Search

Adolescents who reside in residential care are exposed to a variety of therapeutic methods, including equine-assisted therapy. This study examines the subjective experience of therapeutic horseback riding (THR) among adolescents at risk. It explores whether the nature of their backgrounds and the level of risk they face generate specific therapeutic experiences in equine-assisted therapy. Using a qualitative research method, 19 adolescents aged 14-19 were interviewed from two different groups: adolescents living in therapeutic residential care and adolescents living in educational residential care. Based on the contexts of personal, familial, and educational contexts, the study examined the outcomes of the therapeutic intervention in both groups. Further, five riding instructors from both groups were interviewed in order to provide validity to the comparison between the two groups. The findings of this study revealed similarities and differences in the therapeutic riding experiences of adolescents from both groups. An analysis of the data revealed three main themes separating the two groups: autonomy in riding, relationships with instructors, and therapeutic riding outcomes. It is important to take into consideration the differences found between the two groups when planning and customizing interventions to meet the needs of adolescents with varying risk profiles and backgrounds in order to meet their specific needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]