FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Equine Assisted Activity Research Grant Funded

Chagrin Falls, Ohio January 3, 2018. Horses and Humans Research Foundation awarded $10,000 to Texas A&M University to complete their research project “Tracking Kinematic and Kinetic Data during Horse Riding for Optimizing Therapeutic Outcomes.” This study will investigate the impact the horse’s movement has on a mounted client by measuring both horse and mounted participant simultaneously. This innovative project relies on new, technologically advanced sensors, to be placed on both mounted client and horse, to collect data on the movements experienced by the participant while on the dynamic surface of the horse.

The data collected by the sensors from the mounted client and horse during  equine assisted therapy (EAT) sessions will provide insight into: i) the impact of the equine movement on the client during an EAT session, ii) the effects of the movement pattern of specific horses paired with specific  mounted client on the client’s mobility, iii) how EAT affects the client’s core movements, and iv) how refinements in horse selection, utilization and/or training might further enhance effectiveness of an EAT session (horse-client coordination). In addition, sensor data will enable EAT professionals to more accurately determine movements of the horse that are beneficial to improve client’s functional gait and balance.

According to principal investigator Dr. Pilwon Hur the movement of the horse is a key factor contributing to the success of EAA/T as demonstrated by previous studies using both qualitative and quantitative data. As the EAA/T industry grows and expands, a tool that measures the horse movement and the mounted participant’s movement is necessary. The tool can quantify the biofeedback responses that the mounted participant receives from the rhythmical, symmetrical movement of the horse. For instructors and therapist, this information could be groundbreaking in assessment of individuals, therapy horses, and treatment strategies.

HHRF awarded a grant in 2016 to Slippery Rock University, under Principal Investigator Elizabeth Kemeny, PhD. The project is entitled “The Effect of Therapeutic Riding on Stress Levels in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders". They submitted a mid-project report and it is available for viewing here. 

Images courtesy Slippery Rock University

Temple Grandin Equine Center’s director joins Horses and Humans Research Foundation’s scientific advisory council.

Wendy Wood, Ph.D., OTR, FAOTA has become the newest member of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation’s scientific advisory council.    Wood is a Professor of Occupational Therapy and the Director of Research of the Temple Grandin Equine Center (TGEC) at Colorado State University.   The TGEC is dedicated to advancing the science of equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAA/T) and evidence-based education in EAA/T.   Dr. Wood is currently leading a team of graduate students in conducting a systematic mapping review study of all refereed papers on EAAT published over the past 35 years. Findings from this study will help to guide the research and education agendas of the entire field of equine- assisted activities.

Dr. Wood is also a research mentor to undergraduate, master’s level, and Ph.D. students interested in equine-assisted interventions for children and adolescents with autism and cerebral palsy, at-risk youth, and older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She is an internationally recognized scholar and leader in occupational therapy, and was recognized as one of 100 influential people in the profession's first 100 years in 2017, the Centennial Anniversary of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Her work at the TGEC has brought together Dr. Wood’s love of horses with her dedication to developing evidence-based interventions that improve the everyday functioning and well-being of people with disabilities and other life challenges.

The Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) funds rigorous, scientific research that advances global knowledge of horse-human interactions and their impact on health and wellness.  According to HHRF executive director Ken Boyden, JD, EdD the board is in the midst of planning focused direction for the research they will support in the coming decade.  Dr Wood’s work and knowledge will be vital in guiding this visioning and planning process.

Dr Wood commented that "I embrace the mission of HHRF not only because it thoroughly fascinates me; but also because it is dedicated to advancing a science of the mutual flourishing of people and horses alike." 

Read it. 

Judith Gibbons with Tinny Slew and Kat.

October, 2017

Judith Gibbons is Professor Emerita of Psychology at Saint Louis University. She is the founding editor of the American Psychological Association Division 52 Journal International Perspectives in Psychology: Research, Practice, Consultation, an associate editor of the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, a former president of the Interamerican Society of Psychology and the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, and a former Fulbright scholar at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala. Her research interests include adolescent development in the majority world, especially in Guatemala, intercountry adoption, human-equine interaction, and gender roles. She has published over 100 journal articles and chapters and three books, The Thoughts of Youth, Intercountry Adoption: Policies, Practices, and Outcomes and Women’s Evolving Lives: Global and Psychosocial Perspectives. She currently lives in Antigua, Guatemala with her husband, two Greater Swiss Mountain dogs, and two equine friends. 

HHRF: Tell us about your international EAA/T experience, and what you have learned from that and the related research.

JG: As a research psychologist I have always been interested in discovering and sharing ways to improve people’s lives. As an animal lover, I am aware of how important they can be in our lives. As my husband and I retired and spent more time in Guatemala, I had the opportunity to take up riding again (after a 40 year hiatus). At the stable where my horses live, the owner was interested in implementing an EAA/T program. I offered to design a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. In the first community, our goal was simply to improve horse welfare, but when we held a “tea” for wives and mothers of the participating men, they surprisingly told us that their husbands and sons had become less violent toward people after learning nonviolent horse handling. We designed a second study in a different community and in that study we found evidence for reduced endorsement of violence by the participants as well as decreased reactivity of their horses after the intervention. That study was published in 2015 (Gibbons et al., 2015). But community interventions have many challenges, from washed out roads, to powerful community members suspicious of consent forms. We decided to work with at-risk adolescents from a local school designed for children with few economic resources. After EAA/T the participants reported better leadership skills and their mentors said they were less aggressive in their daily interactions. Interviews with family members reported better emotional regulation (Gibbons et al. 2016). 

