Validation of a basic ground skills assessment for equine-assisted services

Equine-assisted services (EAS) utilize equines in various therapies, educational sessions, and adaptive horsemanship lessons to meet a variety of emotional, mental, physical, psychological, social, and horsemanship goals for individuals with diverse needs. During participant interactions with horses, it is important to consider the risks that equines pose as they are animals prone to fight and flight behaviors. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International recommends that equines should be evaluated for suitability to participate in EAS prior to their participation so that the risks associated with equine-human interactions can be properly managed. To assess equines for EAS, the Basic Ground Skills Assessment (BGSA) was developed and subsequently tested for validity and reliability. Fourteen lesson horses were assessed on BGSA competencies by an EAS professional. Heart rate, an indicator of stress levels that is correlated to safe and unsafe equine behaviors, was collected throughout the testing and compared to each horse’s average BGSA scores as assigned by the rater. This comparison demonstrated that the BGSA was a valid (r = −0.947, p < .001) predictor of equine stress levels and thus a valid indicator of horse behavior. Additionally, two EAS professionals rated a horse using the BGSA to determine inter- and intra-rater reliability. Score comparisons revealed that inter-rater reliability was moderate (κ = 0.769; p < .018) and intra-rater reliability was moderate (κ = 0.769; p < .018). Further work should be done to develop and define an objective, valid, and reliable EAS equine assessment process.