Construction of an accessible therapeutic garden in an equine therapy center

a university extension report

Abstract

Introduction: Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a multidisciplinary intervention that offers multiple benefits to individuals with physical, motor, and psychosocial disabilities. In this context, environmental enrichment activities — such as creating therapeutic gardens tailored to the specific needs of each group — can enhance the outcomes of EAT participants. The concept of “therapeutic gardens” is supported by evidence demonstrating positive effects on well-being and improved emotional regulation. Objectives: To report the experience of building and implementing a therapeutic garden at an equine therapy center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Experience Report: The project involved 12 medical students from a private institution in Belo Horizonte. During the extension activities, the team noticed the staff’s desire to establish a garden in an unused area. With the collaboration of a volunteer architect, a project inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine was developed, designed specifically for the equine therapy participants, with a strong focus on accessibility. The students obtained funding from three private companies, in addition to voluntary monetary donations. Labor was provided mainly through volunteer work, with only one hired foreman. Final Considerations: Throughout this experience, the team identified a need and transformed an idle space into a functional and inclusive environment. Thus, the initiative yielded broad contributions, highlighting the connection between EAT, therapeutic gardens, accessibility, and university extension. In practice, the project not only delivered a lasting physical structure but also created a replicable model for other institutions.