The Power of the Human-Equine Relationship in Counseling

Equines are naturally empathetic, recognize human emotional states to understand what someone is feeling or experiencing, and respond accordingly! Feedback from equines is non-judgmental and authentic. Their inability to deceive allows for a natural connection between client and equine.

How do equines recognize human emotions?
Clients and equines communicate in ways beyond talking - together they co-create a relationship based on touch and body language. Equines perceive and respond to human emotion by reading a person's tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, and scent.
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How do interactions with equines help clients?
Interactions with equines lead to positive outcomes for humans. These interactions may reduce blood pressure and heart rate while increasing social connection hormones like oxytocin and decreasing stress hormones like cortisol.