The Hope and Horses Society was founded in response to increasing empirical evidence of the physical and mental health benefits achieved through Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI). Horses are one of the most commonly used and studied species in AAI, and even in non-therapeutic settings, the positive impact of horses on humankind has been witnessed for centuries. Current deficits observed in the practice of equine-assisted interventions that have been observed are related to its expense and accessibility. Obtaining this AAI through private practitioners is expensive and out of reach for many; this issue of affordability also reduces access to its benefits as it means that it is frequently only used inconsistently or for short durations. The relationship formed between equine and participant is essential for the benefits achievable with horses, but limited access reduces the possibility of long lasting positive results.
Recognizing the benefit that horse-human interactions have on the human participant but also increasing struggles to afford extracurricular activity or participation in equestrian activities due to increasingly high costs of living, Hope and Horses Society intends to subsidize the costs of recreational and therapeutic equine activities for those who otherwise would not be able to participate. It seeks to connect with other non-profit agencies within the community to collaborate in helping them provide services for clients who could benefit from equine assisted intervention and allow more consistent and long-term access to this form of support then was previously possible.
Another objective of the Society is to promote the humane treatment and training of horses. Hope and Horses Society incorporates humane training practices supported by empirical research in the field of behaviorology into its programs, raising awareness of horses’ species specific needs, non-violent communication, and promoting empathy for other beings. It seeks to counter misinformation that exists in the equestrian world and raise awareness of alternative training and handling methods that increase horses’ quality of life. The horses’ welfare is integral to this project and their well-being is prioritized.
Further research is needed to understand horses’ impact in both the therapeutic and recreational context. Hope and Horses Society intends to conduct ongoing research and program evaluation during its operations, both to improve its program for participants as well as contribute to the knowledge surrounding human-animal interactions and their relevance in healthcare.
Program structure
This is a progressive program, in which clients start with learning basic ground work, horse-handling and relationship building before moving onto mounted activities. The pace at which we progress in the program is influenced by the individual’s abilities and past experience. Mounted activities begin in an enclosed corral or arena, and when competent and confident, participants are able to join the facilitator on the trails. We use the classic dressage scales of training. English saddles are chosen rather then western, as the English saddle encourages the rider to develop better balance and allows more physical contact with the horse. Classical dressage is meant to correct asymmetries in the horse, improve muscle tone, flexibility, and proper movement to reduce damage to the horse’s back and joints and ensure our horse’s have healthy, comfortable working lives.
If interested, clients can also become more involved in a more in-depth approach to horse training using the graded (or ‘error-less’) training approach utilizing positive reinforcement and guided by the principles of behaviorology. Much of the training approach we use is based on Jame O’ Heare’s (PhD behaviorology) research into humane and effective animal training methods (https://www.jamesoheare.com/).
History of Horse-Human Interactions
Humans have lived in partnership with other species since the first dog was domesticated 15,000 years ago (Hallberg, L. 2018, p.19). It is believed horses were first domesticated “around 4000 B.C. on the Eurasian steppes of Ukraine” (Hallberg, L. 2018, p.12). There is evidence that humans may have corralled and tethered horses as much as 30,000 years ago (Scanlan, L., 1998, p.76) although the first evidence of a horse ridden with a bit was discovered on the Russian steppes that indicated horses were domesticated 6000 years ago (Scanlan, L., 1998, p.76). Dental records of earlier fossils do not show evidence of being ridden bitted, but earlier humans may have ridden without initially (Scanlan, L., 1998, p.76). Hun tribesmen are accredited with inventing the saddle and stirrups “between 500 A.D and A.D 400, leading to improvement in warfare and increased use of horse in warfare” (Scanlan, L., 1998, p.78).
