The first interaction with a horse can be a profound and eye-opening experience. In today’s episode Brenda brings listeners into an exploration of observing the eye contact of the participant during Equine-Assisted Services.  These interactions with horses are known for their therapeutic benefits.

Brenda provides listeners with strategies to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness by analyzing the participant’s behaviors during the interaction when meeting the horse. She explains how these behaviors can inform the treatment plan and offer insight into how therapists can can observe and interpret the participant’s eye movements during interactions with the horse, Brenda examines human eye contact patterns and compares them with the eye contact preferences of different species, including horses. Recognizing and respecting the needs and preferences of animals in therapy is crucial.

Brenda emphasizes that investigating the eye movement patterns of both human participants and horses, as well as their interactions can significantly enhance the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy. This episode aims to foster a deeper connection and achieve more successful therapeutic outcomes through a better understanding of these dynamics.