Perceived holistic benefits of equine-assisted therapy among mothers of children with a disability: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the first phenomenological qualitative descriptive study exploring the connection between spirituality and equine therapy. Results highlight experiences of 17 mothers with children with disabilities who participated in a 12-week session from January to May 2018 at a Texas equine center. Themes included mothers’ perceptions of spirituality as a supporting force, disability and social isolation affecting child and mother, and equine therapy as a holistic intervention. This pilot study followed Max van Manen’s methodological structure of human science inquiry. Findings demonstrated the challenges of caring for children with disabilities and the potential adverse impact to caregivers’ health.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• equine therapy
• mothers
• children with disabilities
• holistic intervention
• well-being
• family support

Acknowledgments

There was no research funding for this study, and no restrictions have been imposed on free access to, or publication of, the research data.

The researcher offers great appreciation to the mothers involved in the study for their time, loving example of caregiving, and personal stories, and to Kathy and Kent Harbaugh, founders of Triple H Equitherapy Center, for their lifework and for granting access to their facility. Special thanks also goes to Keisha Laughy, Director of Volunteers and Community Relations, and all of the center’s committed staff and volunteers who made this research possible and who have selflessly created an inclusive, welcoming community for the most vulnerable.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.