For most of the past 6,000 years, horses were humans’ fastest form of travel and their power was harnessed to do work humans were incapable of; our relationship with the horse arose from necessity (Scanlan, L., 1998, p.61; Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p.3). Throughout history, horses have always been valued (Scanlan, L., 1998, p.65). Numerous books found on horse care and training date back to several hundred years before the birth of Christ, the earliest being a book by Xenophon, a Greek horse trainer (Scanlan, L., 1998, p.62). Domestication has selectively bred horses that are “more curious, less territorial, less aggressive, more dependent, and…able to deflect human aggression through submission” (Scanlan, L., 1998, p.77).
Horses have been used for human emotional and physical healing since the days of the early Greeks (Hallberg, L. 2018, p.12). Physicians prescribed horse riding for a variety of psychological and physiological ailments, and Hippocrates “believed horse riding was a universal language with rhythm (Hallberg, L. 2018, p.12-13). Ancient Greeks used horses for those with disabilities and to boost the morale of cases declared ‘untreatable’ (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p.316). This belief was widespread and persevered through centuries. Medical literature from 15th – 18th century in France, Italy, and Germany recognized the diverse benefits of horse riding and their application in medicine, including as a cire for depression, and a book was published in the 18th century regarding the use of horses for human healthcare system (Hallberg, L. 2018, p.13).
Early research supported the healing power of horses, such as a “1875 study in Paris [that] concluded that riding could lead to improvements in posture, balance, joint movement, muscle control, and morale” (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p.316). In the 1970’s, the human-animal bond initiative led to further research into the newly formalized field of human-animal interactions (HAI) and understand the impact that animals had on human health (Hallberg, L. 2018, p.20). Research confirmed that positive interactions with companion animals could result in lower blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease, less medical visits and illness, increased activity and pain tolerance, and improved socializations (Hallberg, L. 2018, p. 20). The First World War led to the beginnings of using Equus for trauma recovery, pairing calvary horses with soldiers to support their rehabilitation (Hallberg, L. 2018, p.13). The criminal justice system also began integrating horse training into their behavioral modification programs for inmates and are now well-known for producing pro-social behaviors in incarcerated populations (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p.318). The gentle, natural horsemanship techniques that the inmates learn and use on the program’s mustang horses has produced results that exceeded expectations, with recidivism from the program being at an “all time low” (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p.14).
The invention of the steam engine and rise of automobiles and machinery has changed our relationship with horses drastically within the past century. No longer a necessity, the number of horses owned declined after 1908 and dipped significantly during the 1970’s (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p. 4-5). However, the remaining horses were typically used for recreation and personal fulfilment rather than as beasts of burden; fortunately for horses, this shift led to increased interest in developing a bond and using humane training methods(Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p.5). People began prioritizing the relationship and connection they had with their horses, leading to an interest in clinicians and trainers that would help them improve on this (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p. 82). The animal rights movement contributed to this shift, including the reality that most people now rode “to enjoy the outdoors on occasional quiet trail rides, and all they need is a gentle, well-mannered, and trustworthy mount (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p. 83, 85). Horses also became increasingly used in therapies (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p.315).
DVM Robert Miller has practiced, analyzed, and advocated for humane horse training and handling methods for decades, as well as contributed to the equine industry through his research and veterinary practice. His book, The Revolution in Horsemanship and What it Means to Mankind (2014), speaks of the correlation between the horsemanship revolution and the therapeutic use of horses. In it he observes: “ [they] developed on parallel tracks for the past 3 decades, yet they are highly compatible and complementary pursuits. The primary difference is one of emphasis. With therapeutic riding, improving the human is the end goal. With natural horsemanship, developing a partnership between horse and human is the end goal, and improving the human is a means of reaching that goal” (Miller, M. & Lamb, R.,2014, p. 318).
Equestrian Canada report summary: social impact, barriers and needs in sector
Equestrian Canada released their research findings regarding the economic and social impacts of Canadian equestrian activities (The Canadian Equine Sector: socio-economic insights 2023) in 2023. Their findings reveal that the equine industry contributes significantly to the Canadian economy ($8.69 billion to Canada’s GDP plus 70,997 full time jobs) and has immense value in supporting Canadians “health and well being” (p.iv). 96% of survey respondents agreed that horses benefit health and wellness, and identified that “participating in riding can put youth on a positive course towards lifelong healthy habits…equine assisted services can be useful in helping people manage mental and physical disability” (p.iv). As more Canadians move into urban environments, involvement with horses can also be a way of connecting with nature and raise awareness of farming activities.
