Comparing Perceptions of Equine-Assisted Therapy

Abstract

Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) remains an undervalued and obscure therapy intervention for treating mental illness, despite its proven effectiveness. To understand the impact of this therapy on mental well-being, this study aims to examine the difference in perceptions of EAT between individuals exposed to it and those not. Through a mixed-method study, this study analyzes qualitative and quantitative data involving high-school students and individuals who work with horses. The first method used was a pre- and post-test survey design to evaluate perceptions based on an informational pamphlet. Next, individuals who work with horses were interviewed to analyze their experiences with horses and perceptions of EAT. Results indicate that high-school students have more of a negative perception of EAT, while the individuals involved in horse care have a more positive perception. This disparity was attributed to differing levels of exposure to horses, which contributes to the obscurity of Equine-Assisted Therapy.