management difficulties, which limit the feasibility of traditional face-to-face interventions and have a negative impact on their child's sleep duration. These themes are discussed in detail, and put into the context of potential changes that could be made to current obesity intervention options for preschoolers living in rural communities. These include using telemedicine to increase reach, considering parent-only interventions, and incorporating behavioral sleep medicine intervention components.

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