COVID 19 increased interest in outdoor recreation, including horseback riding, and this renewed interest remained high following the pandemic. However, Equestrian Canada’s research identified barriers faced by those interested in becoming involved with horses, such as the high cost, difficult access, and large time commitment required. Generally, horse owners/competitors are of a higher socio-economic class than than the average Canadian, which reinforces perceptions of the equestrian world as being elitist and further discourages people from involvement. This also risks the equine sector as a whole, due to limiting participation (p.34). 82% of Equestrian Canada’s survey respondents disagreed that participation in equestrian activities is affordable to the average Canadian. Expense was cited within the top 3 reasons for stopping involvement with horses (alongside starting a family and attending post-secondary school) (p.37). This is unlikely to improve, as “the 2022 rate of inflation in Canada averaged 6.8% which was the highest increase recorded in 40 years. The equine sector must look for opportunities to help people continue to fully participate in equine activities despite the rising cost of living across Canada” (p.37). Access was also identified as a large barrier to participation, as 75% of Canadians live in urban areas and equestrian facilities are usually in rural locations inaccessible by public transportation (p.37). This Equestrian Canada report highlighted the need for the equine sector to reduce bias and stigma, and develop more inclusive and accessibly programs that support diversity. It encourages increased support for grassroots activities, shifting the sectors focus to “prioritizing youth, encouraging life long participation, and increasing diversity” (p.v).
People interviewed in the study found the largest benefits to becoming involved with horses were: “the human-animal relationship…the learning opportunities (e.g. responsibility, empathy) associated with relationships with equines” (p.23). Research supports that involvement in sports, including equine, provide lifelong benefits such as “positive skill development (including social skills, relationship building, reduces risky and violent behaviors, relationship building with adult role models) and increased self esteem and confidence” (p.24).
Horses are increasingly being recognized as a “unique form of healthcare” (p.26), with studies finding them as being able to help manage physical and mental disabilities, and help those resistant (or unable) to participate in talk therapy. Equine assisted services help people: “build physical strength, escape sensory overload, improve mood by relaxing and calming, feel sense of empowerment and control, build self esteem and confidence, identify and process feelings, develop a work ethic, learn to build trust…” (p.26). Equine-assisted services have been studied and found to improve health and well-being among specific populations, such as “at risk youth, children with behavioral challenges, youth with mental health disorders/learning disabilities, people with autism, survivors of trauma/abuse, veterans, people with substance abuse disorders, incarcerated, and the elderly” (p.26). These interactions can occur in many forms, and are not exclusive to riding- people can benefit from basic handling, grooming, feeding, and walking with horses. Equine-assisted services also allow people who otherwise would not, be able to spend time with horses. The “average equine-assisted service worker works with 42 clients who do not own or leases equines” (p.27).
- “Equine-assisted services are crucial to increasing the accessibility of equestrian activities”
- “charity and not-for-profit models help to ensure the affordability of equestrian programming” (p.28).
The American Heart Association conducted it’s own research into the impact of horseback riding on health, and this study was cited in Equestrian Canada’s 2023 report. The Association found 6 benefits to “heart and overall health (p.23)”:
- ‘effective cardiovascular workout
- improves abdominal strength
- calorie burner (45 min of riding at a walk found to burn 200 calories in average woman, and 7 calories/min. can be burned if riding at a higher intensity)
- lowers blood pressure (consequently reducing risk of heart disease)
- help build decision-making skills
- promotes relaxation ‘ (p.23)
When spending time with horses, people are concurrently spending time outside, interacting with others who share your interest, building friendships, and engaging in exercise, all of which further improve health and well being. The physical benefits achieved through horseback riding carry on into the rest of their lives (p.23).