For me, the lessons learned are (1) we need to continue to share knowledge in many ways, through scientific reports, newsletters, talks to the general public, school and university courses, etc. Knowledge is useless unless shared. (2) Community interventions, although extremely difficult, have the most likelihood of effecting long-term change. (3) Choose collaborators who share your values, are good communicators and team players, and whose skills complement yours.

My personal goals, now that I am retired, are to use my knowledge and writing to improve the wellbeing of people and animals. There are many ways to do that, but one is by working with young and emerging scholars so that they are able to do good studies and advance knowledge in areas that are important to them. That is crucial in countries such as Guatemala where psychological research is scarce. 

I think that major advances will be made with respect to EAA/T in the coming years, especially with the support of HHRF. Funders and professional organizations are recognizing the importance of human – animal interactions for the wellbeing of all. At its 2017 annual convention the American Psychological Association sponsored an Animal Summit, with researchers from six countries participating. They hope to hold another one next year at the San Francisco convention.

EAA/T research does need to advance in some very specific ways. Despite the difficulty we need research consisting of randomized control trials (RCT). The measurements should come from multiple sources, for example, from the participants themselves, teachers or therapists, family members, and horses, too. We need to know the mechanism of the change. What about the interactions with horses can change people’s lives? Is it the sensitive feedback provided by the horse? The joy of interacting with another species? The sense of empowerment from leadership of a huge animal? We know that even a few minutes outdoors in nature can lift a mood, so we need to know whether incidental factors make a difference. Next we need to know exactly what psychological or physical disorders or behaviors are amenable to EAA/T. It has been applied to such a wide range of conditions, from PTSD to autism, that are unlikely to all benefit from the same intervention. Finally, we need to know more about the nature of the horse itself. There is a widely publicized study (Smith, Proops, Ground, Wathan, & McComb, 2016) that purported to demonstrate that horses recognize expressions of anger or happiness in photographs of human faces. However, the study had many flaws and needs to be redone using operant conditioning procedures in which the horses are trained to select either happy or angry faces. Using those procedures we could extend the research to find out if they recognize sadness, baby or youthful faces, faces of known people, etc. Understanding the world from the horses’ perspective will greatly facilitate our interactions with them.

Evaluating the reactivity of community horses to approach by a stranger and their owner (Gibbons et al., 2015). Photo credit: Santiago Albert.

HHRF: How do Guatemalan and other similar communities perceive EAA/T? 

JG: This is a very difficult question because Guatemala is so diverse. The equestrians involved in international competition in equestrian sports are aware of and supportive of EAA/T. There is an EAGALA program in Guatemala City and a Lead-Up International program in Jocotenango. There is an organization, Equinos Sanos Para el Pueblo (ESAP), partially funded by Brooke that works to improve equine welfare. World Horse Welfare is also active in some areas of Guatemala. However, in the countryside there are many campesinos who use brutal methods of horse training and see horses primarily in terms of their labor.

HHRF: Can you speak to nuances or needs related to research on the international front?

JG: I answered most of this above. However, a further point is that programs cannot be simply applied around the world, without attention to local culture, local needs. For example, rural communities were attracted to our workshops, in part, because they wanted cooperative working horses. 

HHRF: What do you feel should be the next steps to advance EAA/T research?? 

JG: EAA/T research does need to advance in some very specific ways. Despite the difficulty we need research consisting of randomized control trials (RCT). The measurements should come from multiple sources, for example, from the participants themselves, teachers or therapists, family members, and horses, too. We need to know the mechanism of the change. What about the interactions with horses can change people’s lives? Is it the sensitive feedback provided by the horse? The joy of interacting with another species? The sense of empowerment from leadership of a huge animal? We know that even a few minutes outdoors in nature can lift mood, so we need to know whether incidental factors make a difference. Next we need to know exactly what psychological or physical disorders or behaviors are amenable to EAA/T. It has been applied to such a wide range of conditions, from PTSD to autism, that are unlikely to all benefit from the same intervention. Finally, we need to know more about the nature of the horse itself. There is a widely publicized study (Smith, Proops, Ground, Wathan, & McComb, 2016) that purported to demonstrate that horses recognize expressions of anger or happiness in photographs of human faces. However, the study had many flaws and needs to be redone using operant conditioning procedures in which the horses are trained to select either happy or angry faces. Using those procedures we could extend the research to find out if they recognize sadness, baby or youthful faces, faces of known people, etc. Understanding the world from the horses’ perspective will greatly facilitate our interactions with them.

Photo 3. One of the pleasures of community research is spending time with the local kids. 

HHRF: What are you working on right now? 

JG: Unfortunately, I am not doing any new research on EAA/T at the moment. I will help to facilitate the Animal Summit at APA 2018.

HHRF: What is the most exciting EAA/T research initiatives or potential initiatives on the horizon?  Why?

JG: See above.

HHRF: Can you identify a specific area that would most benefit from HHRF research investment?  A focus area, that when developed with research would critically advance the needs of the EAA/T field?

JG: See above. My primary suggestion is not to fund research that is not well-controlled, and however you can, insist that funded projects are published in peer-reviewed journals. My personal interest would be in understanding more about how EAA/T can help veterans with PTSD, but I think you already had such an initiative.

References:

Gibbons, J. L., Cunningham, C. A., Paiz, L., Poelker, K. E., & Montufar Cardenas, M. A. (2015). “Before, he fought every day with the horse and with me”: Reducing violence in a Guatemalan community through a horse-handling program. Human-Animal Interaction Bulletin, 3(2), 37-55.

