Equine-Assisted Learning and Social-Emotional Competence in Higher Education: An Exploratory Study of Emerging Adults' Experiences.

PURPOSE: Equine-assisted learning (EAL) is an experiential educational approach that engages learners in structured human-horse activities to support character development, interpersonal growth, and life skills. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of student development, supporting both wellbeing and academic success. Although much studies have explored how horses may support human health and wellbeing, limited research has explored how undergraduate students experience EAL in relation to SEL within non-Western higher education contexts. An exploratory study was conducted to examine undergraduate students' experiences of participating in an 8-week EAL program at a private Malaysian institution.

METHODS

Fifteen participants (ages 18-24; 73.3% male, 26.7% female) engaged in structured experiential sessions involving guided human-horse interactions. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted. The qualitative data were analyzed using an inductive reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Three themes were identified: (1) emotional learning through human-horse interactions, (2) interpersonal engagement through shared activities, and (3) transfer and application of learning.

DISCUSSION: This study suggests that EAL may support SEL processes in higher education, while highlighting the need for further research to examine its effectiveness across diverse settings.