The annual Equine Industry Symposium shared the latest research and updates on the topic of horses in human health and learning with over 550 delegates attending over three sessions from November 21-23, with hundreds more registering to receive the online sessions.
The Symposium highlighted appropriate terminology associated with human-horse interactions and programs by taking a therapy-first approach to services incorporating horses and cleared up what equine-assisted services are – and what they are not. Current research on best practices for human-horse interactions to ensure horse welfare was presented. Attendees left the event with a deeper understanding of this emerging topic.
The event welcomed featured speaker Nina Ekholm Fry from the University of Denver and five guest speakers, including Dr. Katrina Merkies, Sarah-Michelle Senecal, Dr. Katy Schroeder, Hayley Edwards and Lynn Thomas, who focused on the roles horses have when incorporated into human services.