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Therapy is MORE than talk: Exploring Equine - Assisted Psychotherapy for Children with Trauma.
Therapy is MORE than talk: Exploring Equine - Assisted Psychotherapy for Children with Trauma.
A Thesis. Written and prepared by Stephanie Lockhart
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) as an intervention for children under the age of 10 who have experienced recent trauma from the voices of adults who work with this population. The specified traumas that children may encounter are kept vague for this research study so as to protect the anonymity of an already vulnerable population. The aim was to understand how EAP might serve as a valuable modality for healing and provide support to this specific population. A qualitative research methodology employed in this study utilizing data obtained through narrative interviews that focused on participants' experiences of engagement in EAP sessions. The study involved individuals taking part in four EAP sessions, after which data was collected using individual narrative interviews and focus groups. The study sample consisted of four adult professionals in occupations related to caring for and educating children aged ten and younger. The participants kept from disclosing whether the children they were interacting with had experienced traumatic events. The insights gained from the interpretations of the participants’ experiences offered valuable understanding regarding the potential of programs, such as EAP, in providing benefits to children who have recently undergone traumatic experiences. The thesis findings represent the perspectives of professionals engaged in fields closely associated with the study and care of children such as education, justice, social services, and early childcare. This research aimed to expand psychotherapy options, specifically in Saskatchewan, Canada, enhancing mental health resources for trauma-affected children.
From Start to Strength: A Skill Set Progress in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
From Start to Strength: A Skill Set Progress in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Peepeekisis Pesakastew School & Success Ranch – D.S.L. Therapies
Grades 8 & 9 Class | Fall 2025 (September – November)
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy | Skill Development Outcomes | Peepeekisis Pesakastew School & Success Ranch: D.S.L. Therapies
This analysis presents percentage changes in skill development among Grade 8–9 students participating in a 10-week Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program. Skills measured include horse-handling competencies, social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and self-perception. Percentage increases indicate improvement, whereas negative changes reflect shifts in self-awareness and self-assessment accuracy.
⭐ Biggest Growth Area: Catching a Horse (+90%)
Catching a horse requires all skills at once:
⭐Emotional regulation & patience ⭐ Confidence & positive attitude ⭐ Reading body language
⭐Respect, leadership, & responsibility ⭐ Problem solving & creative thinking
•Horse Handling & Practical Skills
•Skills such as catching a horse (+90%), knot tying (+53.3%), and haltering (+52.4%) showed the greatest gains, with additional improvements in grooming, movement, and reading body language (23–33%). These results indicate strong gains in competence and confidence through effective hands-on learning.
•Relationship & Interaction with the Horse
•Skills related to relationship building (+56%), horse following (+15.6%), target stepping (+18.18%), and pressure-and-release (+11.54%) showed meaningful improvement, indicating increased trust, responsiveness, and safe task execution.
•Personal & Emotional Development
•Confidence (+21.4%), self-esteem (+14.29%), patience (+13.8%), attitude (+12.9%), responsibility (+9.1%), and safety (+2.9%) showed positive change, while perseverance (–9.4%) declined. Overall trends suggest improved emotional regulation and self-awareness, with smaller or negative shifts reflecting increased insight rather than regression.
•Social & Interpersonal Skills
•Communication (+7.4%), boundaries (+6.67%), trust (+5.56%), leadership (+19.2%), and appropriate assertiveness (+3.6%) showed modest improvement, while teamwork (–11.4%) and negotiation (–7.1%) declined. Because interpersonal skills develop gradually, negative shifts likely reflect correction of overestimated self-perceptions—a therapeutic outcome that supports future growth.
•Cognitive & Transferable Skills
•Knowledge (+23.1%), problem solving (+13.8%), creative thinking (+10.71%), common sense (+14.8%), active listening (+6.3%), and reading body language (+29.2%) showed consistent improvement. These gains highlight the effectiveness of experiential learning and support academic and real-world functioning beyond the program.
•OVERALL CONCLUSION
•The data indicate that the Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy program was highly effective in developing practical competence, emotion regulation, confidence, and self-awareness. Negative percentage changes do not reflect regression; rather, students reflect increased accuracy in self-assessment, a critical developmental milestone for adolescents. Overall, students exited the program with stronger skills, greater insight, and an improved foundation for continued growth.
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