A Qualitative Study of Human-Equine Interaction for Historically Underserved Youth

Abstract

The horse barn is an environment with the potential to support young people’s well being. While spending time at the barn, children and youth participate in exercises related to riding and caring for horses, use mindfulness skills to work effectively with horses, and gain a sense of purpose and accomplishment. The horse also provides unique opportunities to learn emotion-regulation skills and give and receive affection. This study describes the summer horse camp experiences of historically underserved young people aged 9-18, viewed through letters the participants wrote to their assigned horses. The data represent a long-standing partnership between three organizations located together within a metropolitan area in the U.S.: a religion-based group providing recreational programming for historically underserved youth, a horse barn/riding academy, and a small nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equine experiences for historically underserved youth each summer. Participants' letters written to their horses (n=271) underwent a thematic content analysis using Dedoose software, and we conducted qualitative interviews with riding instructors in a group format. Data suggest the program provided a space for cultivating positive relationship skills such as respect, responsibility, discipline, empowerment, positive affect, and social relationships. Themes of "respect" (49.1%), "positive social relationships" (46.5%) and "affection" (77.5%) emerged from the letters and were supported by interview data. We conclude that this three-way organizational partnership provides valuable opportunities for historically underserved, urban youth to develop important socioemotional skills while interacting with horses. The young people used this safe environment to build social relationships and learn about making positive life choices.