ABSTRACT
Introduction
Interaction has a multidimensional role in equine-facilitated rehabilitation.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to understand rehabilitees’ experiences of interaction during equine-facilitated rehabilitation.
Methods
Six children and four adults with individual diagnoses or reasons to participate in equine-facilitated rehabilitation were included in this qualitative study. Data were collected by interviewing individually the rehabilitees. A phenomenological Spiegelberg’s seven-phase meaning analysis was performed to reveal the meanings.
Results
Seven meanings were identified: 1) Trust; 2) Friendly horse; 3) Mirror of feelings; 4) Inspiring riding; 5) Feeling competent; 6) Rehabilitee-oriented approach; and 7) Uniting experience. In addition, the essential meanings of the phenomenon form three different circles: circle of recognition, circle of supporting active agency and circle of empowerment.
Conclusion
Interaction during equine-facilitated rehabilitation is essential to rehabilitees in many ways that have important roles in the entire rehabilitation process that aims for empowerment in the rehabilitees’ daily lives.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all the participants and those who helped with recruitment. This research was funded by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Dnro 57/26/2015).
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).