Recent Research Proves Efficacy of Equine-Facilitated Wellness Programs

While a large body of existing research demonstrates the value of therapeutic riding as an intervention for persons with disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism, emerging studies exploring the mental health and wellness benefits of equine-based interventions are helping to prove what every horse person knows already – time in the stable is good for the soul.

As proof of this emerging interest, Horse Canada recently covered three stories related to equine-based wellness research in their 2017 Canadian Horse Annual magazine.

The first story covered the results of a pilot study into the effects of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) on youth and adults with mental health and addiction challenges. This study, conducted in 2014 by researchers out of the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, measured the responses of 287 individuals following their participation in one of four equine-assisted programs. Two of the programs involved therapeutic horsemanship, one of the programs focused on self-development, and the final program featured Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (provided by a professional therapist). This research found that the majority of participants reported that participation in these programs helped with self-knowledge, relaxation, and self-control. Moreover, most said that they felt supported and comforted by the horses. Future research will likely follow up with participants to evaluate whether these enhanced coping skills and positive changes persist over time.

The next story came from south of the border. In the spring of 2016, Stanford University collaborated with the non-profit group Connected Horse to study the effects of an “Equine Guided Support” pilot program for individuals with dementia (and their caregivers). Facilitators measured the effectiveness of equine-guided workshops in reducing stress and improving quality of life indicators for people with early-stage dementia and their care partners. The findings showed that the equine interactions decreased stress and incidents of unwanted behaviours for those with dementia and increased the positive communication between these individuals and their caregivers. The study also found that work with horses improved “awareness of individual abilities” and helped both participant and their care partner “adapt to changes in roles.” Building on these promising results, Connected Horse continues the program in collaboration with the UC Davis School of Medicine’s Alzheimer ’s Disease Centre in California.

The final story covered Can Praxis and their Equine Assisted Learning program for Canadian war veterans afflicted by Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This program uses horses as a mediation practice, and assists veterans and their spouses in reducing conflict. In 2013, Veterans Affairs provided funding to study the first phase of the program (a series of three-day classroom/in-hand workshops provided to over 150 couples). Study of this phase demonstrated that veterans and their spouses learned to better manage conflict and benefited from improved relationships. Can Praxis is now positioned to launch phases two and three – projects that will teach participants how to ride and care for horses as individuals and then reunite the couples for a three-day wilderness riding trip. Researchers will eventually study the long-term effects of these subsequent phases, but for now the medium-term results are looking very positive.

Although the wellbeing benefits have been drawing people to horses since the first day that man met equine, horse-based mental health programs are relatively new in the field, particularly in Canada. In response, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (the national governing body for therapeutic riding) has recently created a certification program for Equine-Facilitated Wellness (EFW) that will help establish industry standards and ensure consistency across accredited programs. At this early stage, formal research is just starting to scratch the surface of the myriad psycho-social benefits that people receive from therapeutic work with horses.

Volunteers Needed!

CTRA is looking for some new volunteers to join our team! No experience is needed and all the training you need is provided.

Our next volunteer training events are scheduled for March (dates and times TBA). Contact us to sign up in advance, or stay tuned for more details.

Volunteers: Are you receiving the new monthly volunteer newsletter? Let Terry know if you're not on the list!

Contact: Terry Mack (info@ctra.ca) or 250-746-1028

Spaces Available for Upcoming Programs:

There are 3 spaces open in our upcoming (Spring) session of Adapted Equestrian Vaulting. (start date: March 27 2017)
There are also some spots available in our spring break camp (March 20-24 2017)

For an overview of Adapted Equestrian Vaulting (a.k.a. Therapeutic Vaulting) click here.

To learn more about CTRA's horse camps click here.

Contact the office to sign up.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

Funder Feature:

Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island

Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island (formerly the Queen Alexandra’s Foundation for Children) has been a major CTRA supporter and community partner since 2011. Over the years, the Foundation has provided CTRA with funding that has enabled substantial growth and program development. Thanks to their consistent support, CTRA’s program has reached an unprecedented level of size and scope –providing an expanded range of services to a growing number of children and in the region.

The Foundation believes that all children deserve to reach their full potential. As a conduit for philanthropy, it raises funds, advocacy and awareness to help revolutionize the way care is delivered to Island children and families. The Foundation does this work because they care deeply about the health of Island children, and understand the value that innovative healthcare solutions bring to Island families. Thanks to the support of their donors, the Foundation has the means and the expertise to be a catalyst and partner in these transformative opportunities across the Islands.

Most recently, the Foundation provided additional funding towards CTRA’s “Great Beginnings Progress Map” project. This 2016 initiative developed a new evaluation and reporting system for therapeutic riding services. This model was developed in collaboration with therapeutic riding centres across Vancouver Island and includes input from occupational and physical therapists. The progress map provides Instructors, volunteers, participants, and their families/support networks with a transparent skill and knowledge assessment criteria and metrics for measuring progress across time.

The system also tracks physical, emotional, and social goals while allowing for customizations to measure personalized outcomes. The progress map was piloted at several Vancouver Island therapeutic riding centres over the fall of 2016 and was completed for the beginning of 2017. The model is currently in use at CTRA and other participating Island centres and is available to any therapeutic riding organization interested in adopting the system.

CTRA is proud to call Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island a community partner and looks forward to all the incredible things we will achieve together in the future. Thank you to everyone who donates to the Foundation and supports wonderful organizations just like CTRA across the Islands.

CTRA Riders in the Ribbons

CTRA riders cleaned up in the November 2016 Sea-to-Sea Para-Dressage Video Competition hosted by Para-Equestrian Canada.

Congrats to these talented riders, their noble steeds, and of course - the dedicated volunteers and coaches that helped guide them to victory!

Results:

Makenzie Smith - 1st place: Grade 1a Test 2

Cheyenne Carlow - 2nd place: Grade 1a Test 2

Taylor Bennett - 2nd place: Grade 1b Test 1

Annika Christensen - 4th place: Grade 1a Test 2

Chelsy Tuplin - 2nd place: Grade II Test 1

Haley Smith - 1st place: Grade II Test 2

Meygan Gordon-Crane - 2nd place: Grade II Test 2

Kiara Caplin - 2nd place: Grade III Test 1

Bobbi-Jo Scharff - 4th place: Grade III Test 1

Do you Shop at Thrifty Foods?

Don't forget to get a Thrifty Foods Smile Card! You get the card from us and you pre-load an amount onto it. It costs nothing to use these cards and they act just like debit card when you shop.

Smile cards work at any Thrifty Foods location and CTRA receives 5% of the amount you fill on the card (not what you spend).

CTRA Wish List Alert!

CTRA is in need of a small compact tractor (Kubota or John Deere type) and would appreciate any leads on a used machine or a dealership/retailer that would consider making a donation to the program or selling to CTRA at a reduced rate.

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Our social media team is great at keeping a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. You will NOT be disappointed :-)

Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association | 1843 Tzouhalem Road | Duncan, BC, Canada | V9L 5L6

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