When working with horses in equine-assisted interventions, understanding the nervous systems of both humans and horses is crucial. While humans and horses differ in their neurological makeup, they also share a profound ability to co-regulate each other. By viewing these interactions through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, we can better appreciate the importance of human emotional regulation in fostering safe and effective equine-assisted interventions.
A Comparative View
Horses and humans process their environments differently due to differences in their nervous systems:
- Brain: Horses have approximately 1.5 billion neurons, whereas humans have about 86 billion neurons. Humans rely on cognition and reasoning, while horses function more on instinct and sensory processing.
- Gut (Enteric Nervous System): The human gut has around 500 million neurons, while a horse’s enteric system contains roughly 100-200 million neurons. Both species experience strong gut-brain connections, influencing their emotional states.
- Heart (Cardiac Nervous System): Both species have around 40,000 neurons in the heart, forming an intrinsic cardiac nervous system that plays a role in emotional and physiological regulation.
- Reflexes & Sensory Processing: Horses have exceptionally fast reflexes due to a well-developed peripheral nervous system, which allows them to detect and respond to subtle environmental changes. Humans, on the other hand, have slower reflexes but superior fine motor control and cognitive decision-making abilities.
Despite these differences, both species share an autonomic nervous system that governs their physiological and emotional states, making regulation a key factor in their interactions.
Polyvagal Theory and Co-Regulation with Horses
- Ventral Vagal State (Safety & Connection): This state fosters social engagement, relaxation, and trust—ideal for equine-assisted interventions.
- Sympathetic State (Fight or Flight): This state prepares the body for action in response to stress or perceived threats. Horses, being prey animals, are highly attuned to detecting this state in humans.
- Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown & Disconnection): When stress becomes overwhelming, the body may enter a shutdown state, leading to disconnection and disengagement.
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory explains how the autonomic nervous system influences emotions, behaviour, and social connection. It describes three primary states:
Horses, due to their sensitive nervous systems, constantly scan their environment for cues of safety or danger. They can quickly pick up on a human’s nervous system state and will respond accordingly. This makes it essential for practitioners and participants in equine-assisted interventions to remain in a regulated, ventral vagal state to foster trust and connection.
Why Human Regulation is Essential in Equine-Assisted Interventions
1. Horses Mirror Human Nervous States
Horses act as biofeedback systems, responding to human emotions and physiological states. If a human is anxious or dysregulated, a horse may exhibit avoidance behaviours, heightened alertness, or even stress-related reactions. By practicing self-regulation techniques, humans can create an environment of safety and mutual attunement.
2. Enhancing Therapeutic Outcomes
For individuals engaging in equine-assisted therapy—whether for trauma recovery, anxiety, or personal growth—co-regulation with a horse can be a profound experience. When facilitators maintain a regulated state, it encourages participants to feel safe, allowing deeper therapeutic engagement.
3. Strengthening the Human-Horse Bond
The heart-brain connection in both humans and horses, influenced by their cardiac nervous systems, plays a significant role in bonding. When humans regulate their breathing and maintain a state of calm presence, horses are more likely to synchronize their heart rhythms with them, fostering trust and relaxation.
4. Preventing Negative Experiences
A dysregulated human can inadvertently trigger stress responses in a horse, leading to potential safety risks. By maintaining a calm and attuned state, practitioners can ensure a positive experience for both the horse and the participant.
The Power of Co-Regulation
The profound connection between humans and horses is deeply rooted in the nervous system. When humans regulate themselves, they create a safe, healing space for horses and participants in equine-assisted interventions. By applying Polyvagal Theory, facilitators can enhance the therapeutic bond, improve outcomes, and ensure the well-being of both humans and horses.
By prioritizing self-regulation and mindful presence, we unlock the full potential of equine-assisted interventions, making them a transformative experience for all involved.
Working with Facilitators
Deirdre can work with facilitators to deepen awareness around how to recognise ourselves in survival states and how to come better in coherent regulation with equine partners and clients.
As a facilitator of trauma methodology, combining the biology and psyche linkage of how early psychological trauma can be affecting our capacity to move freely from healthy stress to deep rest, she also offers group theory and practice therapeutic coaching to get to the root cause of the symptoms of unexplainable and unresolved stress and hidden trauma with IoPT.
See our events section for upcoming courses or contact Deidre if you would like to discuss a 1:1 approach.