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Equine Assisted Learning With Special Populations, Hanna R. Baus

Projects

This paper explores the use of equine-assisted learning (EAL) activities with special populations and includes a program evaluation for two equine-assisted learning programs developed and conducted by HeartStrides, a non-profit organization in the Pacific Northwest. The study included two populations (N=18); the at-risk youth program included seven participants and the veterans’ clinic included eleven participants. For the purpose of this study, the participating youth are considered “at-risk” due to their risk factors that include socioeconomic status, exposure to stressful and traumatic events (physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse), neglect, dysfunctional parenting, substance abuse in the home, self-harming tendencies and/or suicidal thoughts …