Gibbons, J. L., Cunningham, C. A., Paiz, L., Poelker, K. E., & Chajón, A. (2016, online first). ‘Now, he will be the leader of the house’: An equine intervention with at-risk Guatemalan youth. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth. doi:10.1080/02673843.2016.1202844 

Smith,  A. V., Proops, L., Grounds, K., Wathan, J., McComb, K. (2016). Functionally relevant responses to human facial expressions of emotion in the domestic horse (Equus caballus). Biology Letters, 12, 1-4.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2015.0907

Interview with Kathy Alm, Executive Director of PATH International

Occasionally we still hear someone in the field ask us “Why is research important?  Why does my program need it?”  So we decided to ask the executive director of PATH International, Kathy Alm, some of her thoughts on those issues.  

HHRF: Kathy, you did not start at the ground level of the EAA field.  What personal research did you do early on that convinced you of the worthiness of this field? 

KA: I was convinced of the worthiness of this field through interaction with participants and their families, seeing and hearing first-hand how EAAT had changed their life physically, cognitively, and emotionally.  Very little data research existed, but the significance of the impact on the individual, coupled with the numbers reporting that impact (along with seeing it for myself) convinced me of the incredible value of the various EAAT services.

HHRF: Does PATH Intl include research in its strategic planning goals and strategies? If so can you explain?  

KA: In our most recent strategic planning process, the data gathered both internally and externally pointed us to prioritize and focus on Credentialing, Quality Assurance, and Education.  However, as an industry leader devoted to education, training and credentialing in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) field, PATH Intl. recognizes empirical research as a critical focus for the growth and sustainability of EAAT.  To that end, we support the efforts of researchers to advance EAAT, assist PATH Intl. Member Centers to be knowledgeable partners in academic and outcomes-based research, facilitate dialogue and communication among the research community and other organizations or individuals interested in that research, support efforts for the dissemination and sharing of published research and partner with institutions and individuals conducting research when appropriate

HHRF: What seems to be the prominent research interests of PATH Intl members?    

KA: What is the measurable impact of EAAT?  Is there data that proves the efficacy of EAAT that can be used for families, the public and reimbursement entities?

HHRF: What areas of EAA research do you think will most impact the development of tomorrow's practices?  

KA: Impact on horses in order to develop best practices around horse care and longevity.  Types of service for best results.

HHRF: Is there an external sector (such as corporate or foundation funders, insurance companies, medical professions...) that stands out as most likely to be largely impacted by research advancements?

KA: I believe that insurance companies and government reimbursement agencies will be largely impacted by research advancements.  Second to that would be donors. PATH Intl certifies and accredits programs across the world.  Very few of the accepted practices have been tested through rigorous research.  Our very young field cannot yet rely on evidence based practices and curriculums.  

HHRF: Do you feel this affects how our field is viewed by other professionals?

KA: Yes, I do.  More and more the public asks for data to demonstrate the efficacy of a particular service or treatment.  I think as we continue to focus on professionalizing our field, research will continue to rise in importance.  We have already seen an increase in standards of research practice in EAAT moving from anecdotal to centers working with hospitals and universities.

Research that proves the efficacy of specific services or treatments would really excite me.  This would not only set a baseline for type of service that is best but would raise the professionalism and credibility of the field as a whole.  In addition, Dr. Robin Gabriel’s study that was specific to therapeutic riding is also an exciting avenue to be explored. 

 

Read it. 

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ken Boyden, JD, EdD, Executive Director Horses and Humans Research Foundation PO Box 23367
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Email: info@horsesandhumans.org

Web: http://www.horsesandhumans.org
Research Published in Journal of Child and Family Studies: Effects of Equine-Facilitated

Psychotherapy on Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Youth

Chagrin Falls, Ohio, April 20, 2017– The findings from Tufts University’s equine-facilitated psychotherapy research studying effects on youth with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms was just published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies. The project was funded by Horses and Humans Research Foundation and lead by Principal investigator Megan K. Mueller, Ph.D.

Equine-assisted therapy has become an increasingly popular complementary mental health treatment approach, but there is limited empirical research assessing the effectiveness of this practice. In particular, equine-facilitated psychotherapy has many potential benefits for the treatment of trauma in youth. The purpose of the proposed study was to investigate changes in levels of post-traumatic stress symptomatology and levels of the human-animal bond in children and adolescents ages 10–18 over the course of a 10-week equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) intervention.

Youth in the treatment group participated in 10 weekly two hour EFP sessions, and were compared on changes in post-traumatic stress symptoms with a control group of participants who continued to receive the already existing traditional therapeutic services provided by their treatment facility or outpatient therapist.

Findings suggested a significant decrease in post-traumatic stress symptoms across the intervention for both the treatment and control group, but the treatment group did not decrease significantly more than the control group. These findings suggest that EFP may be an effective additional treatment modality for post-traumatic stress symptoms, but there was no evidence from this initial study that EFP was significantly more effective than traditional office-based therapy. Further research and discussion of the relative benefits of EFP compared to traditional treatment modalities is warranted.

Paul Haefner PhD, of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation board of directors, stated “This research project was exceptionally significant because it put Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy on the map. It shows that this professionally facilitated treatment is a viable option. It gives us an important recognized tool when working with troubled youth who urgently need a treatment option that will help them progress during vulnerable time in their lives.”

Mission: Through sustained investment in rigorous research, HHRF serves as a catalyst to advance global knowledge of horse-human interactions and their impact on health and wellness.

