The HERD Model of Equine Facilitated Learning
Authors: Lac Veronica
Journal: Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning
Summary
Veterinary training programmes are well documented as high-stress environments associated with elevated anxiety and depression, prompting many schools to explore wellness interventions that build student resilience. Lac Veronica and colleagues developed a semester-long equine-assisted learning (EAL) course at Cummings School using progressive hands-on handling exercises with the teaching herd, designed to foster reflective group discussion around equine behaviour and improve communication, focus, and self-awareness. Post-course surveys revealed that students valued the programme as a psychologically safe space to articulate professional anxieties and develop coping strategies, whilst also reporting unexpected gains in practical equine handling competence. The model, adapted from established EAL curricula in medical schools, demonstrates that structured interaction with horses can address the affective and interpersonal dimensions of veterinary education that traditional classroom teaching often neglects. For equine professionals involved in veterinary training, farrier instruction, or coaching, this work underscores the potential of experiential learning frameworks centred on horse behaviour to build both technical and emotional resilience in practitioners.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Structured equine interaction programs can serve as effective wellness interventions for stressed veterinary students, complementing traditional academic training.
- •Hands-on equine handling in facilitated learning settings simultaneously improves both soft skills (communication, confidence) and practical horsemanship competence.
- •Consider advocating for similar EAL programs at your teaching institution or practice to support student/staff wellbeing and professional development.
Key Findings
- •Equine-assisted learning (EAL) provided veterinary students with a safe space to address anxieties and learn professionalism skills.
- •Students reported improvements in communication, focus, self-awareness, and equine handling skills following the EAL course.
- •EAL-based weekly classes delivered as part of veterinary curriculum show promise for reducing stress and improving resiliency among DVM students.