Experiences of recovery for Canadian forensic mental health patients and staff participating in a horse stables program 

ABSTRACT

Individuals in the forensic mental health system experience barriers to recovery and lack opportunities for engagement in meaningful activities. Equine interventions have the potential to promote recovery in forensic patients through opportunities to learn new skills and develop social relationships. However, the research on equine-assisted therapies in forensic mental health settings is limited and little is known about its role in recovery. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore forensic mental health patient and staff experiences of the Horse Stables Program at a psychiatric facility, and to identify aspects of the program deemed influential in facilitating patient recovery. Thirteen participants, forensic service users (n = 7) and staff (n = 6), involved in the program participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six phases of thematic analysis. Findings revealed four themes related to recovery: 1) Radical Shift in Environment, 2) Opportunity for New Roles, 3) Building Meaningful Connections, and 4) Expanding Horizons. Final themes from this study were found to align with the literature on recovery in both general and forensic mental health settings. Participants expressed positive experiences at the stables and conveyed that the Horse Stables Program promoted recovery and well-being.

KEYWORDS:

• Recovery
• Forensic
• Mental health
• Equine therapy

Acknowledgments

We thank the staff at Top Rail Stables, including Jeremy Feenstra and Kristy Trowell for their role in facilitating the Horse Stables Program. We thank the staff and clients in the Forensic program at CAMH for their participation with the Horse Stables Program. We also thank all those who have donated to Gifts of Light for without their generosity, this program would not be possible.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.