Esta tese trata de investigar as configurações das práticas equestres no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no século XX. A proposição da pesquisa parte da noção de que as práticas tiveram um papel relevante para a história do Rio Grande do Sul, em particular nos campos da sociabilidade, lazer e preservação das culturas. No cenário sul-rio-grandense, a pesquisa dedica atenção ao desenvolvimento das carreiras de cancha reta, do turfe, do hipismo, do tiro de laço, do freio de ouro e da equoterapia. Tais práticas equestres foram conjecturadas por uma perspectiva socio-histórica, cuja análise foi guiada pela categoria ―configuração‖. Esta foi operacionalizada a partir da obra de Norbert Elias, conduzindo o estudo no sentido de compreender o processo de emergência, distinção e as relações de interdependência estabelecidas entre as práticas equestres no estado. A investigação assentou-se na análise de documentos escritos e impressos, os quais foram concebidos enquanto materiais e textos históricos, portadores de mensagens, sentidos e intuitos reservados à sua conjuntura. As fontes revelaram que o processo de desenvolvimento de configurações no cenário equestre sul-rio-grandense sublinhou uma reconstrução da variada e heterogênea rede de interdependências entre os domínios socializadores representados pelas corridas de cavalos, pelo hipismo, pela equoterapia e pelo tiro de laço. De igual forma, as transformações ocorridas no contexto destes domínios socializadores, ao longo do tempo, derivam das relações de interdependência entre os mesmos, nas esferas do trabalho, da cultura, do lazer, do esporte e da reabilitação. Por conseguinte, a noção de configuração entre práticas equestres pode auxiliar a compreender um campo mais amplo de interações e intercâmbios entre os esportes em geral enquanto domínios socializadores. / This thesis is to investigate the configurations of equestrian practices in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the twentieth century. The proposition of the research builds on the notion that the practices had a significant role in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, in particular in the fields of sociability, leisure and preservation of cultures. In the scenario of Rio Grande do Sul, the research devoted attention to the development of straight line horse races, horse racing, equestrianism, shot of lasso with horse and equine-assisted therapy. Such equestrian practices were conjectured by a sociohistorical perspective, whose analysis was guided by the category "configuration". This was operationalized from Norbert Elias work, leading the study in order to understand the process of emergence, distinction and interdependence of relations between the equestrian sports practices in the state. The research was based on the analysis of written and printed documents, which are designed as historical materials and texts, carrying messages, meanings and intentions reserved to their conjuncture. The sources revealed that a configuration development process in Rio Grande do Sul‘s equestrian scene emphasized a reconstruction of the varied and heterogeneous network of independencies between socializing areas represented by the horse racing, equestrian sports, equine-assisted therapy and shot of lasso with horse. Similarly, the changes occurred in the context of these socializing areas, over time, derived from the interrelationship between them, in the spheres of work, culture, leisure, sport and rehabilitation. Therefore, the notion of a configuration between equestrian practices can help understanding a new broader field of interactions and exchanges between the sports in general as socializing areas.

Esta tese trata de investigar as configurações das práticas equestres no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, no século XX. A proposição da pesquisa parte da noção de que as práticas tiveram um papel relevante para a história do Rio Grande do Sul, em particular nos campos da sociabilidade, lazer e preservação das culturas. No cenário sul-rio-grandense, a pesquisa dedica atenção ao desenvolvimento das carreiras de cancha reta, do turfe, do hipismo, do tiro de laço, do freio de ouro e da equoterapia. Tais práticas equestres foram conjecturadas por uma perspectiva socio-histórica, cuja análise foi guiada pela categoria ―configuração‖. Esta foi operacionalizada a partir da obra de Norbert Elias, conduzindo o estudo no sentido de compreender o processo de emergência, distinção e as relações de interdependência estabelecidas entre as práticas equestres no estado. A investigação assentou-se na análise de documentos escritos e impressos, os quais foram concebidos enquanto materiais e textos históricos, portadores de mensagens, sentidos e intuitos reservados à sua conjuntura. As fontes revelaram que o processo de desenvolvimento de configurações no cenário equestre sul-rio-grandense sublinhou uma reconstrução da variada e heterogênea rede de interdependências entre os domínios socializadores representados pelas corridas de cavalos, pelo hipismo, pela equoterapia e pelo tiro de laço. De igual forma, as transformações ocorridas no contexto destes domínios socializadores, ao longo do tempo, derivam das relações de interdependência entre os mesmos, nas esferas do trabalho, da cultura, do lazer, do esporte e da reabilitação. Por conseguinte, a noção de configuração entre práticas equestres pode auxiliar a compreender um campo mais amplo de interações e intercâmbios entre os esportes em geral enquanto domínios socializadores. / This thesis is to investigate the configurations of equestrian practices in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the twentieth century. The proposition of the research builds on the notion that the practices had a significant role in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, in particular in the fields of sociability, leisure and preservation of cultures. In the scenario of Rio Grande do Sul, the research devoted attention to the development of straight line horse races, horse racing, equestrianism, shot of lasso with horse and equine-assisted therapy. Such equestrian practices were conjectured by a sociohistorical perspective, whose analysis was guided by the category "configuration". This was operationalized from Norbert Elias work, leading the study in order to understand the process of emergence, distinction and interdependence of relations between the equestrian sports practices in the state. The research was based on the analysis of written and printed documents, which are designed as historical materials and texts, carrying messages, meanings and intentions reserved to their conjuncture. The sources revealed that a configuration development process in Rio Grande do Sul‘s equestrian scene emphasized a reconstruction of the varied and heterogeneous network of independencies between socializing areas represented by the horse racing, equestrian sports, equine-assisted therapy and shot of lasso with horse. Similarly, the changes occurred in the context of these socializing areas, over time, derived from the interrelationship between them, in the spheres of work, culture, leisure, sport and rehabilitation. Therefore, the notion of a configuration between equestrian practices can help understanding a new broader field of interactions and exchanges between the sports in general as socializing areas.

