The Model of Variable Factors of the Alternative Emotional Experience in Therapeutic Riding

The alternative emotional experience (AEE) offers a unique chance as a healing element in therapy with children and adults alike. It often brings a sudden change in the development of the individuals in therapy. Based on the factors of the alternative emotional experience which manifest themselves in the

interaction between humans and horses ‐ observed and classified by Kupper‐Heilmann ‐ we can set a theoretical model of the work with the clients in therapeutic riding, synthesizing several psychological theories. This model is essentially eclectic, bringing together the outcomes and practical experiences from years of hippotherapy, teaching and my work as a school psychologist. These experiences confirm the validity of the theory of deprivation and its impact on the psychological development.