A Multi-Site Observational Evaluation of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Veteran Trauma Survivors

Halina Kowalski, Hannah Van Buiten, Patricia Hopkins, Connie Baldwin, Elena Nazarenko and William R. Marchand ()
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Halina Kowalski: Independent Researcher, Bend, OR 97702, USA
Hannah Van Buiten: Independent Researcher, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
Patricia Hopkins: Psychology Department, Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
Connie Baldwin: Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, Woodinville, WA 98072, USA
Elena Nazarenko: Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
William R. Marchand: Whole Health Service, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary outcomes of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) model of equine-assisted psychotherapy for active-duty military and veteran trauma survivors. This was a retrospective multi-site observational study. Study participants completed four psychological instruments pre- and post-intervention. These were the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Sheehan Disability Scale. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 was also completed post-intervention. Paired-sample t -tests were conducted to assess for changes in the primary outcome variables pre- and post-intervention. The RAPID qualitative approach was used to analyze the qualitative data and develop subthemes. Subjects were 107 participants at 12 sites. Participants ranged in age from 22 to 78 and were predominately male. Findings revealed that the Eagala model intervention can be implemented for this population across multiple sites. Further, treatment engagement may be better than found with conventional psychotherapy interventions for this population. Pre-to-post-intervention changes in scores on the psychological instruments revealed significant decreases in PTSD symptoms, depression, and disability as well as increases in satisfaction with life. Future randomized controlled trails of this intervention are warranted.

Keywords: military; veterans; Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association; Eagala; psychotherapy incorporating horses; trauma; complementary and integrative interventions; PTSD; equine-assisted psychotherapy; equine-assisted services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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