Psychological And Physical Benefits Of Interactions With Horses

Although much research exists concerning how horses can benefit people with specific debilitating impairments, relatively few studies have pursued what benefit horses offer people in the way of stress relief and improved quality of life. Study participants interacted with horses by grooming them and leading them through an obstacle course. Data were gathered through pre- and postinteraction surveys. Results suggest that interaction with horses offers a variety of benefits that may improve quality of life, such as increased confidence, lower stress, and an increase in caloric output. Implications exist for Extension programming.