Investigation into the influence of interacting with equines on mental health and psychological wellbeing

Achieving positive wellbeing enables individuals to live well and flourish. The partnership between humans and equines (horses, ponies, donkeys, and their hybrids) can provide a positive relationship that supports health and wellbeing. Equestrian participation offers a unique environment to connect with equines and be physically active in nature. This research aimed to investigate the influence and potential benefits of equines on human mental health and psychological wellbeing. This project aimed to: 1) systematically review current literature involving equines with reported mental health and psychological wellbeing outcomes; 2) engage with current equestrians to explore equestrian behaviour and its influence on mental health and psychological wellbeing; 3) determine how interacting with equines influences mental health and psychological wellbeing when living with a mental health concern or negative life event; 4) synthesise factors influencing participation in equestrian activities to inform the development of an intervention involving equines to support mental health and psychological wellbeing, and 5) seek stakeholder views on the inclusion of an equestrian intervention in the green social prescribing (GSP) space to inform future research and development. The research took a mixed-methods approach underpinned by a pragmatic research paradigm to provide novel insight into the influence of participation in equestrian activities on mental health and psychological wellbeing. To answer the research questions, qualitative evidence was synthesised through a systematic review, qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews and an interactive workshop, and quantitative data was collected using an online survey. The systematic review identified 34 studies that used qualitative methodology to report how interventions involving equines positively influence mental health and psychological wellbeing outcomes. An online survey of 1,158 current equestrians found that 97% felt that equines helpedthem cope with difficult times during their lives. Outcomes experienced were not influenced by type or frequency of equestrian activities. Interviews with individuals (N = 21) who had interacted with equines and had experienced a mental health concern or negative life event highlighted that equines have therapeutic tendencies which can promote feelings of safety, happiness, and acceptance. Participating in equestrian activities provides a sense of purpose, belonging, and social connection which supports mental health and psychological wellbeing. The equestrian environment offers a safe haven in which to reduce stress and be immersed in nature. Stakeholders stated that a GSP intervention that supports individuals to access equines for their mental health and psychological wellbeing could be highly effective and provide community value. However, there is a lack of awareness of the benefits of equestrianism, concerns about how current equestrian infrastructure could be scaled up to meet demand, and a need to address social influences including diversity and perception of inclusivity. Interventions should take a regulated One Health, One Welfare approach to safeguard human safety, equine welfare, and environmental health. Evaluation measures demonstrating impact could help secure a sustainable funding model to support service provision and affordability to service users. An effective intervention involving equines that addresses barriers to participation could create positive connections between humans, equines, and nature so that all can flourish.