Therapeutic horseback riding for at-risk adolescents in residential care

Abstract

Abstract Background Over the past two decades, a large body of research has focused on the contribution of equine-assisted therapies to positive psychological changes in at-risk adolescents. The current study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of therapeutic horseback riding (THR, a type of equine-assisted therapy) among at-risk adolescents and examine how they describe the psychological benefits and the mechanisms of change of a THR intervention. Methods This qualitative study focused on at-risk adolescents living in residential care. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 adolescents. Results Thematic analysis revealed three themes: (a) participants’ presentation, (b) the benefits of riding as a mechanism of change in the THR intervention, and (c) the benefits of the relationship with the horse as a mechanism of change in the THR intervention. Conclusions The results of this study emphasize that the riding process and the relationship with the horse are the core mechanisms of THR interventions for at-risk adolescents and provide various psychological, behavioral, and relational benefits. Self-determination theory (SDT) is a relevant framework through which to explore at-risk adolescents’ subjective experiences of THR intervention and reveal its benefits for them.