The thesis examines, through qualitative methods, the role of the horse in equine-assisted social work (EASW) as well as what facilitates or constrains the role of the horse. Specifically, should interaction be understood in the same manner regardless of which individuals that participate? The thesis is based on empirical data collected throughinterviews with eight staff members and nine female self-harming clients, aged 15–21 years, in a residential treatment facility. In addition, video recordings of the human-horse interaction of three staff members and four clients were analyzed, resulting in the additional issues addressed in a second interview. Critical dialogues between patterns and fragmentations in the narratives and video-recordings, as well as a dialogue with participants, while they were viewing videos of their own EASW sessions, led to the conclusion that adding a horse could qualitatively change therapeutic relationships.  The results are presented in four articles that provide an image of the complexity of EASW. The summary chapters focus on a synthesized analysis, based on Goffman’sdramaturgical perspective and Hochschild’s emotional rules in which the concepts were applied: backstage, frontstage, impression management, stigma, emotional management, deep acting and surface acting. The analysis demonstrated that defense mechanisms are reduced when the horse is perceived as non-judgmental and therefore less intimidating. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that it is crucial that the horse is regarded as a subject, a transitional object, which can silence the inner critic and create a ‘moment of silence’ that contradicts stigmas and enablesadolescents to regulate their emotions. This leads to possibilities to be more authentic and the relationship between staff and adolescents to be perceived as more authentic.  In summary, the work presented in this thesis contributes to increased knowledge about the role of the horse in opposing impression management and surface acting, depending on the high demands on staff to reach outcomes regarding communication, self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-image. The different triads consist of different liaisons, giving rise to unique combinations and the potential to avoid emotional dissonance. The quality of the relationships seems to depend on staff and clients’ attachment orientations.  Keywords: Authentic, Emotional work, Equine-assisted social work, Impression management, Moment of silence, Self-harming adolescents, Stigmatization

