“A Time of Laughter, Play, Learning and Growth”
The theme of the annual HHRF conference is “Connect, Learn, and Inspire,” and this year’s conference certainly delivered on all three aspirations! Held in the lush tropical setting of Kissimmee, Florida, the conference once again brought together researchers, authors, practitioners, professors, luminaries and lay people in the Equine Assisted Services and other horse-related fields who are involved and interested in promoting the partnership and well-being of both horses and humans. Opportunities abounded to learn, share, dine, laugh, chat, mingle, socialize and discuss developments in the field with people from all over the United States and abroad. I met attendees from Israel, Spain, Norway, Germany, China, Puerto Rico, Canada, and even my home country of the Netherlands, among others!
For the first time, the conference kicked off with a pre-conference Horse Fair organized by the Equine Well Being Committee at First Nature Foundation Ranch in St. Cloud. We heard from Mary Ann Simonds, author of the informative book A Horse by Nature, about the importance of raising awareness of the powerful work horses can do to help humans in so many different ways. Dr. Carole Holland shared about how incorporating holistic approaches to traditional horse care can enhance equine well-being, and demonstrated the almost immediate relief an older draft mare named Goldie experienced with just a few expertly placed acupuncture needles. Letitia Glenn demonstrated the power of a properly fitted saddle to free up a horse’s natural movement and increase their comfort when mounted. We also enjoyed presentations on horse agility and the importance of balance for building relationship with our equine partners, and closed with a beautiful dance performed by Mary Miller Jordan with her mustang, Magic.
Keynote speaker Dr. Stephen Peters shared his vast knowledge of both human and equine physiology and psychology, and signed copies of his new book, “Horse Brain Science: the neuroscience of ethical horsemanship.” He reminded us that all learning is nervous system state dependent, which is why it matter so much that both horses and humans feel safe and regulated in order for true learning to occur. Rather than “teaching” your horse, he encouraged us “to create an environment where they can enjoy learning,” and concluded that “we are isolated in systems that are wired to be social.”
Three presentation tracts were offered: (1) Research; which included sessions on research studies regarding both equine populations as varied as mustangs, off the track thoroughbreds and other rescue horses, and human populations ranging from youth on the autism spectrum, adults with Parkinson’s Disease, and children with speech apraxia; (2) Equine Well Being; which covered topics such as the benefits and drawbacks of using bitless vs. bitted bridles, when equine welfare issues become clinical issues, the importance of relational connection between clients and their equine partners in creating safety, and how different training methods can improve the lives of horses and the humans they work with; and (3) a Program Track, addressing issues affecting the successful delivery of services in the field.
The conference closed with plenary sessions highlighting diversity in the EAS field, and a round table discussion of the future of the field, which included such rich and diverse topics as “how to increase access to interacting with horses in communities as private horse and land ownership decreases among populations,” and “how to fund Equine Assisted Services in a manner that allows all people to access them in an equitable manner,” to “how we ensure the safety and well-being of performance horses once they are no longer able to do their jobs.” The passion and conviction shared by attendees for both the people and animals they care for and serve was palpable and heart-warming!
In the evenings, conference goers enjoyed the various Disney theme parks in Orlando and the variety of dining options around town. Several attendees announced, “we should have the conference here again next year!” HHRF always strives to listen and be responsive to such feedback, so consider it done! Already looking forward to another wonderful conference in the beautiful state of Florida in 2027!