Horses & Humans June Enews
Reflections from HHRF's CEO, Dr. Pebbles Turbeville
The Power of Social License and the Path Forward
“Social License to Operate” (SLO) for horses refers to the public’s acceptance and approval of activities involving horses—whether in sport, therapy, or work. I’ve attended many panels, lectures, and discussions on SLO, and I have to say, one of the most insightful was a recent panel hosted by American Horse Publications. With media, breed associations, and leaders from across the horse industry present, it felt refreshingly authentic and realistic about the challenges we face.
We need to listen—truly listen—to every perspective. I know people get tired of the idea of “sides,” but like it or not, that’s where we are. The mindset of “this is how I was taught, and it worked for me” is no longer enough. We must evolve.
If we want to spread and maintain the joy, connection, and majesty that horses bring to our lives, we also need research—credible, meaningful research. HHRF has proudly funded studies across many topics and populations, but we can and should do more.
I would love to partner with other foundations to double our efforts through matching grants. Imagine what we could learn about how horses help people recovering from cancer, or those living with MS or Parkinson’s. If you’re reading this, chances are you already know what horses do for you. Now let’s help others understand the “how.”
Help us grow our research impact—connect us with partners, funders, or collaborators who want to be part of this important work. —Pebbles
Call for Proposals Awarding up to $150,000
Deadline is Monday, July 14, 2025
The Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is pleased to announce a Call for Proposals for its 2025 Research Grant, awarding up to $150,000 to support innovative research on the mutual well-being of adult humans (18 and above) and equines (horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules) in equine-human interactions.
HHRF invites submissions from researchers across disciplines exploring the multifaceted relationship between horses and humans. This call requires research that investigates equines and adult humans simultaneously, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their interconnected experiences. Research may focus on therapy, groundwork, leadership programs, riding, mental health interventions (e.g., observing horses as part of therapy), and other relevant activities.
Key Details:
Grant Award: Up to $150,000 for a research period of up to two years.
Application Deadline: Monday, July 14, 2025.
Focus Area: The mutual impact of equine-human interactions, addressing physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being.
Review Process: A multi-tier evaluation by the HHRF Scientific Advisory Council, with finalists invited to submit a link to a short, 2-7 minute, video walkthrough of ALL premises where equines will be located, clearly demonstrating site, safety, ethical, welfare and quality standards and a 15-minute pre-recorded video presentation followed by a live Q&A with the HHRF Board of Directors.
Eligibility: Preference will be given to researchers with strong credentials, a track record of scientific excellence, and studies demonstrating rigor and clinical significance who incorporate or include practitioners on their team to ensure ecological validity of their proposed study.
HHRF supports the One Health approach, which the CDC defines as “the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment.” This grant aims to advance peer-reviewed research that fills critical knowledge gaps in equine-assisted interactions and promotes evidence-based practices.
This call for proposals is specific to investigating BOTH adult humans and horses simultaneously, meaning though the subject can be horse-human interactions related to any professional field, participants must be adult (18 and above) humans AND any type of equine involved in a mutual interaction. We encourage interdisciplinary collaborations and welcome proposals from researchers. The chosen proposal will have scientific rigor, merit, significance, relevance, and impact on horses and humans in their interactions.
How to Apply:
For complete application details, including guidelines, submission requirements, educational videos about applying, and information on previously funded projects, visit horsesandhumans.org.
For inquiries, contact Dr. Pebbles Turbeville, CEO, at ceo.director@horsesandhumans.org.
HHRF Welcomes Newest Scientific Advisor
Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is thrilled to welcome our newest scientific advisor to the team!
Dr. Marc Pierard holds a PhD in applied ethology from KULeuven and an MSc in zoology from the University of Antwerp. He is a senior lecturer in animal and veterinary sciences at the University of Lancashire. He was a civil servant for 18 years, working on aspects of environmental and conservation policy.
Marc’s teaching focuses on methods in measuring animal behavior, behavioral indicators of animal welfare and evidence-based management and training of horses and other animals.
When asked why he wanted to become an advisor Marc stated, “Horses have provided services to humans for thousands of years and helped shape our societies. The nature of those services has changed in industrialized countries, but they are still supporting humans in many capacities, including equine assisted services. I feel it is our duty to provide the horses with the best care possible. In my opinion, that means applying evidence-based management and training techniques and prioritizing their welfare. Robust scientific research is crucial to keep optimizing the evidence base needed to do that. HHRF supports such research and the education of people to apply it correctly.”
Click here to learn more about Marc and our other Scientific Advisors!
Highlighting Children's Awareness Month- June Blog by Kathleen Choe
The word June is derived from the Latin word for youth: “Ju-Ven-Is,” so it is fitting that the month of June has been designated “Children’s Awareness Month.” Originally founded to honor all of the children who died by violence in America, it has extended its focus to the nurture and protection of childhood as a stage of physical, emotional, and mental growth crucial to the development of healthy adults who can thrive and contribute to a vibrant society.
Currently, educators, mental health providers, parents and pediatricians are sounding the alarm about the global mental health crisis occurring among young people. Rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self harm and suicidality have increased among all age groups and show no signs of slowing down. Young children and adolescents do not always respond well to traditional talk therapy, leading mental health providers to search for more relevant and experiential interventions to serve these vulnerable populations.
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a rapidly growing field that shows great promise for helping afflicted youth. Various partnerships have formed to study the science of human-animal interaction specifically as it relates to children’s health and overall development, including such areas as how children perceive, relate to, and think about animals; how having pets in the home can impact children’s social and emotional development and health, and whether and under what conditions animals can safely and effectively contribute to therapeutic interventions.
To read this blog in it's entirety visit https://www.horsesandhumans.org/new-blog-1
Celebrating 20 Years
An ancient Chinese proverb says, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." That single step was taken 20 years ago when the Horses and Humans Research Foundation was formed.
I am super honored to be the successor board president, following in the giant footsteps of the former board presidents. I look forward to our organization's continued growth and to promoting our mission to enable research and education on the benefits of horse and human interactions. ~ John M. Kundtz, HHRF Board President
