Human-animal interaction with regards to horses encompasses the various ways in which humans and horses engage and communicate with each other. This field of study examines the behavioral, psychological, and physiological responses that occur during these interactions. Researchers investigate aspects such as the impact of human presence on horse behavior, the effects of different training methods, and the mutual benefits of human-horse relationships. Studies often focus on how these interactions influence equine welfare, training outcomes, and human psychological well-being. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the dynamics, outcomes, and implications of human-animal interactions involving horses.
Howitt B.The research article discusses an investigation of equine encephalomyelitis or horse brain inflammation and its potential, though rare, transmission to humans in California during the early 20th century. Background and […]
To determine the causes of horse-related injuries in a rural western community. Methods: Prospective identification of persons with horse-related injuries and retrospective interviews with patients or witnesses to determine causes. Methods: A small rural community in Alberta where the western style of riding predominates. Methods: All patients presenting to two family medicine clinics or to the Sundre General Hospital emergency department. Methods: Factors contributing to the injury as recalled by patients or witnesses, and characteristics of the persons, horses, and injuries. Results: Two thi...
Fournier AK, French M, Letson EA, Hanson J, Berry TD, Cronin S.This study examined human-animal symbiosis in an animal-assisted intervention through observations of animal maintenance behaviors. The rise of psychotherapy, learning, and recreation incorporating animals warrants exploration of the welfare of the animals involved in these interventions. The analysis of welfare in multispecies engagements can be discussed in terms of symbiosis. Regarding an intervention's animal provider (e.g., therapy horse) and human recipient (psychotherapy client), the balance of cost and benefit is important. Research describing human and animal during interventions is ...
Lepy C, Letranchant A, Aniorte JL, Bedos J, Hotchkin R, Corcos M, Robin M, Piot MA.Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric pathology with limited therapeutic tools to reduce morbidity and mortality. Equine-assisted therapy could provide additional therapeutic benefits. Objective: We aimed to explore the effects of equine-assisted therapy on the experience of adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Methods: Using a qualitative approach based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine participants who had taken part in equine-assisted therapy sessions. Results: Three superordinate themes were found. Participants initially descri...
Kovács BA, Topál J, Gergely A.The relationship between horses and humans is often described as cooperative and affective, yet empirical studies on horse-rider bond remain scarce. Previous findings on horse-human relationships yielded conflicting results on whether and how horses show bonding like behaviour toward their owners. Objective: We tested whether horses show partner-specific approach and proximity toward their primary rider compared with an unfamiliar experimenter in an adapted Strange Situation Test, and whether the rider's presence was associated with behavioural patterns indicative of safe haven and secure base...
