Have you ever felt a sense of calm and tranquility around horses?

Have you ever felt a sense of calm and tranquility around horses? This feeling is more than just anecdotal; it’s rooted in science. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat, reflecting our stress and relaxation levels. A study by Ecker and Lykins in 2019 found that 40% of human-horse interactions led to improved HRV, indicating a calming, stress-reducing effect. These moments with horses can bring profound peace and relaxation, highlighting their therapeutic potential. However, it’s important to remember that this study also observed that 23% of participants experienced increased stress levels. If being around horses doesn’t bring you a sense of calm, that’s completely ok! It simply suggests that this interaction might not align with your nervous system. Each individual’s reaction is unique, and that’s part of what makes our experiences with these majestic animals so special. ❤️Share this with you Equine Friends 💚Save So you can reference it when you need it Peace & Love Melissa & Darwin Article: Effects of Short-Term Human-Horse Interactions on Human Heart Rate Variability: A Multiple Single Case Study (2019) #equineassistedtherapy #equineassistedpsychotherapy #equineassistedactivities #rescuehorses #rescuehorsesofinstagram #heartratevariability #stressrelief #horsepower #wellnessjourney #quarterhorse #mindfulness #mindfulnesswithhorses #coregulation #horseambassador #horsehumanbond #horselove #horselovers #polyvagalscience #sciencelover #calm #regulation #barnlife