A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY ...

systematic review should be done on any studies not included in those two prior reviews, and
another review of studies on the population investigated here should be done using the focus of
the current study on psychosocial benefits. To this end, a listing of the studies on this population
which were excluded in the present review has been included in Appendix A.
6.2 Use of Consistent Definitions of Components of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Currently, some equine-assisted/facilitated therapeutic approaches utilize un-mounted
activities, while others integrate riding into the treatment plan; It would be helpful to investigate
which aspects of which approach are helpful for which client populations. Some studies
investigate equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP), as defined by NARHA, while others
investigate a combination of therapeutic horseback riding and EFP. Dismantling studies that
excavate the underlying mechanisms of action that contribute to the overall appeal and
effectiveness of this form of therapy are indicated.
6.3 Use of Comparison Groups Receiving Established Interventions
and Receiving EAP as an Adjunct or Complementary Therapy
There is a dearth of information comparing this treatment approach to other
psychotherapeutic techniques that have been shown to be effective both statistically and
clinically. Future studies should include the use of comparison groups receiving established
interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and systematic desensitization. Urgently
needed are studies examining EAP used as an adjunct or complementary therapy to established
treatments. These studies should seek to establish the dosages, diagnoses, and outcomes for
which adjunctive use is effective.
6.4 Longitudinal Designs Investigating Effects of EAP on Humans and Horses
Longitudinal studies that investigate the protracted psychosocial effects of interventions
that use horses in service of healing are, to date, scarce in existence and limited in scope; there
is a conspicuous gap in the literature that remains to be filled with more longitudinal studies. In
addition, it would be useful to explore the physiological responses that occur when clients interact
with horses in a therapeutic setting. Even fewer studies exist on the physiological and behavioral
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