HHRF 2025 Conference in San Antonio, TX

Join us for an inspiring 2-day event that brings together HHRF’s supporters, researchers and the EAS community to celebrate and share innovations in research that support the power of horse-human interactions across an array of disciplines.

This thought-provoking and informative event includes exciting presentations led by innovators in the industry and networking opportunities among a national community of industry experts. This year we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Stephen Peters, Psy.D, ABN as our keynote speaker!

Proceeds from the event support HHRF’s mission to expand the impact of research around horse-human interactions.

Explore a variety of topics along three different tracks!

Research

Program

Equine Wellbeing

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Stephen Peters, Psy.D, ABN

Dr. Peters, PsyD, ABN is a Neuroscientist specializing in brain functioning. As a horse brain researcher, he has given Equine Brain Science seminars/presentations and performed Horse Brain dissections around the world for the horse owning public as well as Veterinarians and Veterinary Surgeons.

He is the co-author with Martin Black of Evidence-Based Horsemanship. He and Martin participate together in quarterly EBH virtual clinics (Martinblack.net) and the annual EBH colt starting clinic in Maine.

Dr. Peters has been a frequent presenter at The Best Horse Practices Summit and at Warwick Schiller’s Journey On Podcast Summit. He also provided significant contributions to the book, Horsehead: Brain Science & other insights.

He has collaborated with Canadian Psychotherapist, Sarah Schlote to create the Equuscience Master Course, (A trauma-informed and evidence-based lens on horse-human relationships) and educational focus classes such as The Neurobiology of Learning. (Equuscience.com)

Dr. Peters works with Mark Rashid and Jim Masterson on various projects including their annual Equine Brain Seminar, Your Horse’s Brain, A User’s Manual.

Don't Miss Out on this Amazing Line Up of Topics and Speakers:

Dr. Glen S. Cotton will present Perspectives of People Affected by Parkinson’s Disease Participating in Community-Based Program Incorporating Equines. This compelling session will shed light on the experiences of adults with Parkinson's engaging in therapeutic riding programs, highlighting their perspectives on the value, meaning, and potential benefits of equine-assisted activities. Attendees will gain insights into the lived experiences and the impact these programs have on occupational identity, competence, and adaptation.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore how equines can enhance quality of life for those affected by neurological disorders

Join us for *Impact of Horseback Riding Exercise Protocols on Muscle Excitation and Energy Expenditure in the Rider*, a session that will revolutionize your understanding of equestrian activities and their health benefits. Presenters Ellen Black, MS, an equine instructor at North Central Texas College, and Jennifer Zoller, PhD, a Horse Specialist and Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, will share comprehensive findings from their recent study. Learn how structured riding exercises can be harnessed as effective cardiovascular workouts, highlighting muscle engagement in various circuits. Attendees will leave with a deeper appreciation for how equestrian activities support physical health, armed with practical insights for research and practice. Don’t miss this engaging exploration into the powerful health benefits of horseback riding!

Dr. Erika Berg presents "An equine-assisted intervention vs. non-manualized psychotherapy for youth in a residential childcare facility". Adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders can be challenging to treat; however equine assisted interventions have shown some success. In this study, youth with elevated externalizing behaviors and living in a residential childcare facility were assigned to either equine assisted intervention or non-manualized cognitive behavioral therapy. Hear their findings.

Join Jennifer Geach and Graeme Greea from Athena® Herd Foundation as they present The Ethic Foundation of Wellbeing for All. Discover how a 360-degree ethical framework and the five domains model elevate equine welfare and the quality of Equine Assisted Services. Learn why personalized, holistic care and giving horses a voice matters

Ready to elevate your equine-assisted services? Join Dr. Terry Chase for *Create Your Program (CYP) in Equine-Assisted Services*, a hands-on session designed to transform your program ideas into actionable plans. Perfect for educators, coaches, and EAS practitioners looking to create impactful workshops, retreats, and programs. Walk away with a working draft and strategies for client engagement. Let’s design and create together! #EquineAssistedLearning #ProgramDevelopment

Join JoAnne Miller as she explores innovative Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) interventions for at-risk youth in "Galloping through Adversity." Learn how horse interaction can help teach life skills like resilience, empathy, and decision-making, leading to improved academic outcomes. Discover how integrating play therapy, solution-focused learning, and deliberate practice with horses can transform classroom behavior, with case studies showcasing a 100% improvement in grades. This session offers valuable insights into fostering resilience and engaging at-risk youth through EAL for lasting success.

Effects of Training Methods on Therapeutic Horses: A Pilot Study

Dr. Stephanie Fecteau will present findings from a pilot study conducted alongside Dr. Sylvie Drouin and Dr. Marion Desmarchelier, comparing traditional and positive reinforcement training methods in therapeutic horses. The study demonstrates that positive reinforcement, including food rewards, can reduce cortisol levels and stress behaviors in horses. These findings provide valuable insights into enhancing equine welfare in therapy settings. This session will delve into the benefits of integrating positive reinforcement to improve outcomes for both horses and riders.

