The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) for Nurses and Other Medical Professionals

At Carey Springs Farm, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) on individuals and teams. One group that particularly benefits from EAL is nurses. Research consistently highlights the advantages of EAL for nursing, medical students other medical professionals, demonstrating significant enhancements in essential skills and attributes. This contributes to their overall well-being and effectiveness in their demanding roles. I wanted to take a few minutes to comment on this research.

How Can Nurses and Other Medical Professionals Benefit from EAL?

Self-Care and Resilience

In a publication by The American Association of Colleges of Nursing, The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education (2021, pp. 53-54), the AACN emphasizes the importance of activities that promote self-care, resilience, and well-being. One of the ten domains outlined in this framework includes participation in activities and self-reflection that foster personal health, resilience, and well-being, lifelong learning, and leadership skills. EAL workshops, such as those provided at Carey Springs Farms, are examples of those activities.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in nursing, where clear and precise interactions can significantly impact patient outcomes. A program developed by Kane (2007) focused on transforming the doctor-patient relationship, highlighting how EAL can help medical professionals interpret non-verbal cues and improve their ability to convey information clearly and empathetically. This skill is particularly valuable in high-stress environments where miscommunication can have serious consequences. At Carey Springs Farm, we incorporate elements of Dr. Kane’s program in our activities.

Mindfulness and Presence

A study by Walsh & Blakeney (2013) explored whether EAL could help nurses recognize their ability to be present—calm and centered—as they engage with horses. Analyzing over 523 significant statements regarding nurses’ experiences with EAL, five final themes emerged: the experienced novice, present in the moment, discovery of self, team building, and leadership. The study concluded that EAL is a transformational learning experience that improves mindfulness and presence, potentially leading to better nurse-patient relationships.

Emotional Intelligence

A thematic analysis by Rauen (2017) connected the impact of EAL on emotional intelligence (EQ) through participants at an EAL workshop conducted by Dr. Lissa Pohl of the University of Kentucky. The study found that EAL effectively raises self-awareness and social awareness, two key emotional intelligence competencies. Other emerging competencies included building/managing relationships, non-verbal communication/body language, controlling emotion, and, to a lesser extent, influencing others and applying these skills to work.

Further supporting this research, Pohl & Dyk (2015) conducted research with 21 nurses, dividing them into an EAL group and a control group. Pre- and post-assessments in EQ and qualitative surveys were conducted. After three months, thematic analysis of the qualitative surveys indicated improvements in self-awareness, body language, and social awareness. After six months, the EAL group showed higher EQ in all categories, with the largest increase in relationship management. This supports the lasting impacts of EAL.

Resilience and Stress Reduction

Nursing is a demanding profession, often associated with high levels of stress and burnout. Developing resilience is essential for nurses to maintain their mental health and continue providing high-quality care. The Resilience Equine Assisted Learning (REAL) program, developed by Burleson & Thomas (2024), is a 6-week non-riding EAL program designed to improve nursing students’ resilience. The study showed that REAL program participants reported lower stress levels immediately after and one month after the program compared to their peers who did not participate.

Burnout Prevention

Another study by Burleson, Rainbow, Taylor-Piliae, & Morrison (2023) focused on stress-related burnout. The study divided students into three groups: one with the REAL program, one with unstructured horse interaction, and one control group with no horse interaction. While both the REAL program and unstructured horse interaction groups reported high treatment acceptability, only the REAL students reported statistically significant lower burnout and reduced stress levels by the end of their semester.

Conclusion

These examples show that the benefits of EAL for nurses and other medical professionals are multifaceted. It enhances communication skills, mindfulness and presence, emotional intelligence, and resilience. At Carey Springs Farm, we are dedicated to providing EAL experiences that support the personal and professional growth of nurses, helping them thrive in their vital roles. Nurses can develop the skills and attributes needed to excel in their careers and improve patient care through our workshops.

In addition to EAL, we offer assessment-based team dynamics and leadership coaching, as well as behavioral analysis using Everything DiSC® assessments and The Five Behaviors® powered by DiSC®. These tools help us provide a comprehensive approach to personal and professional development, ensuring that our clients receive the most effective and tailored support.

If you’re interested in learning more about our EAL programs, assessment-based team dynamics and leadership coaching, or scheduling a workshop, please visit our website at careyspringsfarm.com or contact us directly. Let’s work together to empower our nursing community through the unique and powerful experience of Equine-Assisted Learning.

References

Burleson, S., & Thomas, L. (2024). Resilience Equine Assisted Learning with Undergraduate Nursing Students. Nurse Educator, 1-2.

Burleson, S., Rainbow, J., Taylor-Piliae, R., & Morrison, H. (2023). Resilience Equine Assisted Learning with Nursing Students. The University of Arizona.

Carroll, L. (2013, May 6). Open U, Say “Neigh”: Horses Help Teach Med Students. Retrieved from Today: https://www.today.com/health/opensay-neigh-horses-help-teach-med-students6C9790792

Farver, C., Taylor, C., & Stoller, J. (2013). Emotional Intelligence Competencies Provide a Developmental Curriculum for Medical Training. Medical Teacher, 243-247. doi:10.3109/0142159X.2012.737964

Kane, B. (2007). The Manual of Medicine and Horsemanship: Transforming the Doctor-Patient Relationship with Equine-Assisted Learning. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.

Pohl, L., & Dyk, P. (2015). The Effectiveness of Equine Guided Leadership Education to Develop Emotional Intelligence in Expert Nurses: A Pilot Research Study. Research Gate. doi:10.13140/RG.2.1.1303.6248

Rauen, J. E. (2017). The Effects of Equine Assisted Learning on Emotional Intelligence Competencies and Leadership Skills. Encompass Honors Theses 490. Retrieved from https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/490

The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. (2021). American Association of Colleges and Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Essentials-2021.pdf

Walsh, K. M., & Blakeney, B. A. (2013, June 31 ). Nurse Presence Enhanced through Equus. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 121-128.