About

A world where the unique capacity and willingness of the horse to transform human lives is universally understood and valued.

Through sustained investment in rigorous ethical research and educational initiatives, HHRF serves as a catalyst to advance global knowledge of horse-human interactions and their impact on the health and well-being of people, horses, and other equines^.

^such as Donkeys and Mules

Horses and Humans Research Foundation Statement of Values The Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all stakeholders, including employees, contractors, volunteers, partners, vendors, applicants, subjects, and board members, are treated with respect and dignity.

For humans affiliated in any way with HHRF, diversity refers to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, familial status, age, disability, different ability, and socio-economic status. Inclusion is valuing, respecting, and encouraging the full participation of each individual in the life and leadership of the organization. Equity is a process to ensure that all have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and grow despite historical, structural, legislative, racial, or socio-economic inequities.

For equines, we are committed to humane treatment that does not just reflect animal welfare laws in the relevant jurisdiction but also celebrates the noble dignity of all equines of every color, size, age, ability, or temperament.

HHRF celebrates the rich diversity of the communities it touches worldwide – human and animal. The research we support may occur in academia, in medical, veterinary, or behavioral facilities, in facilities that promote wellness and mental health, physical or occupational therapy, agrarian development, or environmental studies. In every environment where we support research, we expect that discrimination, biases, harassment, abuse, or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Regardless of race, socio-economic status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, or marital status, we are an organization that celebrates the richness of community for humans and equines.

This Board of Directors agrees to be guided by these principles, to endeavor to communicate them to everyone within the HHRF community, and pledges that they will be reflected in our vision, mission, strategic planning, programming, governance, hiring practices, and board composition. We will promote flexible working arrangements, encourage diverse team composition and collaboration, and celebrate cultural milestones. We require that any violations of this policy be reported, and such reports will be investigated promptly and handled confidentially and appropriately. This commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is integral to our organization and applies to all HHRF stakeholders and all programs we develop or support.

Equines teach us to be better humans.

Approved by the HHRF Board of Directors October 2024

●      CARE: Committed to the cognitive, physical, social,  and emotional well-being of the horse through compassionate action on their behalf.

●      ACCOUNTABILITY: Ensuring effective and efficient use of resources upholding the highest level of transparency in all dealings; committed to consistent, open communications with our stakeholders.

●      RESPECT: Guided by the highest ethical and professional standards as they relate to humans and equine research by Embracing diversity, integrity, and mutual respect as paramount in all activities, business management, and direct interactions with people and horses.

●      PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE: Dedicated to facilitating and supporting the highest caliber of competitively selected scientific research; striving for innovative and creative solutions; fulfilling our mission through rigorous and unbiased pursuit and transmission of new knowledge and understanding through research, cooperation, and collaboration. 

●      CULTURAL COMPETENCY: Sensitive to and consideration for diverse cultural norms and beliefs.

• Expand the impact of research

• Increase investment in visionary research

• Facilitate collaborative partnerships to further our mission

• Educate to fulfill our vision

• Ensure HHRF’s continued sustainability

In 2002 a group of people, led by Molly Sweeney’s vision, gathered in Arizona intent on developing a plan to promote research in the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies. The prevailing philosophy in the organization’s founding stages was that when the resources, contacts and support are provided for quality research, quality research would result. A plan was drafted for a public foundation dedicated to developing, funding and promoting this research.

By the beginning of 2005, the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) attained 501(c)3 nonprofit status, contracted a project manager and established a central office in Cleveland, Ohio. HHRF was also blessed with a significant gift, offered anonymously as a challenge fund, matching dollar for dollar any donor’s contribution.

Throughout 2005 , the board was expanded, financial and operational policies and procedures were established, a website, newsletters and brochures were created, an annual fundraising campaign was established, a grant management process was adapted and a call for proposals was announced. HHRF awarded its first grant in late 2006 to a unique and promising project led by a team from the University of St. Louis.