HHRF 2026 Conference in Kissimmee, FL

Join us in Kissimmee, FL 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. We are thrilled to announce Dr. Stephen Peters, Psy.D, ABN will be joining us as our keynote speaker again in 2026!

Proceeds from the event support HHRF’s mission to expand the impact of research around horse-human interactions. Join HHRF in Orlando, FL for our 2026 Annual Conference: Connect, Learn & Inspire!

To reserve your hotel room at Delta Hotels Orlando Celebration and get the group discount click below:

As an added bonus the hotel is offering all of our attendees the same discounted room rate THREE days BEFORE and AFTER our conference so you can make this a mini vacation! As well as offering two free breakfast vouchers per room (including for the extended stay offer). Discounted tickets for Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios are also available.

The hotel offers free shuttle services to and from Disney Parks and Disney Springs. See the below links for more information

• Here is a link to the current shuttle times: https://floridabusservice.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DeltaOrlandoHote7.11.25.pdf
• For latest information and to reserve a time, please visit: https://floridabusservice.com/book-a-shuttle/
• To view the discounted Disney, Sea World and Universal Park Tickets click here: https://kgstix.com/hhrf/

Interested in going to Universal Studios or Sea World? No worries! They are less than a half hour away from the hotel and can be reached via uber or local transportation services.

The breakfast at the hotel offers a warm continental/buffet style breakfast .

NOW more about our conference!

Dr. Stephen C. Peters, Psy.D., ABN
Neuroscientist | Clinical Neuropsychologist | Equine Neuroscientist

Dr. Stephen Peters is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist and equine neuroscientist who applies brain science to strengthen horse–human partnerships. He is the author of Horse Brain Science: The Neuroscience of Ethical Horsemanship and the reflective collection Neuropoetry. He co-authored Evidence-Based Horsemanship with Martin Black and is currently co-authoring The Science and Practice of Evidence-Based Horsemanship with him. He is also co-authoring A Horse’s Life: The Neuroscience of Equine Welfare with Mark Rashid and Crissi McDonald.

Since 2010, Dr. Peters has presented Horse Brain Science Clinics across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including by invitation at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, and has spoken at veterinary hospitals internationally. He has collaborated with horsemen and practitioners such as Martin Black, Mark Rashid, Warwick Schiller, Jim Masterson, Jillian Kreinbring, and Dr. Andrew McLean.

Dr. Peters is glad to be back again at the Horses and Humans Research Foundation Conference and he is honored to have been asked to present as our keynote speaker.

Day 1 Keynote Session

Title: Bridging Brains and Hearts: How Horses Lead Us From Disconnection to Co-Regulation
“When the mind quiets, the heart and the horse can speak.”

Day 2 Keynote Session
Title: Bridging Brains and Hearts: The Evolving Science of Connection
“To learn is to trust. To change is to connect.”

Tentative Schedule- Subject to Possible Changes

As a special bonus HHRF is hosting a pre-conference barn experience on Friday, February 27, 2026! Tickets are sold separately. Click here to learn more