Healing with horses : equine-based therapy as a therapeutic modality in social work practice in the South African context

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Recently published research studies have delved into how the connection between humans and horses can address social, educational, and emotional challenges among distressed individuals. The current body of literature falls short of adequately explaining the mechanisms that underlie these therapeutic approaches, particularly when it comes to understanding the role of equines in facilitating the therapeutic and learning processes. This comprehension is crucial for establishing a strong foundation for such therapeutic efforts and for broadening its application within the field of social work. It is important to note that previous research has not deeply explored the complexities of equine-based therapy or the methods that practitioners use when working with their clients. The current study was undertaken with mental health practitioners who are engaged in equine-based therapy. It sought to understand equine-based therapy and its potential as a healing tool in the social work. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to explore the potential of equine-based therapy as a therapeutic modality in social work practice. It sought to understand the principles that guided equine-based therapy. It further explored the processes underpinning equine-based therapy. The study also looked at the emotional and social problems that were most suited for equine-based therapy and sought to understand the benefits individuals experienced through equine-based therapy. It also focused on the experiences that mental health practitioners had with regard to their use of equine based therapy. Finally, it explored how equine-based therapy can be used to enhance social work practice. METHODOLOGY This study adopted a qualitative exploratory-descriptive design as it sought to extract rich information pertaining to the process of equine-based therapy, its benefits, and its significance in social work. The study was further guided by an instrumental case study approach. The study consisted of one sample of mental health practitioners who used equine-based therapy as a therapeutic tool. Semi-structured interviews were used as the technique for data collection. Data was collected till saturation. In total, fifteen mental health professionals were interviewed. Data collection occurred in person at the offices of the mental health professionals. Data collection was conducted in four provinces, namely, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. The process of data analysis was guided by the steps of thematic analysis. This enabled the transcripts to be reduced to patterns and similar themes. Words and phrases were generated to represent these themes and sub-themes. The themes served to illustrate the essence of the mental health practitioners’ responses to how they worked with equine-based therapy. FINDINGS The major themes that emerged from the analysis, were namely. the values and principles which were guiding equine-based therapy, the process underpinning equinebased therapy, the facilitation of equine-based therapy, clients who are suitable for equine-based therapy, and the benefits of engaging in equine-based therapy and equine-based therapy in social work. The study found that a diverse range of values and principles were used to guide the practice of equine-based therapy. Some of the critical values and principles that emerged were humility, respect for clients and horses, maintaining a non-judgemental attitude, maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, self-determination, and no harm to clients. The process underpinning equine-based therapy included the use of different approaches to equine-based therapy. Clients had to be oriented into equine-based therapy before they started engaging with the horse. The clients also had to follow a specific procedure before they could be part of a therapeutic session. The process also involved a check-in session between the mental health practitioner and the horse. Moreover, it was found that when conducting equine-based therapy, the setting for the session should be considered as it plays a role in the process. Sessions were also found to be set up within specific time frames. One of the key findings in the process was that it was compulsory to have three partners in the equine-based therapy process i.e., the horse, horse professional and the mental health practitioner. Furthermore, the facilitation of equine-based therapy was found to involve the inclusion of structured activities and various techniques and interventions such as play therapy, counselling interventions, the use of storyboards and spiritual interventions. The inclusion of equine-based therapy in social work found several benefits for various groups of clients and indicated significant value in the social work field. CONCLUSION Equine-based therapy has shown promise for its inclusion in the field of social work practice. The study highlighted the understanding of equine-based therapy, its process, the key values, and principles as well as the benefits of equine-based therapy. The study further highlighted stories of healing from the perspective of the client and mental health practitioners involved in equine-based therapy. Moreover, the study gave an overview of the significance of horses in social work and the value of equinebased therapy in social work. It also included the education and training required for social workers to practice equine-based therapy effectively.