Abstract
This article critically explores insights into human–equine touristic experiences and acknowledges how such interconnectivity underline nature-based solutions (NBS) to mutually enhance psychological well-being. Despite the growing interest in NBS limited accounts have explored human–animal relations within the realm of touristic encounters. Drawing upon multispecies ethnographic accounts, participant observations, diaries, and in-depth interviews were held with 21 participants, with topics themed around human–equine experiences, relational encounters, and well-being. The sample was taken from participants located in the North East of England who engaged in equestrian tourism. Findings revealed life-changing transformations as a result of multispecies encounters. Deep emotional elements were experienced through intersubjectivity where participants spoke of the psychological benefits of being immersed in natural landscapes with their equine companions. This article demonstrates human–equine experiences as a positive NBS and illustrates that for the two species to effectively interact in equine-assisted psychological interventions requires mutual trust, empathy, and effective communication.
Highlights
Introduction “Given the ubiquitous involvement of animals in our everyday lives, it is not surprising that they inhabit tourism spaces and experiences in diverse arrangements” (Markwell, 2015, p. 1)
The shifting role of the horse in society is acknowledged by Dashper (2012, 2017) and more recently by the works of Dashper and Brymer (2019) and Sturød et al (2019) indicating that once it was considered a vital partner to humans in terms of agriculture and warfare as well with reference to transportation; nowadays, the horse plays a predominant partner within sport, leisure, and tourism, and horses are becoming increasingly popular as companion and therapy animals (Wolframm et al, 2013)
This study demonstrates how tourism acts as a significant mediator in nature-based solution (NBS), allowing humans and horses to interconnect in nature-based landscapes to experience mutual well-being encounters
Summary
Introduction “Given the ubiquitous involvement of animals in our everyday lives, it is not surprising that they inhabit tourism spaces and experiences in diverse arrangements” (Markwell, 2015, p. 1). This article begins by setting the contextual and theoretical underpinnings of human–animal interactions as a nature-based solution (NBS), by demonstrating how the touristic landscape acts as a mediator to facilitate multispecies interconnectivity and associated encounters for mutual well-being. Sturød et al (2019) acknowledge the declining number of work horses, while arguing that horse breeds that contribute toward a role in recreation have a stronger position in what Evans and Vial (2015) have termed the new equine economy and needless to say, they have become a significant actor in the touristic experience, why they are an integral part of this study and as Bertella (2014) argues, such animal-based tourism experiences can be viewed as complex and meaningful NBS
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