Researchers Challenged Traditional Therapy Horse Roles
New standards suggest therapy horses should have more agency and the ability to withdraw from human-led sessions.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Large Animals
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A study published in the journal Animals indicates that therapy providers should view horses as active participants rather than mere tools. The research highlights that human-centric benefits in sessions do not inherently guarantee a positive experience for the animals.
Why it matters
Understanding equine welfare is critical for families and individuals who rely on therapy sessions, as compliant behavior may not always signal true animal consent. This shift in perspective prioritizes long-term horse health as a key outcome of therapeutic interaction.
Researchers advocate for welfare assessments that combine behavioral observation with physical and contextual data. The Equine Assisted Services Partnership launched professional standards on 16 July to help providers monitor these interactions.
The players
Equine Assisted Services Partnership
An organization that sets and maintains professional standards for the treatment and welfare of horses used in therapeutic services.
Human Equine Interaction Register
A body that provides a kitemark to approve and verify therapy providers who adhere to set welfare standards.
The details
The research identifies an interpretative asymmetry where humans control all parameters of a session, potentially ignoring the horse's needs. To address this, providers are encouraged to allow horses the choice to withdraw from interactions during therapy. Welfare must be measured through integrated behavioral ethograms rather than just the absence of negative reactions from the horse.
Timeline
July 16, 2026: EASP launched new professional standards for therapy providers.
October 14, 2026: The research paper was published in the journal Animals.
The Home Front
This development marks a significant move toward standardized equine welfare in therapy settings, shifting away from unregulated or informal treatment models. It aligns with the 16 July launch of professional standards by the Equine Assisted Services Partnership to formalize animal care.
If you or your family members use equine-assisted therapy, inquire with your provider about their adherence to current professional standards. Look for providers certified by the Human Equine Interaction Register to ensure they implement welfare-focused practices for their animals.
The takeaway
Therapy providers should be viewed as partners in animal welfare who prioritize a horse's ability to engage or withdraw from sessions. When selecting a service, ask how the facility monitors equine stress and ensures animal agency during human-led interactions.
Further reading
For more on animal welfare, visit the Large Animals section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Horse & Hound.
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