Bakgrund   En växande äldre befolkning innebär utmaningar gällande ensamhet, fallolyckor, demenssjukdom och att kunna tillgodose en god hälsa bland äldre personer. För att möta de utmaningarna krävs en bredd av åtgärder. Ett område som fått allt större genomslag är djurassisterad terapi. Tidigare studier har bland annat visat hur djurens närvaro bland människor bidrar med upplevelser av lugn. I Sverige finns numera rekommendationer från Socialstyrelsen om att djurassisterad terapi kan användas hos äldre med demenssjukdom. En central del av sjuksköterskans profession är att främja hälsa och förebygga sjukdom. De omvårdnadsåtgärder som görs för att uppnå detta ska vara evidensgrundande. Ett ökat intresse finns därmed för djurassisterad terapi utifrån den kontexten.   Syfte Syftet var att beskriva vilken betydelse djurassisterad terapi kan ha för äldres hälsa.  Metod En icke-systematisk litteraturöversikt gjordes med sökningar i tre olika databaser. Dessa var PubMed, CIHNAL och PsycINFO. Tydliga avgränsningar med inklusions- och exklusionskriterier arbetades fram. Totalt inkluderades 15 artiklar med både kvantitativ och kvalitativ design. Nogsam kvalitetsgranskning av artiklarna gjordes utifrån Sophiahemmets bedömningsunderlag. Vidare gjordes en integrerad dataanalys beskriven av Kristensson för att sammanställa resultatet. Först gjordes detta individuellt för att sedan diskuteras gemensamt. Detta för att säkerställa ett så tillförlitligt tillvägagångssätt som möjligt.  Resultat Tre områden där hälsan kan påverkas av djurassisterad terapi framkom, dessa var fysisk, psykisk och social hälsa. Bland annat ökade rörelseförmågan och den sociala interaktionen. Smärta och känslor av ensamhet minskades samtidigt som puls och blodtryck sänktes och det allmänna stämningsläget förbättrades. Slutligen påverkades även den kognitiva förmågan. Slutsats Djurassisterad terapi kan ha betydelse för äldre personers hälsa även om det finns ett behov av fortsatt forskning på området. Vidare finns behovet av riktlinjer på nationell nivå för implementering av djurassisterad terapi. I dagsläget bygger det nämligen på enskilda kommuners arbete för att ta fram riktlinjer kring användningen på särskilda boenden. / Background An increasing amount of elderly people creates challenges regarding loneliness, fall injuries, dementia as well as challenges to work towards a good health. One method which has gotten more attention recently is animal assisted therapy because it contributes to people’s experience of calmness among other things. In Sweden there are recommendations from the National Board of Health and Welfare that animal assisted therapy can be used in nursing homes for people with dementia. An important part of the profession of nurses is to promote health and to prevent diseases. This work should be based on evidence. Therefore, there is a growing interest for animal assisted therapy. Aim The aim was to describe the importance of animal assisted therapy for the health of elderly people.  Method  A non-systematic literature review was conducted by using terms in three databases: PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO. Delimitations with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria are presented in the literature review. In total 15 articles were included with quantitative and qualitative data. Their quality was analyzed by using an assessment tool from Sophiahemmet University. The result was compiled by using an integrative data analysis described by Kristensson. First made individually and then together to make sure it was made in a reliable manner.  Results Three main categories were identified where animal assisted therapy can influence the physical, mental, and social health. Among other things it improved the patients’ mood, mobility and social interaction while it decreased blood pressure, heart rate as well as the feeling of loneliness and pain. The cognitive functioning also got affected. Conclusions Animal assisted therapy can be important for the health of older people, but it needs further research. National guidelines to implement animal assisted therapy are also needed because today the municipalities themselves must create the guidelines in their nursing homes.

The purpose of this integrative review of the literature is to examine the effectiveness of equine assisted therapy with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). An extensive review of the literature was conducted regarding children diagnosed with ASD who received equine therapy, equine psychotherapy, therapeutic horseback riding, or horse therapy. Inclusion criteria include articles written in the English language, articles that were peer-reviewed, and had a publication date from 2006 to present. Fourteen articles were analyzed regarding children with ASD who participated in different types of equine therapy. The majority of the studies found individuals with ASD who participated in equine therapy had improvements in behavior, social interactions, and communication with decreased stereotypical ASD behaviors. Only one article found no changes in behavior. Most of the articles had very small sample sizes that limited the generalizability of the findings. There were many different ways that the research was conducted and therefore the screening measures were completely different for all studies. Many studies did not take gender of participants into account, whether the participants were verbal or nonverbal, and other treatments the participants were receiving. Although the literature analyzed had different methodologies, the overall research suggests equine assisted therapy can be a beneficial therapy for individuals with ASD and therefore could be considered a viable treatment option. The outcomes of this integrative review supports the need for larger, randomized, controlled trials with larger samples to effectively evaluate the effects of equine therapy.