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is dedicated to funding research to investigate the equine-assisted activities and therapies field. Since its founding, HHRF has awarded over $500,000 in professional research efforts led by eleven research teams in the United States, Canada and Germany. HHRF is a non-endowed foundation dependent solely on donations. To make a donation and/or learn more about this and other Horses and Humans Research Foundation projects visit http://www.horsesandhumans.org 

For Immediate Release
Contact: Ken Boyden, JD EdD, Executive Director - Horses and Humans Research Foundation PO Box 23367 Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Email: info@horsesandhumans.org
Web: http://www.horsesandhumans.org

Horses and Humans Research Foundation now accepting LOI’s for Innovation Research Grant up to $10,000

February 16, 2017- Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is pleased to announce a call for proposals for a $10,000 Innovation Grant. Letters of Intent (LOI) must be submitted by April, 15, 2017, and Proposals will be due by July 15, 2017.

HHRF seeks to advance knowledge of the unique impact of horses on the health of humans by supporting, promoting and funding scientific research that explores the benefits of equine- assisted activities and therapies.

The 2017 Innovation Grant may focus on basic or clinical research while approaching the study from a unique angle or by applying theoretical concepts differently. The overarching goal of this grant is to stimulate exploration, encourage testing of unique hypotheses, and generate preliminary data that will open new pathways for future research. Examples of innovative approaches may include:

Basic Research, investigating underlying mechanisms

•   Pathways of effect

•   Behavioral/Interaction studies

•   Theories and mechanisms of information transfer

•   Theories and mechanisms of energy transfer

•   The role of energy fields and their interaction

•   The role of human and equine biological systems such as the endocrine,

  muscular, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and immune systems

  Clinical Research, investigating new treatments and techniques

•   Advances in in measurement technology

•   Testing mechanisms of action regarding clinical effects

•   Unique interventions

•   Protocols

•   Comparisons with standard interventions

  The LOI summary should clearly describe the proposed methodology and goals. Information for applicants, including guidelines, description of the grant, and previously funded projects are available at www.horsesandhumans.org.

Horses and Humans Research Foundation Innovative Research Grants
2017

Innovation Grant description

HHRF Innovation Research Grants will foster research focused on new ideas that have strong potential for a meaningful impact to bridge the gaps in our understanding of horse-human interactions. The goal of the program is to advance our scientific understanding of the relationship between horses and humans and their role in contributing to the wellness of people. The goal is to connect practice with scientific knowledge through supporting the development of innovative research with high-impact potential that might not be funded through traditional channels. Our intent is to stimulate exploration, encourage the testing of hypotheses, and generate preliminary data that will open new pathways for future research.

Review Criteria

1. Innovation: The project concept should be original and innovative. It could challenge

   existing paradigms, present an innovative hypothesis, or address a critical barrier that exists in the field. A qualified project will develop or employ novel concepts, approaches, methodologies, tools, or technologies.

2. Significance: The project should address an important problem directly related to the study of horse-human interaction and/or the impact of horses on the wellness of people. If the aims of the application are achieved, scientific knowledge or clinical practice should be significantly impacted. A qualified study will have a positive impact on the concepts, methods, and technologies that drive this field.

3. Approach: The conceptual framework, design, methods of the study should be clearly developed to ensure successful achievement of the intended goals of the project. Potential problem areas should be acknowledged and corresponding alternative tactics included.

4. Investigator: The Principal investigator and/or the research team should be appropriately trained and reflect the experience needed to carry out this work.

5. Environment: The research environment should not only contribute to the probability of success, it should also reflect the highest related safety and quality standards. There should be clear evidence of availability of all resources or collaborations needed to support project’s success.

6. Impact: How does this project relate to and support the mission of HHRF? Through investment in rigorous research, Horses and Humans Research Foundation will serve as a catalyst to advance knowledge of horses and their potential to impact the health and wellness of people.

Disciplines

Proposals are encouraged from all disciplines that may contribute to our understanding of horses and their potential to impact the health and wellness of people. These include but are not limited to biological, behavioral, medical, epidemiological, psychological, clinical and multidisciplinary investigations. 

Read it. 

Final Report - Can horses distinguish between neurotypical and mentally traumatized humans?, Katrina Merkies, PhD, University of Guelph, December 2016

For Immediate Release
Contact: KC Henry, Executive Director - Horses and Humans Research Foundation PO Box 480 Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
440-840-2402
Email: info@horsesandhumans.org
Web: http://www.horsesandhumans.org

$88,000 Research Grant Awarded to Slippery Rock U. to Investigate Stress Management for Young Adults with Autism

Research Team to Explore Equine-Assisted Activities as a Medication-Free Treatment

Chagrin Falls, Ohio, December 16, 2016 - Horses and Humans Research Foundation is pleased to announce its most recent grant award to Slippery Rock University’s “The Effect of Therapeutic Riding on Stress Levels in Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders”. In addition to measuring stress reduction impact through Therapeutic Riding and HeartMath interventions, they will also study equine stress levels related to participants stress levels.

According to Principal Investigator Dr. Elizabeth Kemeny’s proposal:
“With a prevalence of 1 in 68 children, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) rank as the most prevalent developmental disorder. The core symptom areas are deficits in social communication and interactions, sensory issues, and restricted or repetitive behavior. Related to these core symptoms, social anxiety in adolescents with ASD often impedes independent function in adult life. For youth who are transitioning into adulthood, elevated stress levels and lack of coping mechanisms become barriers to health and quality of life. Finding evidence of an effective way, without medication, to address stress in young adults with autism, will have broad implications for health of the individual as well as their family members.”

