Research & Education

Changing lives through the power of the horse.

The benefits of equine-assisted services (EAS) have been recognized for a long time. Partnering with horses can have a major physical and emotional impact on people with a wide variety of physical disabilities, cognitive delays or emotional issues. Research has highlighted the benefit of equine-assisted services in treating a wide range of physical disabilities and neurodivergent challenges including traumatic brain injuries, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and more.

Hippotherapy (the treatment strategy utilizing equine movement) is approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA). Recent research has also promoted EAS as an effective approach for psychological health and social well-being, utilizing an experiential modality to enhance social cohesion, reduce mental health challenges and PTSD symptoms, and increase protective factors.

  • Social

    Equine-Assisted services help increase protective factors, leadership, and provide social success.

  • Emotional

    Increase of bonding, emotional symptoms, and decrease of high-risk behaviors.

  • Cognitive

    EAS enhances confidence, academic success, and keeps vulnerable students engaged in learning.

  • Physical

    Equine movement is an effective therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes.

  • Psychological

    Evidence shows equine-assisted therapy helps decrease PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

Research

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With just one gift, you have the power to impact countless lives. From covering the cost of a session for a family in need, to vet care for a horse, to ensuring our staff are well taken care of, your support has endless reach.