Text in English / Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a form of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) used to treat individuals’ psychological problems. EAP is an interactive process in which a licensed mental health practitioner, a credentialed equine professional and suitable equines work together to address psychotherapy goals. Since the 1990s, research on EAP has grown rapidly in the United States of America (USA) and Europe, however research in the South African context is lacking. This descriptive and exploratory research study explored and described the experiences of licensed mental health practitioners and/or credentialed equine specialists who have included EAP within their practise by focusing on the role that equines play within the psychotherapeutic process. The knowledge of this study was derived from a Constructivistic epistemology. Constructivism argues that humans attain and build knowledge and meaning from their experiences. Participants were selected based on purposeful criterion sampling. Only licensed mental health practitioners or credentialed equine specialists who included EAP within their practise, registered at the Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Institute of South Africa (EAPISA) or the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) were considered for participation. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with six participants. A post-interview follow-up email was used to gain additional feedback from each participant. Finally, data was analysed using thematic analysis. As EAP is a fairly new modality of therapy within South Africa, the contribution of this study is to add to the growing body of professional EAP literature. Thematic analysis identified seven main themes: shifting dynamics in the therapeutic relationship, setting the scene for storytelling, the equine as an intermediary and therapeutic tool, what the equine sees is what you get, instantaneous but lasting results, variations and similarities in approach and activities, the emotive motives of EAP practitioners. These themes are discussed in relation to the research findings. Findings of this study showed substantial agreement in what the equine brings to the psychotherapeutic session: unique equine attributes, opportunities for metaphorical learning, and relational aspects. The participants demonstrated a consensus in the belief that EAP can be beneficial to a large spectrum of psychotherapeutic populations in South Africa. A recommendation for future research is for larger, international studies that explore the viewpoints of psychotherapists who practice equine therapies in other countries in order to expand the knowledge base and address the competency and standards discussion in the EAP field. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and equine-assisted therapy/learning (EAT/L) are innovative techniques in counselling, psychotherapy, mental health, coaching, and other personal growth interventions. Although this field has experienced tremendous growth in the United States, very little is known about its Canadian equivalent. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the current state of AAT and EAT/L in Canada, by conducting a national, bilingual (English and French) survey of helping professionals who involve animals in their practices. A total of 131 questionnaires were retained for analysis. The results of this study suggest that the field is very diverse, with a multitude of confusing terms and expressions, varying levels of education and training, and disagreement on how different practices are defined, resulting in a fragmented, confusing and inconsistent appearance. Recommendations for the evolution of the field and suggestions for future research are provided.

<p>Historically, the horse has in many ways been important to human beings. Today, Equine Assisted Therapy is a form of treatment in which the horse is used as a tool from the treatment of the client. Supported Equine therapy has a therapeutic purpose and may vary depending on the patient's needs and the professionals work competence. Various studies show that animals have a positive impact on people. The aim of our study was to explore how Equine Assisted Therapy is used within the practical fields of social work in Sweden. We wanted to  illustrate how professionals in different social work settings utilize this form of treatment. Based on our purpose we have chosen to use a qualitative approach in which we interviewed five professionals who work with Equine Assisted Therapy as treatment method in various activities. In our results, we present the strengths and weaknesses according to the professionals; which approach they consider relevant and how a treatment session might look like.</p><p> </p>

Background: Animals have been shown to have a positive effect on people. The nursing science approach says that a person can experience well-being despite illness. The positive attributes of animals can be used in health care to help ill people experience well-being. An animal-assisted intervention can be a form of activity or therapy involving pets (AAA / AAT) or horses (EAT). Aim: The purpose of this study was to elucidate how animals in health care promote well-being for people with long-term illness. Methods: Literature review based on fourteen original scientific articles, with both qualitative and quantitative approach. Results: The compilation of the results led to four main categories with two subcategories respectively. These were: Physical aspects with subcategories Physical well-being and Bodily functions; Psychic aspects with subcategories Psychic well-being and Reduced psychiatric symptoms; Existential aspects with subcategories Quality of Life and Safety; Social Aspects with subcategories Social behavior and Relationships. Discussions: Review and discussion of the selected method. Discussion of the results with the selected theoretical framework: Antonovsky's theory of Sense of Coherence (SOC) and the salutogenic approach. The results were discussed based on the concepts of comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness.

There is currently a crisis in military veteran mental health care. At 5-30% of veterans receive a PTSD diagnosis. Veterans face a large gap that exists in accessing and receiving high quality care. One intervention that is becoming more popular is equine assisted counseling (EAC). The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of Relational Equine-Partnered Counseling (REPC) in reducing symptoms of PTSD in military veterans. I also examined specific PTSD symptom clusters including intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. The present study utilized a single-case design consisting of a baseline phase, intervention phase, and post-intervention phase. Participants included four military veterans presenting for war zone-related PTSD: four males and one female, aged 32-67 years, two White/European non-Hispanic, one African American non-Hispanic, and one mixed ethnicity. Symptoms were assessed weekly using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale and the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5). The data were analyzed by visual analysis and statistical effect size. The results were mixed across the participants. All participants experienced decreased means between the baseline and intervention phases. However, interpretation of the results indicated that the intervention was effective in some areas for some of the participants. All participants reported that the intervention was beneficial in targeting specific symptoms. Overall, the results indicated that REPC may have some benefit in reducing distress related to PTSD. More research is needed to further explore the effectiveness of REPC on the reduction of PTSD-related distress.