The study will use a crossover design to compare stress management techniques. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to the order that they receive Therapeutic Riding protocol or the HeartMath intervention or no treatment control over a period of 18 months. In each research wave, 10 participants will receive each condition for 10 weeks. The measures of stress, including cortisol in saliva, heart rate, social responsiveness, social anxiety/stress, and perceived stress, will be collected before and after the interventions.

They will also assess caregiver and self report surveys as well as heart variability/coherence measures. A HeartMath Specialist will administer the individual stress management program, a standard instructional method, by following the HeartMath curriculum. A certified instructor will administer the Therapeutic Riding protocol using a standard instructional method (pre-tested in the pilot) which consists of one half hour of ground work (grooming, tacking, relationship building) and one half hour of riding (consisting of warm-up, teaching a basic riding skill, review, and cool down). The saliva and heart rate variability will also be collected from the horses at baseline on a non-riding day, and before and after each session.

It is anticipated that the project will be completed by the summer of 2018. Updates and additional information can be found at the Horses and Humans Research Foundation website horsesandhumans.org.

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is dedicated solely to funding research to support the equine-assisted activities and therapies field. Since its founding, HHRF has awarded $410,000 in professional research efforts led by nine research teams in the United States, Canada and Germany. HHRF is a non-endowed foundation dependent solely on donations. To make a donation and/or learn more about this and other Horses and Humans Research Foundation projects visit http://www.HorsesandHumans.org. Through investment in rigorous research, Horses and Humans Research Foundation will serve as a catalyst to advance knowledge of horses and their potential to impact the health and wellness of people.

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For Immediate Release
Contact: KC Henry, Executive Director - Horses and Humans Research Foundation PO Box 480 Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
440-840-2402
Email: info@horsesandhumans.org
Web: http://www.horsesandhumans.org

Baylor University Completes Research Project

Effects of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Combat Veterans

Chagrin Falls, Ohio, December 15, 2016 - Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is pleased to announce the Baylor University research team recently completed its research project, ‘Examination of the Effects of Equine Assisted Activities on PTSD Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Functioning in Combat Veterans’. This 2014 HHRF awarded grant, led by Dr. Beth Lanning, is now being submitted for publication.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week structured therapeutic horseback riding (THR) program on Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, quality of life, and functioning of combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model was used to help guide the study. Eighty-nine veterans met inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Fifty-one participated in the THR program and 38 were in the waitlist/control group. Seventy-six percent completed all 8 weeks of the program and 55% completed the 2-month follow up surveys. Twenty-nine of the 38 waitlist/control group members completed all 8- weeks. The sample consisted of 62 males and 27 females, average age was 39 years, and most participants had completed at least 2 tours of duty.

Overall, the findings of this study support the beneficial effects of THR for veterans with PTSD. The participants reported clinically meaningful improvement in PTSD symptoms and mental health, and marked improvement in participation and overall functioning over the course of the program. The differences in PTSD and depression symptoms and overall mental health and functioning scores between the THR and Control group grew larger over time; the THR group reported more improvement in overall functioning than the Control group. The size of the differences was found to be medium to large, indicating a moderate to high practical significance.

Qualitative analysis of post intervention interviews revealed several emerging themes that were consistent with the quantitative findings. Participants reported feeling anxious, depressed and isolated prior to the intervention. Post intervention responses indicated feelings of self- acceptance, increased confidence, gratitude, hope, reduced anxiety and anger, and increased patience. The participants also stated the importance of the barn environment and the unique relationship with the horse as key components that contributed to their improved quality of life and functioning.

Additional information about this project and other HHRF funded research can be found at the Horses and Humans Research Foundation website horsesandhumans.org.

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is dedicated solely to funding research to support the equine-assisted activities and therapies field. Since its founding, HHRF has awarded $410,000 in professional research efforts led by nine research teams in the United States, Canada and Germany. HHRF is a non-endowed foundation dependent solely on donations. To make a donation and/or learn more about this and other Horses and Humans Research Foundation projects visit http://www.HorsesandHumans.org. Through investment in rigorous research, Horses and Humans Research Foundation will serve as a catalyst to advance knowledge of horses and their potential to impact the health and wellness of people.

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HHRF’s First Focused Research Initiative Commits to Helping Veterans

At HHRF we are dedicated to quality research. Our goal is to provide empirical evidence of the impact of horses on humans and vice versa. To date, we have funded ten (10) studies on a broad range of. In our May 2016 newsletter, we announced the creation of Focused Research Initiatives (FRI) to assist us in identifying and pursuing specific areas of research interest. Our goal is to create several FRIs which bring together experts including practitioners, researchers, policy makers and potential funders focused on specific content areas.

Our first FRI will concentrate on Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury/Post- Traumatic Stress. The program was led by HHRF Board Vice President, Larry Pence, and included experts focused on Veterans services. The Veterans FRI team includes:

• Mary Jo Beckman – CPEAP, Loudoun Therapeutic Alison Boyrer – UC Denver & STEPS Foundation Dr. Phyllis Erdman – Washington State University Dr. Beth Lanning – Baylor University
• Barbara Rector – Therapeutic Riding of Tucson
• Dr. Anita Shkedi – Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association Jane Strong – The Equus Effect
• Shari Walls – Semper Fi Fund & Jinx McCain Horsemanship Program Bob Woelk – Rainier Therapeutic

In Phase I, our team’s objective was to identify the research most needed to help our Veterans. To this end, the team completed the following:

• A review of past & current research focused on Veterans with TBI/PTSD;

• Developed and implemented a survey to learn more about the current application of programs serving Veterans with TBI/PTSD;

• Assessed and prioritized research needs of EAA/T pertaining to Veterans, and;

• Developed and presented recommendations to HHRF’s Board of Directors which included plans for implementation of a nationally conceived program of research for Veterans.

