05/28/2026
A recent study that shows what we do isn’t just the magic of horses, it’s backed by science. 🤓
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EHstccRBY/?mibextid=wwXIfr
HAI Section Research 🔎
🐴 Bridging horses and heart: How equine-assisted services support youth emotional regulation. ✨
Traditional classroom or therapy environments don't always resonate with every young person. For youth who need a more targeted, alternative approach to building resilience and social-emotional skills, looking outside the box—and into the stable—can make a powerful difference.
A study evaluated a life skills training program conducted by the Equine Partnership Program (EPP), which integrates Equine Assisted Services (EAS) with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies.
Why horses? Because of their unique, innate ability to mirror and respond to human emotions, horses act as a perfect bridge for experiential learning.
The study tracked 33 youth participants using the Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Stress (DAPS) visual analog tool to see if the horse-human connection could measurably improve emotional regulation. The data revealed incredibly promising results after the intervention:
📉 Statistically significant decreases in both anxiety and depression scores. 🌱 Noticeable decreases in overall emotional pain and stress levels.
By helping youth navigate their emotions in a real-world, hands-on environment, this unique combination of equine services and social-emotional learning shows massive promise. It serves as an effective way to foster the exact resilience and pro-social skills young people need for better academic, career, and lifelong relationship success. 💛
https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0019
