The Horse: A Driving Force for the Lifestyle of Grooms

<p>The fundamental components of co-occupational relationships between humans and animals and their impact on occupational identity is an area for exploration in the study of occupation. Evaluating the lives of persons whose daily occupations involve working with animals contributes to the exploration of human-animal co-occupations. The aim of this research was to understand the lifestyle of International 4-in-Hand Combined Driving grooms and their symbiotic relationship with horses. This qualitative descriptive study used three methods for data collection and triangulation: semi-structured interviews, observation, and photographs, from 4 participants who served as gatekeepers understanding the culture surrounding the driving community. The data was coded apriori and analyzed using the Model of Human Occupation to understand the volition, habituation, performance capacity, culture, context and environment that shapes experience. Themes were identified. Results reinforce the importance of meaning within daily engagement as occupational beings. Implications for occupational therapy practice will be suggested. </p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Grantor dc:publisher

Eastern Kentucky University

Year

2018

Author dc:creator

• Foright, Nicole

• Other Animal Sciences
• Sociology of Culture
• Work, Economy and Organizations

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2018 Nicole Foright

Repository record dc:identifier

https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/567

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:encompass.eku.edu:etd-1565