Authors

Rachel Cavin

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2023

Department

Social Justice and Community Engagement

Abstract

This research examines and discusses multi-species relationships between humans and non-humans, specific to Equine Assisted Therapy facilities. Anthropocentric views are common within human-animal relationships, due to colonial and Eurocentric hierarchical perspectives. Through the identification of contributions made by both humans and non-humans commensal and mutualistic relationships can be achieved. Within Equine Assisted Therapy facilities there are unique interaction points between volunteers and therapy horses. As such, this project considers to what extent volunteers are trained to understand common equine behaviour and communication cues. In developing a volunteer training resource, interactions that consider the well-being of both human and non-human partners are facilitated.

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