The Science of Equine Healing: More Than Just Horse Sense
At Metaphorse, our approach isn’t just based on intuition—it’s backed by cutting-edge technology scientific research. Here’s how the power of equine healing is supported by hard data:
The Heart-Brain Connection
Research from the HeartMath Institute reveals:
- The heart’s electromagnetic field is 60 times greater in amplitude than that of the brain.
- This field can be detected up to 3 feet away from the body.
What this means for Equine Healing:
Horses, with their large hearts, generate a powerful electromagnetic field. When you interact with a horse, your own heart rhythms can synchronize with theirs, promoting emotional regulation and stress reduction.
Horses as Bio-Emotional Sensors
Studies have shown:
- Horses can detect human emotions and respond accordingly (Smith et al., 2016).
- In one study, horses’ heart rates synchronized with those of human participants during
grooming sessions (Gehrke et al., 2018).
Metaphorse in Action:
Our equine partners often approach areas of a client’s body where they’re experiencing pain or emotional blockages, demonstrating their innate ability to sense and respond to human biofields.
Quantifiable Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy
Research indicates that equine-assisted interventions can lead to:
- A 67% reduction in cortisol (stress hormone) levels (University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2019).
- Significant improvements in social functioning and a decrease in isolation for individuals with autism (Gabriels et al., 2015).
- A 63% decrease in PTSD symptoms among veterans after just six weeks of equine therapy (Johnson et al., 2018).
Our Impact:
At Metaphorse, we’ve observed similar transformations, with clients reporting reduced anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced social connections.
The Neurochemistry of Horse-Human Interaction
- Interacting with horses increases oxytocin levels, the “bonding hormone,” by up to 70% (Beetz et al., 2012).
- Equine therapy sessions have been shown to boost serotonin and dopamine levels, improving mood and focus (Carter et al., 2020).
Why It Matters:
These neurochemical changes explain the profound sense of connection and well-being our clients experience during and after sessions with our horses.
Looking to the Future
Ongoing research continues to validate what we at Metaphorse have known intuitively:
- A large-scale study by the University of Colorado is currently examining the long-term effects of equine therapy on emotional regulation and resilience.
- The National Institutes of Health has recently funded a five-year study on the efficacy of equine therapy for treating depression and anxiety disorders.
At Metaphorse, we’re not just practitioners—we’re part of a growing field that’s revolutionizing our understanding of healing and human-animal connection. By participating in our programs, you’re not only investing in your own well-being but contributing to the advancement of this vital area of study.
“The science is clear: the horse-human connection is a powerful tool for healing and growth. At Metaphorse, we’re harnessing this power to transform lives, one heartbeat at a time.”
– Jody Nixon, Founder