Equine Psychotherapy Australia

Links, Resources & Research in EAP

Relevant Research

Russel-Martin, L.A. (2006) Equine facilitated Couples therapy and Solution focused Couples therapy: A comparative study. Doctorate of Philosophy, Northcentral University.

Shult, B. (2005). The effects of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy on psycho-social functioning of at-risk adolescents ages 12-18. Unpublished Masters thesis. Denver Seminary. Denver, CO.

Tetreault , A (2006). Horses that Heal: The effectiveness of Equine Assisted Growth and Learning on the behaviour of students diagnosed with Emotional Disorder. Unpublished Masters thesis. Governors State University, University Park, IL.

Aduddell ,M.M. (2003). Effects of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy on adolescent attitudes and behavious. Unpublished manuscript. Colorado Christian University.

Bray, B. (2002) Treating Adolescents using Equine Assisted Psychotherapy : Effects on self concept, anxiety and depression. Unpublished masters thesis. Whitman College.

Emory, D.K. (1992) Effects of Therapeutic horsemanship on the self concept and behaviour of asocial adolescents. Unpublished dissertation. University of Maine.

Greenwald, A.J. (2001) The effect of a therapeutic horsemanship program on emotionally disturbed boys. Dissertation Abstracts International, 62.

Hutchinson, J (2009) Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: Horses are still helping us today. Unpublished manuscript. Pioneer Pacific College.

Trotter, Say, Sudekum (2006) The Efficacy of Equine Assisted Group Counselling with At-Risk Children and Adolescents. Doctorate of Philosophy (Counselling). University of North Texas.

Schultz, P., Remick-Barlow, G. & Robbins, L. (2007) Equine Assisted Psychotherapy : A mental Health Promotion/intervention modality for children who have experienced family violence. Health & Social Care in the Community 15 (3), 265-271.

Trotter, K, Chandler,C, Goodwin-Bond, D, & Casey, J (2008) A Comparative study of the efficacy of group equine assisted counselling with at-risk children and adolescents. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, Vol 3 (3), 254-284.

Frewin, K. & Gardiner, B, (2005). New Age or Old Sage? A review of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. The Australian Jouornal of Counselling Psychology, 6, p13-17.

Kaiser, L, Spence,L.J., Lavergne, A.G. & Bosch K.L. (2004) Can a week of Therapeutic riding make a difference? A pilot study. Anthroozoos, 17, 63-72.

Klontz, B.T., Bivens, A., Leinart, D., & Klontz, T. (2007). The effectiveness of Equine Assisted Experiential therapy : results of an open clinical trial. Society and Animals, 15, 257-267.

Scheidhacker, M. Friedrich, D, & Bender , W, (2002) About the treatment of anxiety disorders by psychotherapeutic riding : long term observations and results of an experimental clinical study. Krankenhauspsychiatrie, 13, 145-152.

Zugich, M, Klontz, T & Leinart, D. (2002). The miracle of equine therapy. Counselor Magazine, 3 (6), 22-27.

HORSEMANSHIP TRAINERS - Australia

VICTORIA –

• Pol Blane – Relaxation Horsemanship

Pol used to be a Parelli student, found Philip Nye, and found a simpler, softer, more relaxed way of being with and teaching horses to be riding friends. Pol’s interest is not just emotional relaxation, but also physical relaxation and carrying potential - in that the horse is ‘going’ with a lengthened and rounded spine and back, and stretching hindquarters, on a loose rein in all gaits, as a foundation to any riding (eg trail riding, dressage etc). Pol  has regular sessions here at GEPA, enquiries welcome to join in! www.polblane.com.au

NSW –

• Mel Fleming – Connecting with Horses and Riding with Synchronicity

Mel used to be a Parelli Instructor/Trainer and has transformed her horsemanship into focusing on truly connecting, listening, and riding with softness and balance. She has many courses available to support people to grow with their horses and horsemanship. Mel inspires people to ‘feel into’ their horse’s feelings, thoughts, behaviours and spirit, to have a foundation of a ‘true relationship’. www.melfleming.com.au

       Steeve Croucher - Horse Whispering
Steeve works with a soft, gentle and loving approach. Inspired by Klaus Hempflings' approach to horses, Steeve wants to listen deeply to horses and uses subtle body language that supports a deep connecting friendship with horses. www.steevecroucher.com


RESOURCES
Tasmania –

• Resource Website - Cynthia Cooper has a great website to resource and support the interests of people and horses wanting a more natural and soft way of going. You can buy lots of things/access resources from this website!  www.naturalhorseworld.com

International Horsepeople -

• Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling – Klaus has inspiring books “The Horse Seeks me” and “Dancing with Horses”, inspiring DVD’s, and you can save up and attend his courses in Body Language and being with horses from a spiritual and emotional place. His work with horses is just superb, and based on a meditative stance, getting grounded, present, aware and creatively joining with the horse with love. www.hempfling.com,  www.hempfling.com.au

• Carolyn Resnick – Carolyn has a wonderful book “Naked Liberty” and fabulous DVD’s on working with horses at liberty, as a foundation for all other horsemanship. Her work is simple and wonderful. She has online community’s you can be a part of, and courses and training opportunities in US. She appears very grounded, and again, works from a beautifully meditative and creative energetic perspective. www.dancewithhorses.com

• Impke Spilker – has a most beautiful and inspiring book “Empowered Horses” that is founded on the horses being given power in the relationship, and absolute attention and love by the human, so that they choose when to ‘play’ in the ménage, paddock etc. Many of her herd present themselves to ‘play’ with her at all times during the day, and Impke supports them to grow emotionally and physically to their potential. It’s a must read too!

There are many others that I can recommend. Feel free to call me and have a chat, and I can refer you on to more diverse and inspiring reading and viewing! 

Meg. :)