Companion Animal Welfare

Equine Therapy Animal Welfare Evidence

Equine-assisted therapy programmes must demonstrate genuine animal welfare alongside human benefit; evidence on both dimensions is developing.

Key Facts

Equine-assisted therapies are used for autism, PTSD, anxiety, and rehabilitation
Therapeutic horses show stress indicators including increased cortisol and avoidance behaviour in some studies
Well-managed programmes with welfare-trained staff show better horse welfare outcomes
Horses should have choice to engage or withdraw from therapy interactions
Welfare assurance frameworks for therapy horses are being developed by equine welfare organisations

Welfare Considerations

Equine therapy must not sacrifice horse welfare for human benefit; programmes that genuinely monitor and respond to horse welfare produce better outcomes for both participants.

What You Can Do

Choose equine therapy programmes that can demonstrate horse welfare monitoring
Advocate for welfare standards in equine therapy accreditation
Support development of welfare frameworks for therapy and service animals