Research Supporting the Benefits of Equine- Assisted Psychotherapy

• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: a mental health promotion/intervention modality for children who have experienced intra-family violence
  (Schultz, Barlow, Robbins, 2007)

• The Therapeutic Nature of the Human/Animal Bond: Implications for Integrative Public Health
  (William Benda, MD)

• Equine Therapy: What Every Client Needs to Know
  (Claire Dorotik)

• An Arena for Success: Metaphor Utilization in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
  (Sandra Kakacek, 2007)

• Applying a Traditional Individual Psychotherapy Model to Equine-facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP): Theory and Method
  (Jane Karol, 2007)

• From Kids and Horses: Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy for Children
  (Equenio Rothe, Beatriz Vega, Rafael Torres, and et. al., 2005)

• Horse as Healer: An Examination of Equine Assisted Learning in the Healing of First Nations Youth from Solvent Abuse (2008)

• New Age or Old Sage? A Review of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
  (Karen Frewin and Brent Gardiner, 2005)

• Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults
  (American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 1998)

• Research and Reflection: Animal-Assisted Therapy in Mental Health Settings
  (Debra Phillips Parshall, 2003)

• The Equine Edge: Diverse Advantages to Learning and Therapy with the Help of Horses
  (Equine-Assisted Networker, 2008)

• The Silent Therapist
  (Carol O’Connor)

Please click here for additional academic research papers. In addition, if you would like further supportive research, you may visit the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Center.

While we understand the importance and value that research- based documentation and non-fiction reading bring to our cause, both fictional works, Life of Pi by Yann Martel and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson may be helpful in understanding trauma, equine-assisted or animal assisted therapy, or the many other related issues surrounding trauma and healing.