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19th HETI International Congress · Oslo, Norway · 18–22 May 2027
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Explore approved abstracts from the HETI 2027 community. Browse research, practice, education, and lived experience from across Equine Assisted Services.
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Oral presentation Agency and choice in the therapeutic encounter: towards a consent-based framework for working with therapy horses Anna Example · Example Equine Centre, Oslo, Norway

Presented by

Anna Example , PhD
Example Equine Centre, Oslo, Norway

Co-authors

  • Ben Example, MSc · Example University of Life Sciences, Norway
  • Cara Example · Example Faculty of Health Sciences, Norway

Abstract

We propose an operational definition of equine agency for Equine Assisted Services and test it against 214 recorded working sessions across four Norwegian centres. Observable choice points were identified in 61% of sessions; in 23% a refusal was recorded and overridden within 30 seconds. We describe a consent-based framework built on choice points, refusal thresholds and mandatory session-level documentation, and discuss its implications for staffing, scheduling and horse retirement.

Keywords

  • Equine welfare
  • Agency and choice
  • Consent

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