A Commentary on the Contemporary Issues Confronting Animal Assisted and Equine Assisted Interactions.
Authors: Fine Aubrey H, Andersen Sarah J
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Fine and Andersen's 2021 commentary examines the evolving landscape of equine-assisted interventions (EAI) and broader animal-assisted interaction programmes, identifying critical areas requiring attention as these fields mature and expand their evidence base. The authors conducted a narrative review of contemporary challenges and developments across both disciplines, focusing on terminology standardisation, research trends, animal welfare considerations, and professional competency frameworks. Key issues highlighted include the need for clearer definitional boundaries between different types of equine-assisted work (therapeutic riding, equine-assisted therapy, and facilitated interactions), inconsistent quality standards across practitioners, and insufficient emphasis on equine wellbeing within many established programmes. The commentary underscores that without robust professional development pathways and standardised competency criteria, the credibility and safety of equine-assisted work remains compromised, particularly in clinical and therapeutic contexts. For farriers, vets, physiotherapists and coaches involved in these programmes, this work serves as a reminder that establishing shared professional standards and prioritising equine health—not merely human outcomes—strengthens both the welfare integrity and scientific legitimacy of equine-assisted interventions.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Establish clear definitions and scope of practice for equine-assisted interventions to ensure consistent, evidence-based service delivery
- •Prioritize equine welfare assessments and monitoring as fundamental requirements in all equine-assisted interaction programs
- •Pursue professional development and competency standardization to enhance credibility and quality of equine-assisted services
Key Findings
- •Animal-assisted interventions and equine-assisted interactions have significantly evolved over the past 50 years
- •The field lacks standardized terminology regarding scope of practices in human-animal interactions
- •Animal welfare must be emphasized as a critical component of equine-assisted interaction programs
- •Professional competencies and standardized professional development frameworks are needed to advance both fields