Horses for a Greener Future: What Our Equine Partners Can Teach Us About the Environment

Horses have provided valuable insight about nature and ecosystems to humans for centuries. They are deeply connected to their environment and constantly attuned to their surroundings through their senses. Interacting with horses and observing their natural behaviors has encouraged humans to become more mindful and present with their emotions and surroundings. As a result, it has created a connection that has fostered a deeper sense of appreciation and serenity for the natural world. Engaging in the natural world has played animportant role in the various settings that include our equine partners.

With the fast-growing pace of the world, there has been a disconnect from nature, and many aspects of horsemanship have been impacted. This ranges from land conservation to water quality, building integrity, and more. These factors have made it more challenging to justify horse ownership and develop facilities that integrate the healing energy of horses. It’s important for all horse owners to have a strong understanding and appreciation of land stewardship, equine ecology, and sustainable practices to protect horses for future generations. There has been progress in this area in more recent years, but not a large emphasis for practices that incorporate equines. This presentation will help serve as a foundation for clinicians to help preserve the relationship with our equine partners through connecting the community back to nature in a meaningful way through the lens of a horse.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss how horses connect humans to nature and the environment

2. Review the current research pertaining to the environmental implications and sustainability practices of horse ownership

3. Address how environmental strategies can be incorporated at facilities that utilize equine movement as a therapy tool

4. Discuss the future of horses and the environment