Equine-Assisted Therapy for At-Risk Youth

Advocate for equine assisted therapy to improve occupational performance among at-risk youth, training volunteers, measuring quality, and raising awareness among professionals and communities.

Demonstrate evidence-based, occupation-focused practice and lifelong learning through trauma-informed care and behavior strategies, using online certification and self-study to enhance engagement in equine-assisted therapy for at-risk youth.

Explore trauma-informed equine-assisted therapy for at-risk youth through artifacts detailing certification, a trauma professional course, a PowerPoint in-service, and a voiceover to sustain volunteer education.

Develop professionalism, ethical behavior, and advocacy skills to support at-risk youth through equine-assisted therapy, using pre-program and post-program forms to show occupational engagement and promote Godspeed Equine's outreach.

Leverage pre and post program questionnaires and infographics to evaluate and advocate for equine-assisted therapy for at-risk youth, guided by trauma informed care and Arc framework to enhance occupational engagement.

The learning objective is to implement equine assisted therapy for at risk youth and articulate its benefits on occupational performance to stakeholders, professionals, and practitioners in occupational therapy.

Publish a final draft article that shares personal experiences and leader, volunteer, and participant perspectives to advocate for the future use of equine therapy for at-risk youth and other populations.

Show how equine assisted therapy builds skills, confidence, and resiliency to reduce adverse childhood experiences, while linking learning objectives to improvements in occupations and the need for further research.