Experts Discuss Equine-Assisted Services in Prague
International researchers gathered to evaluate the scientific evidence base for horse-human interactions.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Large Animals
The HHRF-HETI-CZU International Prague Symposium recently brought together experts to examine the effectiveness and wellbeing standards of equine-assisted services. Participants from across the globe presented research on therapeutic practices involving horses.
Why it matters
The symposium aimed to strengthen the evidence base for horse-human interaction programs. It provided a platform for interdisciplinary discourse on clinical applications and the welfare of horses involved in therapeutic settings.
The event featured experts from the UK, Spain, Israel, and the USA. It was hosted by the Czech University of Life Sciences.
The players
Audrey Darby
She participated in the symposium as an expert panellist.
Dr. Reeta Seery
She is a researcher from Queen's University Belfast who presented doctoral work on equine-assisted services.
Dr. Helen Sharp
She presented a Therapeutic Ecology framework during the symposium proceedings.
Horses and Humans Research Foundation
This organization helped develop the symposium to advance scientific research into horse-human interactions.
Czech University of Life Sciences
This institution served as the venue for the symposium and participated in the event development.
The details
The programme combined research presentations with expert panels to bridge gaps between clinical practice, equine welfare, and environmental perspectives. Notable contributions included doctoral research from Queen's University Belfast and a presentation on the Therapeutic Ecology framework.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: The symposium news was published.
Culture Shift
The symposium reflects a broader global shift toward rigorous academic validation for animal-assisted interventions. It follows the established pattern of the Horses and Humans Research Foundation's research agenda by prioritizing evidence-based equine therapy.
Practitioners and enthusiasts can expect the integration of these new research findings into future therapeutic service guidelines. This ongoing standardization helps ensure that equine-assisted programs remain both clinically effective and ethically sound.
The takeaway
The growth of interdisciplinary research is transforming how equine therapy is perceived by the global medical community. Practitioners should look to upcoming peer-reviewed publications from the symposium to refine their own therapeutic ecology approaches.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and developments in the Large Animals sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Theirishfield.
