While I was a professional horse trainer, I would notice that individuals’ dysregulation would improve when they came for horseback riding lessons. They reported that their anxiety would quiet, depression would lessen, sugar levels would be regulated, and autism would quiet. Everyone would attribute these to my great training or the quiet of the farm; however, I knew it was the magic of horses. It would be years later until I could explain why.
Fast forward, I’m studying equine facilitated psychotherapy, learning firsthand WHY the magic of horses works in a therapeutic context. The electromagnetic field of a horse’s heart has been shown to extend up to 60 FEET outside of the horse’s body – compared to a human’s mere 8-10 feet. Not only does it reach further, but it is also stronger than ours and can influence our own heartbeat. This means that a horse’s electromagnetic field can drastically affect a person when they are simply standing near you. How does this happen?
Horses likely have what science has identified as a “coherent” heart rhythm (heart rate pattern), which explains why we may “feel better” when we are around them. Studies have found that a coherent heart pattern (HRV) is a robust measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy. Since their electromagnetic field is stronger than ours and can affect us, it is why we exhibit such positive emotions and patterns when around them. A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adjust to stressful situations very efficiently. Horses give us that head start, which makes therapy that much more effective.
What does that mean for you? Horses give you an opportunity to do deep, meaningful work in a safe space by supporting your heart rate and nervous system while you delve into areas of your life that you never dreamt you’d go…BY JUST STANDING NEXT TO THEM (of course, I will be there to facilitate!). I have seen this firsthand, and I love that I now know that there is science behind this magic. If you are curious and want to explore more, I would love to be there to guide you through. I know my horse would love to meet you!
Written by Kim Kindred
