In 2006, under the direction of Univ.-Doz. dr Thomas Stephenson and Mag. Roswitha Zink started a research project: Using video analysis, non-verbal communication between humans and horses was investigated in order to be able to present and explain the mechanisms of action and the potential of equotherapy more precisely.
 
“The “Equotherapy” research group aimed to research the free body language interaction between client and horse using psychoanalytic theories.
For this purpose, specific sequences were recorded and evaluated using videography. The free interaction was divided into seven sequences in order to structure and systematize the investigation situation. The sequences of establishing contact, distance, closeness, shared journey, relaxation, challenge and farewell exemplify the basic elements of a relationship. The operationalization of body language activities was carried out by defining and evaluating the following seven items: verbal communication, direction of gaze, physical contact, activity, leadership quality and rhythm/impulse.
The aim was to quantitatively evaluate the video recordings with regard to the non-verbal interaction between the client and the horse. This formed the basis for the subsequent qualitative evaluation and answers for further qualitative considerations, which were based on the research questions of the respective diploma theses." 
PDF Equotherapy Research Group 
PDF research group poster
 
As part of the preparation of three diploma theses, the following focal points were dealt with:
Psychodynamically oriented diagnostics in equotherapy. Taking into account the client's body language forms of communication in interaction with the horse as an expression of emotional and psychological structures. (Sophie Fischer)
– Diploma thesis Sophie Fischer (Knapp)
– Fischer, 2009, Body Language
Analogies of non-verbal interaction processes. The mother-infant interaction and the client/client-horse interaction in equine therapy with a special focus on affectivity. (Dorothea Gansterer)
– Diploma thesis Dorothea Gansterer (Haas)
The free body language interaction with the horse as a scene. (Karin Poinstingl)
– Diploma thesis Karin Poinstingl (Drapalik)
 
A continuation of the results with an in-depth research project took place in 2014 Lichtblickhof a research project in cooperation with the Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in Leeuwarden in the Netherlands. Under the title “Who influences whom? – Interaction between client, horse and therapist” Saskia Aust and Ilona van Dongen analyzed non-verbal interaction as part of the animal management course with a focus on animal-assisted therapy. The aim of the study was to analyze the bilateral influence on body language between horses and clients in free interaction under the guidance of the therapist.
Aust, 2014, bachelor’s thesis “Who influences whom”