Recommendations

Through the hard work of our Veterans FRI team, we identified important recommendations for the future of HHRF-funded Veteran’s research.

• HHRF should focus Veterans funding on Post-Traumatic which impacts the largest group of globally disabled veterans. Research in this area will benefit many thousands of Veteran sufferers, and promote the amazing work of the horse as a health facilitator.

• HHRF should consider that future funded research should take into consideration the scope of research, not just its dissemination to peer reviewed journals but whether it can be sustained and utilized globally by all EAA/T practitioners.

• HHRF should encourage more global and bi-national EAA/T studies to raise the level of awareness.

Tools and metrics should include VA measurement tools for most aspects/symptoms associated with PTS - depression, anxiety, levels of anger and quality of life. In addition:

• Physiological markers such as Heart Rate Variability and Cortisol testing of the veteran and the horse.
• Use of valid and reliable assessment instruments such as PCL-5, MDI, BDI-II, Watch-PAT200, Endo-PAT, Beck Depression I-II.
• Control or comparison group(s).
• Accounting or controlling comorbidities.
• Accounting or controlling other treatment as usual (TAU’s) e.g. other psychological services
• Specific population parameters such as age & gender.
• Research measures for the impact of any Equine-based intervention need to be ones that are valued by potential funders and supporters.
• All research must be IRB and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approved and conducted by a qualified researcher.

Criteria for Practitioner Research:

• Practitioners with only EAA/T 2-3 years of practical experience should be supervised by an expert in the field.
• All practitioners engaged in research should choose research methodologies which are replicable or can be cross matched or triangulated with other studies.
• Research should include collaborative teams including researchers, practitioners, and horse specialists.
• Knowledge of PTS, its manifestations, short and long term. o Knowledge of building human horse positive relationships. o Knowledge of teaching riding skills
• Knowledge of working in the round pen
• Knowledge of groundwork activities •

Program considerations:

• Standardized curriculum to include grooming, groundwork, round pen and riding/driving.
• Emphasis on dose (frequency of lessons/intervention, duration). o Isolation of program components to evaluate key elements of the intervention which contribute to the outcomes.
• Clear distinction of type of equine intervention e.g. EAA, EAT, EAL.

Other considerations:

• Family involvement, family relationships.
• Barriers to care/intervention: financial, transportation. o EAA/T does not exist in a vacuum.

HHRF is now ready to proceed to Phase II of this Focused Research Initiative which is raising the funds necessary for this research project. There are more than 300,000 Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress, and many more who are undiagnosed. Please support this initiative that will impact lives of veterans and their families for decades to come. This is your investment in giving back to those who have given so much for us.

Please send donations to support this initiative to HHRF at PO Box 23367 Chagrin Falls Ohio, 44022, or donate on line at horsesandhumans.org. Please also contact us if you know of individuals, businesses or foundations that might support this initiative. Thank you! 

Read it. 

Interview with Beth Lanning 

HHRF Grant Recipient, November 2016

Beth Lanning, PhD, MCHES, is principal investigator on the 2014 HHRF-funded project “Examination of the Effects of Equine Assisted Activities on PTSD Symptoms, Quality of Life and Participation in Combat Veterans.” The purpose of the project was to assess changes in PTSD symptoms, quality of life and participation of combat veterans who participate in equine assisted activities. The study utilized a mixed-methods, waitlist-controlled, repeated measures trial of a standardized 8-week therapeutic riding intervention for combat veterans with PTSD. Behavioral changes were assessed four times during the study.

Director of the Public Health Undergraduate Program at Baylor University Robbins College of Health and Human Services in Waco, Texas, her research interests include health literacy, sexual violence prevention, quality of life in vulnerable populations in addition to human-animal interaction. 

How did you come to be a researcher in this field?

I was looking for a way to combine my professional research with my personal involvement with animals.  Animals, especially horses have played a huge role in my life. I knew that animals can improve a person’s quality of life, but when I started to look in the professional literature for research to support that idea, I found very little.  I reached out to several people who were involved in equine programs and in the process was told about the PATH (then NARHA) organization and annual conference.    I decided to attend one of the PATH (then NARHA) conferences. Once there, I looked for practitioners to collaborate with, and that’s when I met Nancy Krenek from Ride On Center for Kids in Georgetown TX. She started one of the first veteran equine programs in the country, and we collaborated on research after that.  

I first conducted a pilot study using therapeutic riding as an intervention for veterans and we saw that both depression and PTSD symptoms decreased as a result of the program. . After publishing the results of the pilot study, I thought we needed to go the next step and develop this study and look for funding. My home institution supported the beginning of the study and HHRF funded the second application I submitted. 
 
Please provide an update on the status of your project. 
The project is now complete. I presented part of the results at the PATH conference in Virginia and now it’s just a matter of submitting manuscripts from this study for possible publication in peer reviewed journals. 

How did the concept for your HHRF funded research project come to be?

What do you feel is the most important aspect of your finding?

We saw a clinically and statistically significant improvement in PTSD symptoms over time. . We are also excited about the other positive changes that were documented duringthe 8 weeks of intervention. Plus, some of the changes were sustained even two months after the intervention ended, though they were somewhat diminished. The control group actually reported an increase in some depression and PTSD symptoms over the 8 weeks while the intervention group reported an improvement in the same symptoms Also, families and loved ones reported similar mental health improvements of the participants. This observational assessment (proxy report) by a family member was an important addition to this study.   

How does your research and/or other research findings inform the work of EAA practitioners?

