32. The Connection Between Horse and Human HRV—Why It’s Important

Connection Therapy

In this episode, Brenda dives into two studies about heart rate variability (HRV) in horses and humans, and how they can inform therapy practices. These studies reveal some surprising similarities between our nervous systems and those of horses, giving us new ways to think about improving therapeutic approaches.

The first study, published in 2011 by Drs. Gerke, Baldwin, and Schiltz, measured HRV in horses during equine-assisted therapy. The findings showed that HRV in horses follows the same patterns as in humans, confirming that both species share similar nervous system responses. This discovery opened avenues for understanding how measuring HRV in humans and horses during equine-assisted services could illuminate ways to enhance our approaches.

The second study focused on how eye temperature in horses can indicate stress. When horses experience stress, their eye temperature rises, reflecting changes in their nervous systems. This provides another valuable tool for understanding nervous system activation and emotional responses, especially in high-stress situations.

For mental health clinicians, these studies highlight the importance of recognizing physical cues, like eye contact that can also provide signals about nervous system regulation, to better understand a patient’s emotional state. Being able to identify when a patient’s nervous system is activated helps us time our interventions more effectively. If we notice stress or tension, we can help the patient regulate before diving into deeper therapeutic work, making our approach more effective and responsive.

As therapy continues to evolve, understanding these subtle signs will help clinicians create more effective interventions by aligning with the patient’s current emotional and physical needs.

References:

Evans, L., Cameron-Whytock, H., & Ijichi, C. (2024). Eye understand: Physiological measures as novel predictors of adaptive learning in horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 271, 1–10. https://doi-org.pgi.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2023.106152

Gehrke, E. K., Baldwin, A., & Schiltz, P. M. (2011). Heart Rate Variability in Horses Engaged in Equine-Assisted Activities. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 31(2), 78–84. https://doi-org.pgi.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2010.12.007

Panksepp, J. (2009). Brain emotional systems and qualities of mental life: From animal models of affect to implications for psychotherapeutics. In D. Fosha, D. J., Siegel, & M. F. Solomon (Eds.), The healing power of emotion: Affective neuroscience, development & clinical practice (pp. 1-26). New York, NY: Norton.

Porges, S. W. (2009). Reciprocal influences between body and brain in the perception and expression of affect: A Polyvagal perspective. In D. Fosha, D. J., Siegel, & M. F. Solomon, M. (Eds.), The healing power of emotion: Affective neuroscience, development & clinical practice (pp. 27-54). New York, NY: Norton.