New research shows that horses make us happy

Research has proved what H&H readers have always known: horses have a positive effect on children. 

A study from Washington State University, published last month (28 April), claims to be the first evidence-based research investigating the interaction between horses and children, and its effect on levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Backed by a $100,000 (£59,000) grant from the National Institute of Health, the project assessed 130 “normally developing” children aged 11-13. They participated in a 12-week equine-facilitated learning programme over a period of 2 years.

Children were randomly included on or wait listed for the programme, which consisted of 90min a week learning about horse behaviour, care and riding.

Their cortisol levels were monitored using saliva samples. It was found that children who had participated had “significantly lower stress hormone levels compared with the wait listed group”. This was noted particularly in the afternoon, when stress typically increases.

Study leader Dr Patricia Pendry told H&H her findings gave “scientific credit to the claims of therapeutic horsemanship professionals and parents who have reported a positive impact from these types of programmes”.

Susie Little, who runs Tower House Horses in Hampshire — an equine-assisted learning centre — said: “It is wonderful to have hard data to back up what we know to be true.

“Almost without exception we see changes in behaviour that don’t just last for the duration of the session, but impact on the children long afterwards,” she said.

This latest research “makes perfect sense”, according to ex-racehorse charity Greatwood, which also helps children with special needs. Spokesman Sasha Thorbek-Hooper said: “One of the main things we notice with our students is their reduced anxiety when around horses.”

So Daddy, don’t begrudge that cheque for the pony: science proves it makes for a happier child…

Martha Terry

H&H features editor

Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on dogs of all shapes and sizes. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs, one a street dog from Gambia who was abandoned at three weeks old. Now, her constant companion, whether by her feet at her desk or walking cross-country courses, is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.