Mer än bara en häst : om hästunderstödda interventioners essens

More than just a horse : About the essence of equine assisted interventions Equine assisted interventions are something of a “black box”; whilst we understand the field, and many factors within it as a whole, there is little research on the specific factors and their influence of the treatment outcome of these interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the essence of equine assisted interventions and highlight the key components at their core. Using the intervention as a treatment with the ambition to improve the client's wellbeing and abilities, there is an underlying question of how these components fare in other contexts and whether should they be adapted in accordance with the needs and abilities of these target groups. In this study, a literature review of 23 studies were conducted in which both qualitative and quantitative articles were reviewed, alongside seven qualitative interviews, which were conducted with therapists working within the field. In analysis, Lawton's and Nahemow's ecological model and Lazarus and Folkman's problem- and emotional-focused coping concepts were applied to illustrate the need for a balance between support and challenge in the interventions in relation to different target groups. This found that this balance is central in how these target groups fare both in the intervention and in everyday activities, that is, an external context. Studying the literary review highlighted nine key components; combined with the interview studies that total grew to ten. Equine assisted intervention, therefore, must combine several adjustments, with focus on activity, equipment, environment, and amount of time. Furthermore, specialised education is needed for the professional, and the horse requires characteristics that corresponds with the client’s competence. It should also be based on a specific goal with the support of a specific theory. I refer to these adjustments as “adaptive coordination”. By analysing the data in relation to the theories, this study revealed another component, which I allude to as the sociocultural dimensions of the establishment, thus naturally creating a third context besides the goals of the intervention and external conditions