Equine Assisted Therapy
Equine-based approaches are emerging as valuable components of counseling, education and leadership development programs. The Equine Assisted Therapy minor, a collaboration between the Equine Studies Department and the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, introduces students to this emerging approach to enhancing human psychological well-being and facilitating personal or organizational growth. The curriculum is based on a foundation of theory in human psychological development, experiential learning and the animal-human bond. Students gain skill in the process of planning, implementing and evaluating interventions based on the use of horses and other equines to achieve behavioral, mental health and learning goals throughout the lifespan. Each student selects an emphasis in education/special needs, organizational and leadership development, or mental health. Students taking the minor should be prepared to work directly with horses in the arena and outdoor environments. All equine activities are on the ground (no mounted activities).
This minor is available for campus students. Woods Online students may complete the Equine Assisted Therapy minor by taking EA 100, EA 200, EA 300, and EA 401 as campus classes and the remaining courses in the online format.