RESEARCH

Purpose
The purpose of Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF)is to fund research to investigate the therapeutic effects of horses on humans.

The broad research agenda includes basic research as well as clinical studies that will ultimately impact the physical and mental health and quality of life for people with disabilities who are involved with equine-assisted activities/therapies (EAA/T).

Applications for Research Funding

$50,000 Available to Researchers Investigating the Therapeutic Effects of Horses on Humans. Accepting Applications until June 15, 2013 for Grants up to $50,000.

Interested Applicants: Before completing an application, carefully review the 'Guidelines and Information' document and the 'Application Checklist' documents below. LETTERS OF INTENT (LOI) ARE NOT REQUIRED. LOIs are only encouraged if you are uncertain that your research falls with in the interests of the foundation as described in the research guidelines.

• Guidelines and Information
• Application Checklist (PDF)  (Word)
• Letter of Intent Form (PDF)  (Word)
• Application Forms (PDF) (Word)
• Research Grand Conditions of Award (PDF) (Word)

Application forms are updated continuously; always check the site for the most up-to-date form. Feel free to contact us via the feedback form or by email with any questions.

Developing EAA Research to Benefit Military Veterans
HHRF is pleased to announce an exciting new research partnership with the Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Program, which serves the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center. As part of the collaboration, a special research fund has been created to advance equine programs providing rehabilitation for veterans of war with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). $50,000 in research funding will be offered through HHRF's competitive and rigorous application and review process.

Equine Therapy / Animal-assisted Therapy has been shown to be effective in treating patients, including combat veterans, with PTSD, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, dissociative disorders and other chronic mental illnesses (Journal of the American Medical Association).

• Veterans Research Initiative Summary
• Veterans Fact Sheet
• Supporting Veterans Doc Article

• Wounded Warrior Horse Riding Therapy Program -Caisson Platoon
• Caisson Platoon website
• PATH, Intl- Wounded Warrior Program

Research strategy planning and work shop

HHRF received funding from the William J. & Dorothy K. O'Neill Foundation and The EQUUS Foundation to support a research planning workshop for EAA/T stakeholders invested in helping develop support systems to expand research developments that will advance EAA/T.

The workshop took place on September 2-3, 2011 in Lexington, KY. The results of the workshop are posted below.

• Work Results Summary 2011

Survey Results

1) HHRF Executive Summary (Word document) -- this is a 4 page summary- it's a quick overview of the data.

2) Research Summary Report (PDF) - This is a 21 page report generated through Survey Monkey. It provides an overview of the responses by question in a very easy to read format. It does not, however, include the open ended responses.

3) Full Research Summary Report August 23 (PDF file) - This is the full 166 page report generated through Survey Monkey with all of the responses by question as well as all of the open ended responses.

4) Survey Summary for Additional Respondents - These are additional responses from those who took the survey after it was officially ended.

5) Research priorities sorted by EAA/T roles

See Also

HHRF-funded research  |  Research Review Process  |  Terminology