From the horse's mouth : a grounded theory study of client and staff views and experiences of the role of horse-human interactions in equine-assisted therapy and learning for disadvantaged young people

This thesis explores the role of interactions between people and horses in Equine-Assisted Therapy and Learning interventions (EAT/L) for disadvantaged young people (YP). Part one is a conceptual review of the theories, methods, and techniques currently used in EAT/L research and practice for disadvantaged YP. Part two is an empirical research paper that explores the role of interactions between people and horses in interventions at a charity offering EAT/L for disadvantaged YP. It aimed to develop a theory of the role of horse-human interactions in EAT/L from the views and experiences of people facilitating and participating in it. It is a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 13 young people and 6 staff, and observations of EAT/L sessions that they participated in. Part three is a critical appraisal of the research process. It focuses on the ways in which the researcher’s worldview, experiences, preconceptions and intentions influenced the research process, and how the process of the research influenced the researcher’s personal development and clinical and research practice.