Interaction during equine-facilitated rehabilitation from the rehabilitees' perspective - A phenomenological study.

INTRODUCTION:Interaction has a multidimensional role in equine-facilitated rehabilitation. PURPOSE:The aim of this study was to understand rehabilitees' experiences of interaction during equine-facilitated rehabilitation. METHODS:Six children and four adults with individual diagnoses or reasons to participate in equine-facilitated rehabilitation were included in this qualitative study. Data were collected by interviewing individually the rehabilitees. A phenomenological Spiegelberg's seven-phase meaning analysis was performed to reveal the meanings. RESULTS:Seven meanings were identified: 1) Trust; 2) Friendly horse; 3) Mirror of feelings; 4) Inspiring riding; 5) Feeling competent; 6) Rehabilitee-oriented approach; and 7) Uniting experience. In addition, the essential meanings of the phenomenon form three different circles: circle of recognition, circle of supporting active agency and circle of empowerment. CONCLUSION:Interaction during equine-facilitated rehabilitation is essential to rehabilitees in many ways that have important roles in the entire rehabilitation process that aims for empowerment in the rehabilitees' daily lives.