Experiences of Military Veterans in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program

Posttraumatic stress disorder commonly occurs among U.S. military veterans. Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has emerged as an adjunct therapy. We explored 20 veterans’ perceived benefits, drawbacks and views of a 6-week THR program. Participants had confirmed diagnoses of posttraumatic stress dis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical nursing research 2021-09, Vol.30 (7), p.923-933
Main Authors: Johnson, Rebecca A., Albright, David L., Marzolf, James R., Bibbo, Jessica L., Yaglom, Hayley D., Crowder, Sandra M., Carlisle, Gretchen M., Grindler, Karen, Harms, Nathan, Willard, Amy, Wassman, Marita, Russell, Cynthia L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal assisted therapy
Clinical outcomes
Clinical research
Clinical trials
Content analysis
Horseback riding
Nursing
Pain
Post traumatic stress disorder
Traumatic brain injury
Veterans
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Summary:Posttraumatic stress disorder commonly occurs among U.S. military veterans. Therapeutic horseback riding (THR) has emerged as an adjunct therapy. We explored 20 veterans’ perceived benefits, drawbacks and views of a 6-week THR program. Participants had confirmed diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or both. Veterans rode the same horse weekly, the same day, at the same time. Data were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial testing the effects of THR on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Veterans responded to an open-ended questionnaire. Content analysis was used for data analysis. Benefits were “Connection to the Horse,” “Relaxing,” “180 Degree Change,” and “Meeting New People.” Drawbacks were “None,” “Struggle to Get There,” “Pain,” “Too Short,” and “It is Structured.” Overall perceptions were “I Absolutely Loved It,” “Feel Again,” “The Horse,” “The People,” and “No Worries.” Participants viewed THR as positive. Findings may elucidate why THR may be clinically beneficial.
ISSN:1054-7738
1552-3799
DOI:10.1177/10547738211003580