An exciting exploration

Through our Equine Guided Support Pilot Study, conducted in partnership with UC Davis and Stanford University, we have measured the effectiveness of equine-guided workshops on stress reduction and quality of life indicators for people with early stage dementia and their care partners. We will continue our research to further understand the many benefits of our innovative program.

The interest in the therapeutic effects of Human-Animal Interaction is gaining momentum as programs see positive outcomes with a variety of populations. This program establishes an evidence-based model utilizing Equine Guided Activities for people affected by dementia. The Equine Guided support study is the first of its kind to assist people with early stage dementia and their care partners. People often ask what is so special about the horses. For over 50 million years horses have survived because of their ability to work collaboratively and adapt to change. They are nonjudgmental partners that teach us to stay in the moment and trust the strength of the herd. The trained facilitators help participants to interpret the learning as the day unfolds.

We are grateful to our over 50 participants who helped us learn more about the therapeutic connection between horses and humans.

Summary of Initial Pilot Research

“All participants, facilitators and researchers reported experiencing a more positive mood and affect after interacting with the horses in the equine guided support workshops.”

Abstract

The Equine Guided Support Pilot Study measured the effectiveness of equine-guided workshops on stress reduction and quality of life indicators for people with early stage dementia and their care partners.

There are 35 million people living with dementia worldwide. This number is expected to triple by 2050. Family caregiving remains the most common form of care, although researchers from around the world find that stress significantly typifies this experience. Additionally, persons are diagnosed earlier in the process, so that living with early-stage dementia is becoming more of a global reality. Yet few specific services exist to meet the needs of this population and their family caregivers.

This project is an innovative approach that offers considerable promise for application beyond the San Francisco Bay Area where it was conducted. The program includes an introduction to the equine facility, followed by two 5-hour workshops, focused on therapeutic activities with horses, discussion groups and awareness practices led by trained staff and facilitators. Activities with horses included observing herd behavior, grooming, leading them, and connecting with them over the fence – all were intended to teach non-verbal communication skills to both care partners (CPs) and persons living with dementia (PWD). Reflection on these experiences was the discussion groups’ goal. Pre/post-test design used standardized measures of stress, burden, mood, and social support for both care partners and PWD. The two pilots measured for this data set had a total of 26 participants, 13 dyads. Eighteen participants completed the workshop and all of the standardized assessments. Eight participants completed modified, shortened programs and/or only completed partial assessments.

Quantitative and qualitative findings indicated significantly increased positive perception of social support, greater sense of reciprocity, awareness, upliftedness and appreciation of one another in dyads. Trends for improved mood in both members of the dyad were also noted. Future plans include partnering with other sites and expanding program’s positive outcomes on a larger scale.

Comparative Research in Progress at University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and School of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Equine Health. An additional 14 people, 7 dyads have completed the workshops and we expect to offer another workshop in the spring, 2017. The data has not been fully analyzed; however, the initial feedback from participants indicates positive trends in quality of life indicators. Study Timeline is Fall 2016- Spring 2017.