Horses and worthwhile causes: Exploring equine-assisted learning at Dune Lakes Horse Inspired Learning Centre in Aotearoa New Zealand
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Date
16/12/2020
Open Access Location
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers
Rights
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Equine-assisted therapies and trauma-informed interventions have become
increasingly popular with a growing literature suggesting that people can deeply relate to
experiential work with horses, where silence, emotional growth, reflection and acceptance are
prioritised over talking about problems.
APPROACH: This research, undertaken at a rural learning and retreat centre near Auckland in
Aotearoa New Zealand, examines how practitioners tailor equine-assisted interventions (EAI)
and sheds light into values, theories and frameworks that underpin their work. The study is
based on personal and professional experiences of four practitioners who engage in equineassisted
learning.
FINDINGS AND APPLICATION: Findings are drawn from the thematic analysis of the
transcripts of four semi-structured interviews, highlighting the process of facilitating posttraumatic
growth in a professional, supportive and client-centred environment involving a
facilitator, a horse, and a person keen to improve the quality of their life. Application of this
modality, particularly when working with clients with complex trauma, is explored with a special
emphasis on the relevance of involvement of animals in social work practice.
Description
Keywords
animals in social work, horse-assisted intervention;, Horse-assisted learning;
Citation
Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 2020, 2020, 32 (4), pp. 40 - 54 (14)