Table 5 Theoretical propositions to explain the benefits of equine-assisted interventions in the six filtered studies
Items | Lanning (2013) | Nevins (2013) | Duncan (2014) | Aldridge (2016) | Ferruolo (2016) | Lanning (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type of EAA or EAT | THR | NOS | EAL | – | – | THR |
 EAA | ||||||
 EAT | – | – | – | HPOT | EFMH | – |
Horse-human interaction/bond | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | – | ✓ |
 Socialization with others/group reflection | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | ✓ | – |
 Physical features of the equine environment | – | ✓ | – | – | – | ✓ |
 Horse as a mirror or metaphor | – | – | – | – | ✓ | ✓ |
 Being in the moment/mindfulness | – | – | ✓ | – | ✓ | – |
 Safe and nonjudgmental environment | – | – | ✓ | – | – | ✓ |
 Experience of control/autonomy | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | – | – |
 Opportunity to practice communication | – | – | ✓ | – | – | – |
 Movement of the horse | – | – | – | ✓ | – | – |
 Fosters motivation | – | – | – | ✓ | – | – |
 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | – | – | – | – | ✓ | – |
 Calming effect of the horse | ✓ | – | – | – | – | – |
 Motivational interviewing | – | – | – | – | ✓ | – |
 Nontraditional therapy setting | – | – | – | – | – | ✓ |