Nurse presence enhanced through Equus.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was for nurses to experience equine-assisted learning and for them to describe their being in the moment with their horse. The aims of the study were to assist clinicians in recognizing their ability and skill at being present--that is, calm and centered--as they engage with horses and to determine if interaction with horses is a valid representation in recognizing presence in the participants. DESIGN Descriptive phenomenology was used to explore this lived experience. FINDINGS Five themes emerged: The Experienced Novice, Present in the Moment, Discovery of Self, Team Building, and Leadership. CONCLUSIONS Equine-assisted learning can be a meaningful venue for nurses to self-discover their ability to be present.