It provides empirical data to support the work of others. The findings of the research also raise additional questions such as the impact of the environment on the participants.   The horse is definitely a part of this environment, but there are other parts that are also important. The barn itself, and being in a more rural area. And veterans working with the veteran participantshelps them feel physically safe which then helps them feel emotionally safe. My other research projects have included working with children on the autism spectrum.  The environmental component is important with that population as well.    

What do you feel should be the next steps from this project to advance EAA/EAT research?

Next steps depend on the population. With veterans, quasi experimental studies and randomized control trials need to be conducted with a larger number of veterans. . Research in the area of EAA and children with autism is more developed than research with veterans. Dr. Robin Gabriels’ work added important empirical data to the growing body of evidence in EAA and autism research Next steps for this area of research should include examining the effects of equine movement on the participant, length of the program needed to achieve benefits, and critical components of the program.  We’ve found that with both populations, the most dramatic changes appear to occur within the first 4 weeks, but we don’t really know if 8 weeks is enough, or if the program should be much longer to achieve maximum results.

Another next step is to learn how to separate TBI from PTSD - or if it can or should be separated for research and practical purposes. 

Also, investigating programs that include only women veterans and/or women who have experienced military sexual trauma. Some therapeutic riding facilities have EAAT programs designed especially for women and the instructors of those programs have reported unique, positive effects related to these programs.  We included both men and women veterans in our study.  We did not ask specifically if the women were survivors of military sexual trauma.  Both the men and women reported improvement in PTSD symptoms as result of the program. 

We also need to look at the importance of involving the family. Some programs include a family component and the instructors believe it is effective. Comparing a veteran only program to a veteran plus family program would be an interesting study. 

What areas of research needs are most urgently surfacing in the EAA fields?

We need studies with larger sample sizes and a standardized intervention acrossprograms. We used a standardized curriculum in our study and all the riding centers were PATH premier accredited centers.  This element was important to ensure fidelity of the intervention. 

What are you working on now? And where do anticipate it will take you?

I am currently waiting to hear back on an NIH grant application that I submitted in collaboration with Dr. Rebecca Johnson and Dr. Gretchen Carlisle from the University of Missouri.  Our project is related to the mechanisms of change in therapeutic riding and children with autism spectrum disorder.  I have conducted several pilot studies related this area and I am looking forward to building on what I have learned. 

What is the most exciting EAA research happening today?

We are seeing more people become involved in EAAT research and better quality research coming forward. I think there is nice collaboration between researchers and practitioners and we are seeing more consistency and improved quality because of it.  

What are the reasons we need to continue to invest in research? 

If EAA facilities want to be reimbursed for their services and the programs recognized as valid therapeutic programs, research is very important. But I think it’s going to take the next level of actually lobbying for changes within insurance companies. It has to go that far. Until someone can knock down those political doors it will be difficult. It might take getting government health care programs to cover it first then pushing for coverage by private insurance companies. 

The HHRF BOARD is considering focusing research in specific areas of our field. What would you suggest to them? 

I really want to commend the board for their work in this area. Without their support a lot of these pilot studies would not have been possible. I also support the board’s decision to increase the funding amount, which will allow researchers to expand their projects and include larger sample sizes. Expanding research with the veteran population is important. My suggestion is to make sure funding efforts support randomized control trials or quasi experimental research designs so the results will add to the growing body of empirical data.   Also, I think the HHRF has a proven track record of successfully funding EAAT research and now may be the time to explore collaborative partnerships with other foundations to increase funding streams needed to support larger research projects.  

Contact: KC Henry, HHRF Executive Director FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Address: P.O. Box 480 Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 September 6, 2016
Email: KCHenry@horsesandhumans.org
Website: horsesandhumans.org

MAUREEN MACNAMARA JOINS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION BOARD HORSES AND HUMANS RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Chagrin Falls, OH, September 6, 2016– Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) welcomes Maureen MacNamara, MSW, PhD to the Board of Directors. Maureen comes to the Board with a strong background in both animal science and social work. Maureen was one of the first women licensed as a trainer for the United States Trotting Association and has trained and competed in harness racing, hunter/jumper, and pleasure driving events. She has guided the development of national programs in animal-assisted therapy, support for people with disabilities and service animals and the importance of pets to positive human development, wellness and health. Currently, Maureen is an assistant professor of community and human service management social work practice, a consultant in human-animal relationships and animal- assisted interventions (AAI). Her work focuses on inter-professional relationships in organizational learning and change strategies, non-profit service development and evaluation, and factors influencing development and implementation of AAIs.

Dr. MacNamara states “Horses have been human’s historical partners, taking us places beyond our sole capacity. Through the work of the HHRF we can discover the ways that the horse – human partnership can continue to aid us in surmounting life challenges and burdens.”

Through investment in rigorous research, Horses and Humans Research Foundation will serve as a catalyst to advance knowledge of horses and their potential to impact on the health and wellness of people. The foundation’s goal is to promote research that will 1) Benefit special program participants by improving equine assisted activity best practices; 2) Educate the public, including professional affiliates, regarding the value and benefits of horses and equine assisted activities.

HHRF research grant awards are made possible by generous contributions of foundations, individuals and businesses. To view research findings, awarded projects and learn more about this 501(c)3 organization, including how to contribute, visit www.horsesandhumans.org.

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Contact: KC Henry, Executive Director FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Website: www.horsesandhumans.org September 22, 2016
Email: kchenry@horsesandhumans.org

JUDITH GIBBONS AND LYDIA DONALDSON JOINS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION AS SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS

Horses and Humans Research Foundation welcomes Judith Gibbons and Lydia Donaldson to their scientific advisory committee.

