Research on Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
An experiential learning approach that uses interactions with horses to foster personal growth, emotional regulation, skill development, and connection. Although it is not therapy, it is a transformative experience that focuses on developing positive life skills like communication, mindfulness, leadership, problem-solving, and confidence.
Find research below to support the benefits of EAL experiences.
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Horses and Mindfulness
“Horses can aid in a mindfulness practice that “results in greater insight and self-awareness which can enable individuals (children and adults) to begin to operate in a more positive authentic manner.”
—Burgon, HL (2013). Horses, Mindfulness and the Natural Environment: observations from a
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Improves Emotional Regulation in Adolescents
Youth who participated in equine-assisted activities showed better self-regulation, fewer emotional outbursts, and improved mood over time. This study in particular focuses on children who have witness intra-family violence.
— Schultz, L., Remick-Barlow, G., & Robbins, L. (2007). Journal of Child and Family Studies
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Boosts Overall Self-Image in Adolescents
Adolescents showed gains in self-image, self-control, trust and general life satisfaction.
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Supports Trauma Recovery
Equine-assisted interventions created safe, nonjudgmental environments for trauma survivors to process and heal, especially children and teens.
— Trotter, K. S., Chandler, C. K., Goodwin-Bond, D., & Casey, J. (2008). Journal of Creativity in Mental Health -
Synchronizes Brain and Body for Healing
Horses don't just mirror emotions—they synchronize their brain state with humans, especially during grooming, promoting a state ideal for health and performance.
— The Bond Between Horse and Human (Nature Precedings, 2009) -
Heart Rate Coherence & Emotional Feedback
Horses respond to human body language with honest, nonverbal emotional feedback. Their heart rate often syncs with humans, creating emotional regulation and calm.
— Gehrke, E. (Equus Magazine, 2011)
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Builds Attachment and Connection
Horses can activate the same four elements of attachment seen in human relationships: proximity, secure base, safe haven, and separation distress—key in therapy settings.
— Human-Horse Attachment Study (2020, PubMed) -
Support Students/Adolescents at Risk of School Failure
Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL) supports the development of SEL (Social Emotional Learning) in at-risk youth—improving self-regulation, empathy, and motivation.
— Horsing Around: Using EFL to Support SEL in At-Risk Students (2015) -
Builds Internal Resilience and Transferable Life Skills
Of women who have experienced familial/intimate partner violence, EAL programs report lasting gains in emotional regulation, leadership, empathy, resilience, less mental health decline and boundary setting
— Building Internal Resilience Through Horses (The Mane Intent, 2018)