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How Equine-Assisted Learning Contributes to the Wellbeing of...Youth in Treatment for Volatile Substance Misuse

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A Canadian study published in Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin examined how Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) can support the wellbeing of First Nations girls in treatment for volatile substance misuse (VSM). Partnering with the White Buffalo Youth Inhalant Treatment Centre and Cartier Equine Learning Center, the research highlighted the role of horses in holistic healing.


What They Did

  • Participants: 66 First Nations girls (ages 12–18) in residential treatment; 26 completed the study.

  • Program: 20 weeks of twice-weekly equine-assisted learning sessions at the Cartier Equine Learning Center.

  • Approach: A bio-psycho-social-spiritual framework rooted in First Nations cultural teachings guided the analysis (see healing wheel diagram on page 23 of the article).

  • Methods: Case study design with interviews, journaling, staff observations, and facilitator field notes.


Key Findings

Horses were described as “helpers” in the girls’ healing journeys. Themes emerged across five areas of wellbeing:

  • Biological/Physical: Safe touch (brushing, hugging horses) offered comfort and healing; youth reported better physical activity and connection to nature.

  • Psychological: Horses boosted identity, self-esteem, emotional awareness, and problem-solving—helping girls “find their real selves.”

  • Social: The program strengthened relationships with facilitators, peers, and family; encouraged teamwork, leadership, and community belonging.

  • Spiritual: Youth developed bonds of trust and respect with horses, often described as sacred, strengthening their sense of spirit and connection to culture.

  • Cultural: Horses reinforced Indigenous teachings and traditions, deepening cultural pride and identity (e.g., teachings about moontime, or menstruation, and respect).


Why It Matters

This study shows that EAL offers much more than skill-building—it supports holistic healing for Indigenous youth by addressing the deep physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and cultural wounds often tied to colonization and trauma. By blending traditional knowledge with equine partnerships, programs like these can foster resilience, cultural connection, and long-term wellbeing.


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