Chagrin Falls, OH, September 22, 2016 – Horses and Human Research Foundation (HHRF) welcomes Dr. Judith Gibbons and Dr. Lydia Donaldson to their scientific advisory committee. As scientific advisors Dr. Gibbons and Dr. Donaldson will advise the board in scientific related decisions and will help with selecting grants.

Judith Gibbons, PhD is Professor Emerita of Psychology at Saint Louis University. Her research addresses adolescent development in the majority world, especially at-risk youth in Guatemala, as well as intercountry adoption, gender roles, and violence prevention. She is the founding editor of the American Psychological Association journal International Perspectives in Psychology, the past-president of the Interamerican Society of Psychology (SIP), former president of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, and a former Fulbright scholar at the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala.

Dr. Gibbons states, “In my retirement I would like to contribute my knowledge and skills to help address the world’s problems. Human-equine interactions have the potential to better peoples’ (and horses’) lives, and we will only be able to develop effective interventions through rigorous research.”

Lydia Donaldson, VMD, PhD, Diplomate ACVAA, majored in chemistry in college and then did a stint in the Peace Corps working in nutrition and literacy before applying to veterinary school. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Donaldson practiced small animal medicine in northern Virginia for 9 years. Her longstanding interest in neurology and neurophysiology led to specialization in veterinary anesthesia. Concurrent with her residency training at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine (VMRCVM) Dr. Donaldson earned a PhD in physiology from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She continued at the VMRCVM’s Marion DuPont Equine Medical Center’s anesthesiologist managing patient anesthesia and assisting with critical case care while teaching and researching aspects of equine anesthesia. Now retired after an additional 10 years as a part time anesthesiologist for a privately owned MRI center, Dr. Donaldson continues to participate in the activities of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia.

When asked why she was interested in joining the HHRF team she shared “I have always admired the work of individuals involved in therapeutic riding but my responsibilities to veterinary medicine left little time to participate. Now that I am retired, I look forward to this opportunity to apply my scientific training to support efforts in well formulated research documenting the role of horses in helping humans.”

Through investment in rigorous research, Horses and Humans Research Foundation serves as a catalyst to advance knowledge of horses and their potential to impact on the health and wellness of people. The foundation’s goal is to promote research that will 1) Benefit special program participants by improving equine assisted activity best practices; 2) Educate the public, including professional affiliates, regarding the value and benefits of horses and equine assisted activities.

HHRF research grant awards are made possible by generous contributions of foundations, individuals and businesses. To view research findings, awarded projects and learn more about this 501(c)3 organization, including how to contribute, visit www.horsesandhumans.org.

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Read the newsletter.

Interview with Megan Kiely Mueller 

HHRF Scientific Advisory Council Member, May 11, 2016

Megan Kiely Mueller, Ph.D. is a research assistant professor in the Center for Animals and Public Policy at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Megan holds a Ph.D. in Applied Child Development from Tufts University. Megan's research focuses on the role of human-animal interaction as a context for promoting positive youth development and health outcomes. She is interested in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in the study of human-animal relationships to increase the visibility and accessibility of high quality animal-related therapy and programming. Ms. Mueller is a member of HHRF's Scientific Advisory Council and is principal investigator for the HHRF-funded project 'Effects of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy on Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Youth'. 

Interview conducted May 11, 2016

How did you come to be a researcher in this field?

My background/training is in developmental psychology, but I have always had a strong interest in understanding the complexity of human-animal relationships. In particular, I have seen the power of EAA/EAT as a specific and very special recreational and therapeutic experience. I love partnering with practitioners who are experts and working together to design feasible research projects that capture the essence of what they are seeing in practice.

I think most good research comes out of strong collaborations with experienced practitioners and researchers. I was lucky enough to be able to work with a wonderful set of collaborators and sit around a table to say: what is an urgent need in the field, and how can our project help move the field forward. By starting with this big question, we were then able to use our diverse experiences to design a research study we thought would be innovative and address some key needs in EAA.
 
Please provide an update on the status of your project. 
We will be presenting some of our research findings at the PATH Int’l conference in November, and are rapidly approaching submitting a full manuscript for publication.

How did the concept for your HHRF funded research project come to be?

What areas of research needs are most urgently surfacing in the EAA fields?

I believe one of the key research challenges in the field of EAA (and AAA more broadly) is understanding the processes that underlie effective EAA programs. We have an increasing number of pilot-sized studies that demonstrate effectiveness in certain populations. However, we still have a relatively underdeveloped research-based understand of why equine-assisted interventions work, for who, and under what circumstances. If we can begin to understand these core processes, it will allow us to generalize research findings more broadly. 

What are the reasons we need to continue to invest in research? 

Now is a critical time in the field of EAA (and animal-assisted interventions more broadly). We are at the point where we are ready to move from many small pilot studies to more robust research designs that answer fundamental questions about equine-assisted interventions. Moving successfully through this critical period in the development of the field will help facilitate EAA/T as mainstream activities. Providing directed funding for EAA/T work is especially important in this successful transition.

The HHRF BOARD is considering focusing research in specific areas of our field. What would you suggest to them? 

I think we are at a point in the field now where the time is right to move from funding smaller pilot studies to larger, field-building research that targets some of the key underlying mechanisms of equine-assisted interventions that could be generalizable across multiple settings. Innovative work with regard to methodology, understanding process, and understanding context (for who do which interventions work?) is critical. It was especially exciting to see HHRF offer their first grant at the $100,000 level!