Embodied encounters : a hermeneutic phenomenological exploration of human-horse interactions with veterans

This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored how veterans with operational stress injuries (OSIs) experienced human-horse interactions within an equine-assisted learning (EAL) program and how these experiences related to therapeutic intentions. Twelve Canadian Armed Forces veterans and serving members who completed a 4-week EAL program participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews post-program. Guided by hermeneutic phenomenological principles, the analysis was informed by methodological approaches outlined by van Manen (2016) and Smith et al. (2022), alongside Finlay (2011) and Dahlberg et al. (2008). Five interrelated themes were identified: (a) the immersive nature of the round pen, which supported safety, focused engagement, and mindful presence; (b) “just you and me,” which highlighted reciprocal learning and emotional regulation through non-verbal connection; (c) trust and relational bonds developed through the perceived honesty and non-judgmental nature of horses; (d) relational attunement and somatic learning, including moments of synchrony and flow; and (e) integration of the experience, which highlighted participants’ insights, meaning-making, and perceived impacts beyond the program. The findings suggest that human-horse interactions offered an action-based, experiential, relational, and somatic context that fostered safety, self-awareness, regulation, confidence, and relational insight in ways that appeared to be culturally resonant for many of the veterans. Benefits such as reduced stress, improved focus, and a sense of meaningful connection were particularly valued. This study contributes to understanding how therapeutic processes emerge through human-horse interactions and how these processes may enhance therapeutic aims, support engagement, complement counselling psychology practice, and expand accessible pathways to trauma recovery for veterans with OSIs.