As part of our research project on heart rate variability and synchronization, Lena Kreuzer, MSc wrote and led her master's thesis for the Messerli Research Institute at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna “An investigation into the stress response of horses during horse-assisted therapy and subsequent regeneration” by:
"My master's thesis on Lichtblickhof had the aim of measuring the physiological stress response of therapy companion horses in order to obtain information on their well-being in the context of equine-assisted work.
In a first experiment, I analyzed the physiological arousal level of four horses during standardized therapy sessions using saliva samples and heart rate data. The horses showed neither an acute stress reaction nor signs of increased relaxation. An increased heart rate and increased concentration of the stress hormone cortisol probably reflected the increased physical exertion of the client on horseback. This classification of therapeutic use as increased exercise rather than a disabling stressor compared to a control condition was based on cortisol concentrations decreasing within a short time after the end of the use and signs of relaxation (ie parasympathetic activity, a parameter of heart rate variability) within the standardized range Unit showed the highest intensity. However, horses working in the standardized unit with less familiar people showed the lowest intensity of these relaxation indicators. Consequently, the intensity of the underlying relationship between the human and the therapy companion horse could be a hitherto underestimated factor on the level of arousal and influence the well-being of the animals within a therapy unit.
In a second experiment, I accompanied the animals in everyday work and analyzed the heart rate and parameters of heart rate variability before and after a therapeutic group session. A persistent influence of the therapeutic use on the heart rate and parameters of heart rate variability beyond the time of the therapy session could be ruled out, since there was no statistically significant difference in the parameters depending on the measurement times or compared to control days.
Overall, the use of the therapy companion horses to the extent of a therapy unit seems to be within the adaptability of the animals and does not cause any acute distress.”
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