What’s happening here? What do you see?

A friendly guide for Horses Connect coaches, participants, and horse-loving humans 🙂 At Horses Connect, we believe that how we show up matters just as much as what we do. Our work is built on connection between people, horses, and the quiet intelligence that lives in every heartbeat. Recent research from the HeartMath® Institute and others helps explain why the calm, grounded presence we practice in every session is so effective. HeartMath® explores ‘coherence’, which is a state where our breathing, heart rhythms, and nervous system settle into a smooth, balanced pattern. When we enter this state, we think more clearly, feel more balanced, and communicate more authentically. Horses, with their finely tuned sensitivity and honest feedback, respond almost instantly to these shifts in us. Within the Horses Connect Model, coherence isn’t just a scientific term. It’s a lived experience. Coherence is what allows both human and horse to relax, trust, and connect at a deeper level. Whether through a quiet moment of grooming, mindful breathing beside a horse, or the subtle rhythm of shared movement, coherence transforms simple interaction into meaningful connection. What ‘Coherence’ Means in People and in Horses Coherence can be measured through heart-rate variability (HRV) - the tiny beat-to-beat changes in heart rate. When we feel calm, appreciative, or connected, HRV forms a smooth, wave-like pattern. When we’re stressed or anxious, it becomes jagged and erratic. Horses also have HRV and remarkably sensitive nervous systems. Researchers have found that a person’s and a horse’s body rhythms can influence each other, and that simple practices like steady breathing and focused attention can help both move toward calmer, healthier patterns. (MDPI) What the research says - Human–horse HRV can ‘sync up.’ In sessions with older adults and other groups, studies have found that a person’s and a horse’s HRV show synchronised peak frequencies during calm, guided interaction (e.g., mindful grooming). This suggests a real-time social/physiological connection rather than coincidence. (PubMed) - EA work can increase healthy HRV in people without adding stress. Multiple studies led by Ann L. Baldwin, PhD, report that during EA sesions, participants’ heart rhythms shifted toward a more balanced, relaxed nervous system, and that participants described more positive sensations afterwards, e.g. animated, not agitated. (Purdue e-Pubs) - Horses participating in EA sessions are not usually stressed by this work. Several investigations looking at horse HR and HRV, (and sometimes cortisol levels) found no evidence of chronic stress in well-managed EA horses, while also noting that context and handling matter. (Ethics and choice still come first! (ScienceDirect)

Here's a fun quiz for your Saturday afternoon 😀 Ever wonder which member of the herd you might be? 👀 Take this quick, fun quiz and find out if you’re more herd animal, herd leader, or free spirit! 1️⃣ When you walk into a room full of people, you… A. Pause and observe before joining in 🧐 B. Go straight up and say hello because you love connection 🐴 C. Keep to yourself unless someone draws you in 🕶️ 2️⃣ Someone brings you a surprise project. How do you react? A. Snort first, then sniff it out slowly 👃 B. Jump right in because you’re curious and adaptable 💪 C. You need a minute to decide if it feels safe or not 😅 3️⃣ When someone in your group is upset, you… A. Pick up on their mood instantly 🫶 B. Try to comfort them and help them relax 💗 C. Get a bit unsettled yourself because big feelings ripple through you 🌊 4️⃣ Your ideal day sounds like… A. Hanging with your trusted friends, grazing and chatting 🌾 B. Exploring new places and meeting new people 🌍 C. Quiet time in nature, just being and breathing 🌳 5️⃣ When faced with a challenge, you usually… A. Take a deep breath and feel your feet before acting 🌬️ B. Charge ahead until you figure it out 🐎 C. Wait and watch because you learn by observing first 👀 🐎 RESULTS – Count your letters! Mostly A’s → 🌿 You’re the Sensitive Herd Member You’re intuitive, gentle, and tuned into the emotions of others. You feel the herd energy and help create harmony. Mostly B’s → 🌟 You’re the Confident Lead Mare You’re bold, curious, and lead with heart. You bring direction, confidence, and spark — others naturally follow your energy. Mostly C’s → 🌙 You’re Free-Spirit Horse You value peace, space, and freedom. Independent yet loyal, you thrive when allowed to move at your own rhythm. 💬 Share Your Result Below!👇 Tell us: 1️⃣ Which horse are you? 2️⃣ Which one of your horse-like qualities are you most proud of? 3️⃣ What could you learn from the other types of horse? Let’s see how our herd shapes up! 🐴💫

In a world that moves faster every day, many of us are looking for ways to slow down, reconnect, and find meaning. Horses offer us just that. At Horses Connect, we know that horses are powerful partners for personal growth. Spending time with horses invites us into a space where we can breathe, feel, and notice. Horses are honest and non-judgmental. They respond to what is real, not what we pretend to feel or say. This honesty creates an environment where we can drop the mask and be ourselves. In this space, we find the courage to face challenges, set healthy boundaries, and explore who we want to become. Call to action: Horses live in the present moment. Meet one there. If you don't have access to a horse, find an image you like and sit with it 🙂