This book provides an overview of the field of Equine-Assisted Therapy and Learning and gives a powerful account of a research study charting the experiences of seven 'at-risk' young people attending a pioneering Therapeutic Horsemanship centre in the UK. The book includes a foreword from Leif Hallberg, author of Walking the Way of the Horse .Foreword; Leif Hallberg 1. Background to Equine-assisted Therapy and Learning 2. Background to 'At-risk' Young People and The Yard 3. Self-confidence and the Opening of 'Positive Experiences' 4. Attachment and Trust 5. The Psychotherapeutic Relationship 6. Mindfulness, Horses and Nature 7. Conclusion
'This is an optimistic and exciting book, written with passion and grounded in strong evidence. Hannah Burgon also draws on her rich experience in equine work with young people to provide many inspiring stories that come alive. The reader will find plenty of ideas for fresh, productive and respectful ways to work with troubled young people.' - Robbie Gilligan, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
Hannah Burgon is a lifelong horsewoman with a PhD on equine-assisted learning/therapy. She is also a qualified social worker and previously worked in youth homelessness and foster care. Hannah is founder and co-director of Sirona Therapeutic Horsemanship CIC (www.sironacic.com) and has published a number of papers on the benefits of interaction with horses.