How can spending time with horses make a difference in how you feel?

The answer is not magical, even though being with a horse can feel magical. The answer is actually scientifically proven. Washington State University recently published a study that represents the first evidence-based research in the field of human-equine interaction to record changes in participants’ levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. The results confirm the positive physical effects of spending time with horses.

Equine Time USA provides opportunities to feel more self-aware, confident, trusting, social, present, reflective, empowered.

We, at Equine Time USA, know barn time can provide even more benefits than lowering stress levels.

Equine Time USA provides opportunities to become more self-aware, confident, trusting, social, present, reflective, empowered.

Exploring the fascinating subject of how horses mirror humans can help to answer a frequently asked question – “why horses?”

Horses Are Prey Animals

Although humans have domesticated horses, they live continually managing their innate survival mechanism. Survival depends on how quickly and successfully they can detect and react to threatening environmental situations. Their instinct is to flee from danger.  Domesticated horses may not fight like their ancestors but there are noticeable reactions when a horse does not feel safe.

Horses and Internal Signals

In every horse-human interaction, the horse assesses its safety because safety is survival for a prey animal. A signal as slight as a change in the human heart rate or respiration instinctively turns on the equine survival mechanism. For example, internal stress may trigger a human response to tense the muscles or hold the breath. Subtle signals like these alert the horse to a potentially unsafe situation and it will respond accordingly.

You can begin to understand why horses don’t care about the outside of you. They zero in on the internal signals you send. Are you breathing deeply? Is your focus on something else? How tense is your hand? Horses will instinctively react “as if their lives depend on it” because to a horse…it does!

Horses Are Prey Animals

Although humans have domesticated horses, they live continually managing their innate survival mechanism. Survival depends on how quickly and successfully they can detect and react to threatening environmental situations. Their instinct is to flee from danger. Domesticated horses may not fight like their ancestors but there are noticeable reactions when a horse does not feel safe.

Horses and Internal Signals

In every horse-human interaction, the horse assesses its safety because safety is survival for a prey animal. A signal as slight as a change in the human heart rate or respiration instinctively turns on the equine survival mechanism. For example, internal stress may trigger a human response to tense the muscles or hold the breath. Subtle signals like these alert the horse to a potentially unsafe situation and it will respond accordingly.

You can begin to understand why horses don’t care about the outside of you. They zero in on the internal signals you send. Are you breathing deeply? Is your focus on something else? How tense is your hand? Horses will instinctively react “as if their lives depend on it” because to a horse…it does!

Horses live in the present and communicate using body language.

Their behavior often reflects what is going on inside of you – at the moment. Equine Time USA will help you build an awareness of these mirror reflections and offer ways for you to explore their meaning. We believe time spent with our horses will make a difference in how you feel long after you leave the barn. Every Equine Time USA session is different. You may observe horses in a paddock, halter, lead, groom, interact in various planned activities and so much more!

“I learned so much about awareness, body language, and the simplest cure for stress, which is mindful breathing.”

“I learned so much about awareness, body language, and the simplest cure for stress, which is mindful breathing.”

It reminded me about the true peace I always felt around the horses growing up. The class really takes a person out of their own head and allows them to forget their troubles and challenges for a while, bringing a sense of peace. The breathing meditation was an excellent addition as well. ”

~ Ellen