Academic Research 

“The history of the animal welfare movement in Bangor, Maine dates to the first decades of the nineteenth century. Over the course of its long history, the movement’s emphasis shifted from a focus on livestock and urban workhorses in the nineteenth century to children and animals at the turn of the century, and finally to companion animals, primarily cats and dogs.”

-Excerpted from the article “170 Years of Caring: The Animal Welfare Movement in Bangor, Maine” by John Blaisdell

Therapeutic & Physiological Impacts: The studies by Ayala et al. (2021) and Hemingway (2021) analyze the specific physiological, behavioral, and communication dynamics that occur between humans and horses during therapy sessions.

Psychological & Community Bonding: Sources like Keaveney (2008) and the AVMA guidelines define the emotional interplay and foundational boundaries of the human-animal bond.

Equine-assisted services for people living with dementia: a systematic review: The Clinical Benefit: Direct behavioral data showed that residents were highly attentive to the equines (79% to 88% engagement levels), which led to verified drops in neuropsychiatric symptoms like wandering and nighttime agitation. The tactile sensation of brushing a mini horse or holding its lead rope stimulates motor skills and provides a soothing sensory focus that melts away tension and reduces the feelings of severe isolation common in memory care units.

Welfare & Non-Profit Realities: The American Horse Council data notes that roughly 1% to 1.5% of the U.S. horse population is classified as unwanted due to age, sickness, behavior, or economic constraints. The work by Holcomb et al. (2010) directly examines how non-profit rescues and sanctuaries manage this specific population.

Overview: Published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers at the University of California, Davis evaluated the immediate psychological impact of short-term interactions with miniature horses and donkeys. 

Core Findings: Spending just three minutes petting or scratching a miniature equine led to a significant, measurable improvement in teenagers’ moods, rapidly lowering self-reported anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. 

A Little Horse Power Goes a Long Way with Seniors: Miniature Therapy Horses 

(Credit: Rearing2Read, Ali Latorre) 

Research shows positive effects of human-horse interactions: The equine capacity to both feel emotions and perceive human emotions is cited as key. 

The Healing Power of Horses: How Equines Support Our Well-Being – “Experts often describe wellness in eight dimensions: Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Social, Spiritual, Environmental, Occupational, and Nutritional. By examining how horses fit into each of these areas, we can gain a deeper understanding of the holistic benefits of spending time with these incredible animals.” Horses and Humans Research Foundation, 2025