Horse Interaction Proven to Boost Well-being and Health
Horse interaction is proving to be a powerful tool for promoting well-being and health, with scientific studies revealing its calming effects and physiological benefits. A cavallo verso il Futuro, a project in Italian juvenile penitentiaries, is one example of this therapeutic use.
Research has shown that tactile pressures, rhythmic movements, and focused attention during horse interaction contribute to reducing the perception of acute pain and influencing measurable physiological parameters in humans. A study published in iScience in 2024 demonstrated that human and horse hearts can synchronize their rhythms during free interaction, highlighting the deep physiological connection and communication possible between humans and horses.
The POP - Pony & Oncology Pediatrics project uses horse-assisted interventions to support children with oncological pathologies, while OverPonyMotricità helps people over 65 preserve functional motor independence. These interactions have been shown to decrease heart rate and breathing, and improve sleep quality. The Italian Equestrian Sports Federation recognizes the social role of horses in such well-being projects, with the direction and intensity of mutual influence between horse and human depending on the mode of contact.
The therapeutic benefits of horse interaction are becoming increasingly clear, with scientific evidence pointing to its ability to reduce pain perception, synchronize physiological parameters, and improve overall well-being. Projects like A cavallo verso il Futuro, POP, and OverPonyMotricità are harnessing these benefits to support diverse populations, with the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation acknowledging the social role of horses in such initiatives.
