At Strides to Success, we are committed to advancing the field of equine-assisted services (EAS) through advocacy and research. We recognize the importance of evidence-based practice as the foundation for validating the benefits of EAS, ensuring its credibility and long-term sustainability. Research is vital in any industry to drive progress, inform policy, and equip professionals with the data needed to support their work. To effectively advocate for EAS, professionals must present clear, research-backed outcomes and speak a consistent, unified language to avoid confusion and strengthen our collective voice when engaging with policymakers and funders. Debbie Anderson and Blair McKissock from Strides to Success are proud to have been a part of unique local and international projects that support this aim. They have helped unify the industry’s language, design protocols, and curriculum and support other organizations to help drive the equine-assisted industry forward. Below, you will find a list of available peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications. DOI and hyperlinks have been provided when possible. Please reach out if you have any questions. Need a subject matter expert for your next research project? Reach out and learn how Strides to Success can support you!
Peer-Reviewed Publications
McKissock, B., Kemeny, B., Hooker, T., & Gramlich, C. (2023). The Role of Recreational Therapy in Equine-Assisted Services. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 57(4).
McKissock, H. B. (2023). Horse Interaction as Motivation for Development of Literacy Skills in Emergent Readers. ZOOPHILOLOGICA. Polish Journal of Animal Studies, (Sp. issue), 1-20.
Hopson, L., O’Neal, J., Bailey, R., Dugard, J., McGraw, K., Hanenberg, C., Anderson, D., McKissock, B., Traylor, A., Parker, C. & Samples, C., (2023). Feasibility Study of an Equine-Assisted Learning Intervention for Children with Disabilities. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 6(1), p.12.
Dawson, S., McCormick, B. P., Tamas, D., Stanojevic, C., Eldridge, L., McIntire, J., & McKissock, H. B. (2022). Equine-assisted therapy with autism spectrum disorder in Serbia and the United States. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 56(1), 17-38.
McKissock, H. B., Bowen, A., Dawson, S., Eldridge, L., McIntire, J., Stanojevic, C., & McCormick, B. P. (2022). Manualized equine- assisted therapy protocol for clients with autism spectrum disorder. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 56(1), 39-54.
Stanojevic, C., Eldridge, L. A., McIntire, J. L., Bowen, A., Dawson, S., McCormick, B., & McKissock, H. B. (2022). Employing an international research collaboration framework to pilot test an evidence-based recreational therapy program. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 56(1), 1-16.
Gehrke, E., Myers, M., Mendez, S., McKissock, B., Lindsley, J., Tontz, P., (2019) Multi Site Psychophysiological Analysis of Equine Assisted Healing in Combat Veterans and First Responders. International Journal of Health Sciences. Vol.7(4).
Peer Reviewed Editorial or Professional
Mckissock, B., Anderson, D., (2023, April). Equine Assisted Learning Certificate and Certification. Strides Magazine, 1(5), pp.10-12.
McKissock, B., Anderson, D. (2018, April). Equine Assisted Learning. Strides Magazine, 2(4), pp.17-21.
McKissock, B. (2018, April). Industry Snapshot. Strides Magazine, 2(4), pp.47-49.
McKissock, B. (2007, Fall). Fatherhood Initiative. Strides Magazine, Vol.2, pp. 33-35.
McKissock, B. (2005, Fall). Where does recreation therapy fit in?. Strides Magazine, Vol.1, pp. 25-28.
McKissock, B. (2003, Summer). Benefits of research in EAA. EFMHA News, 6(2), pp.12-17.
McKissock, B. (2003, Summer). The Black Stallion literacy project. EFMHA News, 7(2), pp.1-4.
Published Chapters and Curricula
Vincent, A., O’Reilly, A., McKissock, B. (2022). Animal-Assisted Interventions and Community Programs. In: Loue, S., Linden, P. (eds) The Comprehensive Guide to Interdisciplinary Veterinary Social Work. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10330-8_5
McKissock, B. (2022). Neurobiopsychosocial Impact of Equine Interaction and Techniques to Support Connection. In: Kirby, M. (ed) Nourished: Horses, Animals and Nature Counseling, Psychotherapy and Mental Health. Aware Publishing. AUS.
McKissock, B. (2017). “Is it coaching or therapy?” in Teamwork in Equine Assisted Teams (pp. 20-23). (n.p.). Ilka Parent.
McKissock, B., Anderson, D. (2014). Equine Assisted Ground Activities and Facilitation Tools. (n.p.). Author.
McKissock, B. (2013). 101 Equine assisted activities, ideas, and lessons. Indiana: IBJ.
McKissock, B. (2013). Surviving Fatherhood- A Survivor based curriculum for absentee fathers. Indiana: IBJ.
McKissock, B. (2013). Journey of the Hero: Behavior change through myth. Indiana: IBJ.
McKissock, B., Anderson, D. (2015). Veterans Equine Transition Services (VETS)- A 10-week equine experiential learning curriculum intervention for Post-Service Veterans. (n.p.). Author.
PATH Intl (2012). Equine Facilitated Learning Manual (1st ed.). Denver, CO: Author (editor)
Stanton, D., McKissock, B. (2012). “Using mythological metaphors for behavior clients” in Harnessing the Power of Equine Assisted Counseling, edited by K. Sudekum Trotter, United Kingdom, Taylor Francis.
McKissock, B., Arnold, J. (2011). Equiyo: Wisdom of the horse-human connection through the practice of yoga. IBJ: IBJ Book Publishing.
Editorial Articles
McKissock, B. (2017, December). Six benefits of connecting with nature. Conscious Community Magazine, 23- 25.
McKissock, B. (2017, July). Healing with horses. Conscious Community Magazine, 18-20.
McKissock, B. (2016, September). Pearls of wisdom in a pile of manure. Conscious Community Magazine, 17-19.
McKissock, B. (2016, August). Connection of all things. Conscious Community Magazine, 27-29.
McKissock, B. (2016, July). Finding the keys to peace in nature. Conscious Community Magazine, 16-18.
McKissock, B. (2016, June). Exploring grief through horses. Conscious Community Magazine, 12-14.
McKissock, B. (2016, May). Recognizing the difference between therapy and learning in equine-assisted work. Conscious Community Magazine, 21-23.
McKissock, B. (2016, April). Turn of the white horse. Conscious Community Magazine, 20-21.
McKissock, B. (2016, March). Horses don’t discriminate. Conscious Community Magazine, 19-21.
McKissock, B. (2016, February 29). The horse as an archetype for transformation. Conscious Community Magazine, 12-14.
McKissock, B. (2016, February 1). Learning to roll with it. Conscious Community Magazine, 28-30.
McKissock, B. (2015, December 26). Finding your “why”. Conscious Community Magazine, 14-17.
McKissock, B. (2015, December 1). Dancing with your dark horse. Conscious Community Magazine, 16-18.
McKissock, B. (2015, October). Can we save all by saving half? Conscious Community Magazine, 9-11.
McKissock, B. (2015, March). Why do we fall? So, we learn to get back on. Conscious Community Magazine, 29-31.
McKissock, B. (2015, March). Everything I ever needed to know I learned from animals. Conscious Community Magazine, 25-27.