Human-Equine Interaction

Human-equine relationships date back an estimated 4000-6000 years with initial domestication as pack animals and livestock (Goodwin, 2003; Kelly et al., 2021). Horses were quickly integrated into several other working roles still relevant today, including transportation, farm work, hunting, and recreation (Hausberger et al., 2008). During this process, horses came to be viewed as more than “tools” and today many people value the companionship and partnership they receive from horses (Keaveney, 2008). The health benefits of interacting with horses was recognized as early as the 6th century and research has shown that human-equine interactions convey psychosocial benefits such as reduction of depression, fatigue, hyperactivity, and irritability, and increases in self-esteem, empathy, and emotional, social and behavioral functioning; physical benefits include increased physical activity and improvements to balance, gait, gross motor function, and posture (Fine & Anderson, 2021).

Equine-assisted services are a category of interventions that intentionally incorporate horses for the betterment of human health and wellbeing. These interventions can be divided into 3 categories: horsemanship, learning or therapy (Wood et al., 2021). The horsemanship category encompasses interventions that teach traditional interactions with horses such as riding or driving. The learning category encompasses interventions that focus on education, personal development or organizational development. The therapy category is facilitated by a licensed therapist in their own scope of practice (e.g., psychotherapy incorporating horses, physical therapy in an equine environment). Considering the popularity of equine assisted services and the dependence of humans and horses on one another for health, companionship, and support, it is crucial to understand the effects of human-equine interactions.

In the HAPI lab within the Center for the Human-Animal Bond, our research uses a biopsychosocial approach to understand human-equine interactions, and to support the development of practical and effective interventions for the benefit of both humans and horses. Of particular interest are the effects and outcomes of equine-assisted services for military-connected individuals and emergency responders. The HAPI lab partners with several providers of equine-assisted services to understand these real-life impacts. Additionally, the HAPI lab studies the effects of human-equine interactions in a number of contexts including for safe and beneficial horsemanship, as a therapeutic intervention, and as companions.

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