Hypotheses about the Psychological Benefits of Horses

Kendall, Elizabeth; Maujean, Annick; Pepping, Chris Andrew; Wright, John J.

doi:10.1016/j.explore.2013.12.001

Cited by 36 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 50 publications

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“…Without this information, it is difficult to determine the mechanisms of change that might account for both positive and negative results. As noted by Kendall, Maujean, Pepping, and Wright (2014), there are multiple hypotheses that underpin the observed benefits of horserelated activities. To examine these hypotheses, it is necessary to develop standardised interventions and training systems.…”

Section: Methodological Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes

Kendall

Maujean

Pepping

et al. 2015

European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling

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Much research attests to the beneficial effects of equine interventions on physical development and ability. However, less is known about the possible psychological benefits of horse activities, such as therapeutic riding or interactions with horses. Although there is public consensus that horses can have psychological benefits, it is an under-researched area and conclusions are largely based on anecdotal data. The little empirical evidence that is available about the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes tends to be mixed and is often difficult to interpret due to the lack of rigorous research designs. The purpose of this review was to examine the current state of the literature regarding the psychological effects of equine-assisted interventions, and to make recommendations for future research. Findings from this review suggest that equine-assisted interventions hold much promise, particularly in terms of child/adolescent social and behavioural issues, and perhaps adult affective disorders. However, the current state of the literature does not allow us to definitively conclude that equine-assisted interventions are efficacious. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are greatly needed in this area, as it is an appreciation of the need to standardise and document equine-assisted interventions and outcomes in future research.Viele Studien bestätigen die positiven Effekte pferdgestützter Interventionen auf körperliche Entwicklung und Motorik. Bislang gibt es jedoch wenige Informationen darüber, wie sich die Beschäftigung mit Pferden, etwa über das therapeutische Reiten oder einfacheren Interaktionen, psychologisch auf die Klienten auswirkt. Trotz eines gewissen öffentlichen Konsenses zu den positiven Effekten von Pferden, ist dieses Feld bislang mehr oder weniger unerforscht und basiert in den meisten Fällen lediglich auf

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Section: Methodological Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes

Kendall

Maujean

Pepping

et al. 2015

European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…The first posits that EAT provides a positive context for psychological growth. The second hypothesis argues that the horse has therapeutic qualities that can lead to unique psychological changes that would not otherwise occur (Maujean et al 2013, Kendall et al 2014, Maujean et al 2015. It is this final point that proponents of EAT argue horses have unique therapeutic potential.…”

Section: Equine-assisted Therapymentioning

confidence: 99%

An open trial of equine-assisted therapy for children exposed to problematic parental substance use

Tsantefski

Briggs

Griffiths

et al. 2017

Health Soc Care Community

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Children exposed to problematic parental substance use (PPSU) often face a number of deleterious developmental outcomes, yet these children are less likely to become known to child protection and welfare services. Although there is a growing evidence base for equine-assisted therapy (EAT) as an effective treatment modality for atypically developing children and adolescents, scant research has explored the benefit of EAT for children exposed to PPSU. The current study is the first to explore the benefit of EAT for children exposed to PPSU in Victoria, Australia. Five 12-week EAT programmes were delivered from 2012 to 2015 with a total of 41 children (mean age of 10.26 years) taking part. Children's parents (n = 41) and schoolteachers (n = 31) completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire pre- and post-intervention. Parents reported that children's total difficult behaviour and emotional problems decreased following the 12-week EAT programme. In addition, parents and teachers observed a significant decrease in children's hyperactivity. The findings obtained highlight the benefit of EAT for children exposed to PPSU and thus, extends the existing evidence base for this treatment modality.

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“…Although there is a substantial amount of research that supports the physical benefits of therapeutic riding, only small evidence exists in relation to its psychological benefits (Ewing, MacDonald, Taylor, & Bowers, 2007;Kendall, Maujean, Pepping, & Wright, 2014). A review by Granados and Agís (2011), focusing on children with special needs, concludes that through the combined stimulation of the muscular, skeletal, limbic, vestibular and sensory systems provided by HT, verifiable positive effects can be seen on the psychological and social level and on learning capabilities.…”

Section: The Effect Of Ht Interventionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The benefit of hippotherapy for improvement of attention and memory in children with cerebral palsy: A pilot study

Krejčí¹,

Janura²,

Svoboda³

2015

Acta Gymnica

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Hypotheses about the Psychological Benefits of Horses

Abstract: The challenge for researchers in this area is to design studies that adequately test these competing hypotheses.

Cited by 36 publications

References 50 publications

A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes

A systematic review of the efficacy of equine-assisted interventions on psychological outcomes

An open trial of equine-assisted therapy for children exposed to problematic parental substance use

The benefit of hippotherapy for improvement of attention and memory in children with cerebral palsy: A pilot study

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