The experiential nature of EFI is well explained by David Kolb and Karen Stock (2016).

There is a growing body of evidence supporting EFI’s therapeutic value. For example:

• Psychology Today (Maker, 2019) and The Guardian (2015) outline its mental health benefits.

• Frederick et al. (2015) found that Equine-Assisted Learning improves hope and reduces depression in at-risk adolescents.

• The University of New England (2019) demonstrated EFI’s calming effect on heart-rate variability.

• Leconstant and Spitz (2022) provide an academic framework explaining the emotional co-regulation between humans and horses.

There is no fixed format for EAS sessions, but they usually combine facilitated discussion with direct interaction with horses. Most clients will take part in a series of sessions rather than a single meeting.

Typically:

1. Initial Session:

   • Safety briefing and environment orientation.

   • Discussion to confirm EAS's suitability for the participant.

   • Exploration of personal needs and objectives.

2. Subsequent Sessions:

   • Activities with horses linked to agreed goals.

   • Experiential learning, where insights arise from hands-on interaction.

   • Reflection on how experiences with the horses relate to everyday life beliefs, feelings, or behaviours.

   • Opportunities to approach challenges differently and notice the changes that follow.

3. Final Part of Each Session:

   • Reflective discussion.

   • Agreement on actions or practices to try between sessions.

EAS experiences can also lead into more traditional therapeutic approaches, whether indoors or outdoors.

The term Equine Facilitated Interactions covers a range of related approaches, including:

• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

• Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)

• Equine Therapy

• Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

• Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL)

• More specific methods like Equine Facilitated Occupational Therapy or Equine Assisted Personal Development.

[Further details of these practices can be found here.]