Join Dr. Dana Spett and Abigail West for an insightful presentation on Equine-Assisted Social Work (EASW), where they explore the powerful connections between horses, humans, and the environment. Learn how integrating nature into social work practice can foster authentic relationships, promote healing, and create meaningful change. Discover the potential of EASW to bridge gaps in traditional therapy, with a focus on environmental and community well-being. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of EASW and its transformative impact!

Explore the impact of Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) on speech coordination in individuals with motor speech disorders. In this presentation, Dr. Beth Macauley will compare three types of EAS—hippotherapy, therapeutic/adapted riding, and speech therapy incorporating hippotherapy—examining their effects on speech motor coordination in people with dysarthria. Learn how integrating the horse's movement into therapy can significantly enhance speech coordination, with findings revealing that combining speech therapy and hippotherapy yields the most profound results.

Riding in the Moment is an innovative, community-based adaptive horseback riding program designed to enhance the quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Piloted in Wisconsin at Three Gaits, Inc., this evidence-informed program includes activities like horseback riding, grooming, and interacting with horses in a safe and supportive environment. Preliminary results from a soft launch in 2024 showed positive feedback from participants, staff, and volunteers, with suggestions for further dementia-related training and volunteer integration. This initiative, backed by the Wisconsin Partnership Program, is paving the way to scale the program statewide, offering more individuals the opportunity to benefit from the therapeutic power of horses.

"Modern Principles for Equine Assessment" takes a holistic approach to evaluating equine well-being, incorporating the 5 Domains developed by David Mellor. This evidence-based model focuses on Nutrition, Physical Environment, Physical Health, Behavioral Interactions, and Mental State, offering a comprehensive framework to assess and improve the welfare of horses. Presenters Cathy Languerand, a Master Instructor and Reiki Master with over 50 years in the horse industry, and Jo Anne Miller, a retired professor and Executive Director of Brook Hill Farm, will guide participants through this vital assessment process. Attendees will learn how to apply the 5 Domains to improve equine care, ensuring ethical practices and fostering public trust through scientifically sound approaches.

From Confusion to Clarity: Transforming Terminology in Equine-Assisted Services

Participate in this engaging workshop on the power of language in equine-assisted services! Facilitated by the authors of the Optimal Terminology paper, this session will explore how to use accurate and consistent terminology, helping you communicate with clarity and confidence.

Key takeaways:

✅ Understand the evolution of terminology
✅ Develop your own "elevator speech"
✅ Learn to use language that invites and educates

Don't miss this opportunity to refine how you talk about the important work we do with horses!

The "Trickle Down" Effect: How Does Research Really Help? Introducing Science Open. Discover how the latest equine research can transform your practices, improve horse welfare, and strengthen your bottom line! Learn from experts Cheryl Meola, PhD, and JoAnne Miller as they showcase Science Open, a no-cost, easy-to-use database designed to connect research with real-world applications. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your equine-assisted services with evidence-based strategies that drive success and build trust in your community

Discover how a 6-week occupational therapy program with hippotherapy improves postural control and social behavior in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Presented by Dr. Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI, this research, recently published in the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, highlights significant improvements in both social communication and posture for children with ASD. Participants in the study, which included both children with ASD and typically developing peers, showed promising results in social behavior, reduced problem behaviors, and enhanced postural control, particularly in sensory-reduced conditions. Don’t miss out on understanding the groundbreaking potential of hippotherapy in EAS and its lasting impact on children with ASD.

Join Edye Godden, CEO of HETRA, for a practical session on Equine Strategic Planning. With over 30 years of experience, Edye will guide you through evaluating your herd, managing equine intake, and planning for retirement—all while maximizing your budget and ensuring equine well-being. Learn strategies used at HETRA for over 35 years to reduce equine burnout, enhance program effectiveness, and make ethical decisions for sustainable care. This session is perfect for those looking to balance financial sustainability with the welfare of their herd in equine-assisted services.

Reserve Your Spot Now To Join Us In San Antonio!

As a bonus all participants are welcome to join us on

Friday, February 21, 2025

Join us at 7:30 PM for a Special Screening of Where the Horses Heal the Soul- An award winning documentary that shares powerful, inspiring stories of hope and healing through the transformation bond with therapy horses, featuring participants at ROCK "Ride On Center for Kids". They won best documentary film and won best film by the Equine Network in 2024. This viewing is free for all who attend the conference.

Saturday, February 22, 2025

8:30am - 4:00pm

*Lunch included

Sunday, February 23, 2025

8:20am - 12:00pm

Hotel Booking Information

Enjoy a special HHRF room discount when you reserve your stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites San Antonio Riverwalk!

Discounted rates are available through Jan. 30, 2025. Rates include an additional 25% discount on overnight self-parking.

Book Your Room Today!

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!

Premier Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dr. Pebbles Turbeville at exec.director@horsesandhumans.org.