Abstract
BACKGROUND: Equine-assisted interventions have shown positive effects on psychoemotional well-being. However, little is known about their effects in populations with chronic pain such as fibromyalgia. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study evaluated the impact of an equine coaching program with and without a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. METHODS: The sample consisted of 20 adult women (mean age = 32 years), 12 with fibromyalgia and 8 without a clinical diagnosis. Instruments used included the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). RESULTS: The findings indicated significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and general health in both groups, suggesting benefits for women with and without fibromyalgia. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest potential benefits of equine coaching as a complementary approach to psychoemotional wellbeing, although causal conclusions cannot be drawn.