Horses for Hope - equine assisted narrative therapy
This project compares program data with the participants goals to deliver the evidence base that can be used to both inform expected outcomes and to benchmark the effectiveness of the therapy.
Horses For Hope uses equine assisted narrative therapy to improve the capacity of people significantly impacted by mental health, abuse, trauma and conditions such as autism, to better manage the effects of these problems in their lives.
This project compares program data with the participants goals to deliver the evidence base that can be used to both inform expected outcomes and to benchmark the effectiveness of the therapy.
Research Team
Anthea Rutter, Ana Garcia Melgar, Centre for Program Evaluation
Partner Organisation
Further information
To evaluate the program, the research team talked to six clients of Horses for Hope and four staff members about:
- Their experiences of the program
- Whether they thought the program had helped them
- What aspects they thought were most beneficial
- Their suggestions to improve the program
Clients found the program beneficial and were incorporating the skills they had learned in their interactions with the horses in their everyday life. The program supports change and growth in a safe space and staff members help clients feel safe and comfortable around the horses. Further, the program allows clients to develop a better understanding of themselves and creates a context for clients and their important others to experience and witness change and growth.
Download the final report using the link below.