Horses have long been seen as powerful partners for humans, offering comfort and insight in equine-facilitated learning and psychotherapy (EFL/P). But as we interpret their behaviors, are we truly understanding them—or simply projecting our own emotions onto them? A recent study explores this complex issue, questioning how anthropomorphizing (assigning human traits to animals) impacts both human healing and equine welfare.
The research, conducted by John et al. (2025), examines how practitioners of EFL/P use anthropomorphizing in therapy sessions. While this approach can help humans relate to horses, it may also lead to misunderstandings about equine behavior. Using feminist and intersectional theories, the study argues for a "critical reflexivity"—a deeper, more conscious way of interpreting equine actions that respects both human emotions and horse welfare.
The research team conducted 11 in-depth interviews with EFL/P practitioners from the HERD Institute, an organization committed to inclusive and ethical EFL/P. Using these interviews, the researchers created two vignettes (short case studies) illustrating how anthropomorphizing can both help and harm therapy sessions.
The researchers argue that practitioners must balance empathy with knowledge of equine behavior. Instead of blindly accepting human-like interpretations, therapists should:
This study is a call for ethical responsibility in equine-facilitated learning and equine-facilitated psychotherapy. Anthropomorphizing isn’t inherently bad—it can help clients process emotions—but it must be used thoughtfully to ensure both human healing and horse wellbeing. The key? Mindful interpretation, guided by both empathy and science.
This article was based on the research of Dr. Leanne Nieforth and the HAPI lab. Read the research:
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