Evaluation of an Extension program targeted to the Florida, USA, equine-assisted-services industry

We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of an Extension program developed to address the education- al needs and challenges of staff and volunteers at centers offering equine-assisted services in Florida and determine attendees’ interest in attending other Extension programs. Seventy-one percent (n = 24) of attendees completed program evaluations. Respons- es were summarized using frequency counts, descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses. The learning gains of participants were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Attendees reported signifi- cant learning gains (P ≤ 0.0005) in all program topic ar- eas. They rated the information provided as useful (4.63 ± 0.15 on a 5-point scale) and indicated they were likely to implement it (4.41 ± 0.14). Most respondents were very satisfied with the program and materials provided. We conclude the program was effective and high qual- ity. Seventy-five percent of attendees had never attended an Extension program before, and 100% were interested in attending future programs. This information indicates we reached a new audience with this Extension program, thus expanding the reach of the Florida equine Extension program. It also indicates this sector of the equine indus- try would be receptive to attending general and specific equine Extension programs. We recommend marketing existing Extension programming to profession- als in the equine-assisted-services industry and developing additional programming to address the specific interests and challenges of this industry. The list of topics of inter- est provided by attendees provides a starting point for planning future programs.