Around the Arena: Equine-Assisted Services' Foundation in Understanding Human-Horse Interactions
ORCID ID
0000-0003-2527-940X
Document Type
Contribution to Books
Publication Date
2023
Publication Title
The Routledge International Handbook of Human-Animal Interactions and Anthrozoology
Abstract
Horses and humans have moved together throughout history since their domestication 6,000 years ago. Though weighing an average of 1,000 pounds, horses create a purposeful therapeutic space where their size aids participants in understanding and guiding their personal power and serving as a metaphor for moving beyond the large challenges in life. Working with horses requires a recognition of one’s own mental health state and emotional capacity for their own well-being, and that of their horse partner. When working with horses in a therapeutic modality, it is the mental health clinician and/or equine professional’s responsibility to aid participants in identifying, naming, and managing, the current state of being while engaging with a horse. This chapter will explore the unique therapeutic space and opportunities presented by equine interaction, the history of horse-human interaction, and the professionalization of equine-assisted services (EAS). The chapter concludes by summarizing ongoing research efforts to understand mechanisms of change within EAS, and posits future directions for research and practice.
Recommended Citation
Vincent, Aviva and Peth-Pierce, Robin, "Around the Arena: Equine-Assisted Services' Foundation in Understanding Human-Horse Interactions" (2023). Social Work Faculty Publications. 39.
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/clsowo_facpub/39
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032153346
