Case Study

• Objective: A better understanding of equine facilitated therapy results
• Activities/Resources: Shadow and record sessions of a select individual and converse with the equine specialist and psychologist about their treatment plans.
• Evidence: Include in my portfolio an example of a case study of one of our clients.

            Although EEC is geared towards women, particularly adolescents, we did have a young boy come to us who was autistic. I chose to write my case study on him because he was one of the more challenging cases. He was averse to leaving his mother’s side at first but by the end of the term he independently approached the stable. Working with someone who was so afraid of the horses taught me more about patients and trying different ways. If one way didn't work we took a different direction.

          I believe the reason such therapy is so successful is because the enviroment is stimulating and isn't forcing or constraining. The patient is allowed to flow at his or her own pace without being contained by walls. The horse's awareness transfers to the patient, they look at object together and react. Horses are able teach about surroundings and self without saying a word, it's magical to be a part of.