In equine-assisted services (EAS) programs, horses aren't just animals; they are partners, friends, and, to many, family members. Their role goes beyond acting as a tool—they form strong bonds with practitioners and clients. But what happens when one of these cherished horses passes away? A recent study sheds light on this often-overlooked experience, revealing the complex emotional and practical challenges that follow such a loss.
Practitioners in EAS programs may face emotional distress when a horse dies, akin to losing a coworker or family member. The study, which included 84 practitioners, found that these experiences can be framed using Worden's Four Tasks of Mourning:
To better navigate the difficult period following a horse’s death, practitioners shared actionable insights:
This study highlights how grieving the loss of a program horse can impact practitioners and their communities. By understanding and validating these experiences, EAS programs can build a supportive framework that respects both human and animal bonds.
This article was based on the research of Dr. Leanne Nieforth and the HAPI lab. Read the research:
Explore the vital role of collaboration between researchers and practitioners in human-animal interaction (HAI), enhancing scientific rigor and real-world impact through trust, ethical practices, and shared expertise.
Read more
Learn how service dogs may improve the stress response in veterans with PTSD by enhancing the cortisol awakening response, offering both emotional and physiological benefits.
Read more
Understand the differences between therapy animals, emotional support animals, and more with new expert-defined terms from Howell et al., ensuring clarity and consistency in the growing field of animal-assisted support.
Read more